Updated Course: Online Strategies That Work (Formerly Distance Teaching)

Jump to Course: Online Strategies that Work

How pandemic-era innovations are still transforming classrooms today

As I think about some of the best online resources I use in my classroom, I find myself oddly reminiscing on the Covid-19 breakout that shut down our schools for almost 6 months (or in some districts, more!). I think it’s time to pay homage to a time that many of us thought was impossible. During this time of uncertainty, I found myself teaching in ways I never thought possible- tethered to a small camera, muting students (a personal fav!), teaching with my new “covid pup” on my lap, blurring the background to my private life, talking into the void until some sweet student finally let me know that I was muted (their personal fav!) and much more! And while I was reluctant to teach online, mostly because I wasn’t sure how this would all turn out, I inevitably learned strategies and tools that made my classroom stronger, more flexible, and more engaging. Students who once struggled found their rhythm online. This shift wasn’t a detour; it was a transformation.

What began as a resource guide born out of pandemic has now been fully updated to support any teaching format.  Whether you’re working in-person, hybrid, flipped, or fully online below is a list of resources found online (mostly free!) that teachers continue to use beyond the pandemic era.

Top 5 Online Teacher-Tested Tools That Actually Work

While writing this blog, I reached out to teachers of all grade levels and subject areas to gather real-world feedback—what worked and what flopped. Here are some teacher favorites:

The Writing Pathway

This is a one-stop materials-generator for all writing assignments. This site uses AI generated tools to create worksheets, generate ideas and provide step-by step writing assistance to you and your students. This is appropriate for all levels and content areas. My teacher friends keep joking- better access it now while it’s still free. This is a gem of a resource!

OSLIS- The Oregon School Library Information System

OSLIS is like no other online database of resources. If there are any Oregon teachers out there reading this, allow me to personally thank you for this resource! This online library is free to the public and an essential resource for conducting research. I used it this year when the kids were researching WW2 events. Their step-by-step how to research guides and videos were very useful. I taught citations and even found a ton of primary and secondary resources. This was a gold mine! Thank you, Oregon!

Padlet

I can’t believe I’m saying that this is an “oldie but goodie!” I suppose in the world of the Internet, age is a construct! This site still works for collaboration, sharing and generating ideas. I use it for group discussions, brainstorming, and other large class feedback opportunities. It’s an interactive bulletin board. If you haven’t used it yet, get with the program! You’ll love it!

Wayground (formerly Quizziz)

Quizziz was always my go-to for formative assessments, but now, it’s rebranded as Wayground. It uses AI technology to generate lesson bundles, Provide curriculum realignment and it even has it’s own accredited Math program schools can implement. Some of the features are paid only, but it’s definitely worth a look!

WeVideo

This is an online video editor that is an absolute MUST HAVE in your class. I use it to make my end of the year photo montage, but throughout the year, I am able to edit YouTube videos and add commentary. It might be worth it to watch a few tutorial sessions on this program, but I don’t think I could teach without it! Plus, the kids are learning alongside me- and not surprisingly, have surpassed my skills. They have been my best how to reference!The learning curve was real, but it gave me full control to flip my teaching.

Other must-have tools we dive into: Screencastify, Poll Everywhere, Crash Course, and Wakelet—just to name a few. If you want to dive deeper into these programs and earn professional development for your time exploring, take Online Strategies that Work through the number one rated professional development resource for teachers, The Teacher’s Academy.

What’s Next?

We’re no longer scrambling to figure out how to teach online. We’re now in a position to thoughtfully choose the best of both worlds—merging hands-on learning with digital strategies that support all learners.

So whether you’re rethinking your lesson plans or just want to spice up your teaching game with some modern tools, this is your invitation to dive in. Our updated course, Online Strategies that Work, (previously Distance Teaching) is built on the innovation of educators who didn’t wait for a playbook, they built it! Thank you, teachers!

For more information about our professional development courses designed by teachers, visit our website, The Teachers Academy and browse our Course Catalog for all of the most recent online tech, art, and wellness courses. Busy teachers will find easy strategies, fun activity ideas and lots of great resources for your classroom. Enjoy!