TOP PICKS | 18 TOOLS
Best Tools for Virtual and Distance Learning
Top Picks
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Parent, Caregiver, and Family Messaging

Remind
Teachers' text reminders keep students -- and parents -- up to speed
Bottom line: Well-designed, highly effective messaging tool has the potential to keep students and families connected with their schools.

TalkingPoints
Multilingual texting tool enhances school-to-home communication
Bottom line: Easy-to-use tool for supporting communication and engagement with families in 100+ languages.
Video Lesson Creation

Screencast-O-Matic
Create and share high-quality screencasts without breaking the bank
Bottom line: A well-designed screen and video recorder that lets teachers and students focus on creating engaging content from the get-go.
Edpuzzle
Crop, customize, and remix online video content with interactive tool
Bottom line: As a flipped classroom or student creation tool, there are lots of opportunities for use, but teachers will need to be creative if they want students to engage.
Student Portfolios

Seesaw: The Learning Journal
Versatile digital portfolio appeals to teachers, students, and parents
Bottom line: A powerful multimedia learning and communication tool that demonstrates student progress over time.

Bulb
Slick portfolio tool has cool features, limited feedback options
Bottom line: A neat tool for publishing online, possibly better suited to teacher content creation than student publishing.
Learning and Classroom Management

Edmodo
Manage classes, content, and communication with social LMS platform
Bottom line: This free platform allows for teacher-monitored classroom communication with basic tools.

Schoology
Free LMS for digital classrooms packed with possibilities
Bottom line: This is an LMS that offers rich learning and collaboration experiences when matched with creative tasks and assessments.
Lesson Planning

Common Curriculum
Sleek lesson planner replaces bulky binders, promotes collaboration
Bottom line: Flexible and collaborative lesson planning, calendar design, and classroom site creator save teachers precious time.

Planboard
Handy one-stop digital lesson planner saves time
Bottom line: Simplifies lesson planning with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface.
Communication and Discussion

Flipgrid
Pose questions, spark thoughtful video responses with stellar tool
Bottom line: A simple way for students and teachers to create online discussion, as long as your classroom culture is mature enough to use it wisely.

Parlay
Comprehensive discussion platform develops critical-thinking skills
Bottom line: A great tool in any subject or topic for teachers looking to make discussion a central part of their classroom.
Assessment and Feedback

Spiral
Provide instant feedback with collaborative, multimedia assessment tool
Bottom line: Engaging, easy-to-use tool that supports both formative and summative assessment while allowing for student collaboration.

Kaizena
Nifty add-on enables audio and text feedback in Google Docs
Bottom line: If your classroom relies a lot on Google Docs, this might just be the feedback tool you're looking for.
Class Website Creation

Edublogs
Encourage student expression and maintain digital portfolios with easy-to-use blog creator
Bottom line: Edublogs is a fantastic platform for any teacher committed to providing consistent opportunities for creation and reflection.

Google Sites
Make your own website with easy, intuitive drag-and-drop features
Bottom line: With a few clicks, students can design a basic but custom, responsive website that allows for easy collaboration with their peers.
Slideshows and Lesson Delivery

Nearpod
Interactive slideshow tool engages students, promotes collaboration
Bottom line: This effective tool leverages the capabilities of 1-to-1 environments and offers both teacher- and student-paced learning.

Pear Deck
Interactive slideshows offer a variety of ways to engage and assess
Bottom line: Useful presentation features and interactive slides provide terrific options for formative assessment from any device.