Math with Google Earth and Cryptograms

There are many games, puzzles, classrooms interactions planned around Google Earth. This was the first time I tried to create a cryptogram using Google Earth for the Math Competition at my school. I designed the game keeping my Grade 3 – Grade 5 students in …

Designing My Asynchronous Class: PART 2

Usability features refer to the ease with which users can navigate the space and make sense of it. These design features are often used in creating any app. However, several educational apps and LMS systems were adopted from already existing systems originally designed for other …

Designing My Asynchronous Class: PART 1

Asynchronous online learning is synonymous with self-paced, independent study that provides learners the freedom to learn from anywhere, with minimal or no contact with an instructor. Though it has many potential benefits, online distance learning, especially when it is purely asynchronous, has been associated with …

Parents Guide to Making Educational Decisions During COVID-19

Question: As parents, what are your thoughts on online education? Does increased screentime worry you? Are there any societal beliefs that would make accepting online schooling a challenge?  When I recently asked a group of parents this question, here are the responses I gathered. These …

Google Slides for Online Classes

Google Slides have a special superpower – versatility. As one of the most versatile apps in the Google Suite for Education, they are used by teachers in several different ways. Since it integrates well with my Google Classroom, I prefer using Google Slides. If you …

Redesigning Synchronous Online Classes: Keeping Your Learners at the Heart of Your Plan

Good, experienced educators may be struggling with online teaching because they may still be using the same strategies employed in the traditional (brick) classroom. Also, there are many tools and apps available to enhance online learning, but technology alone does not make a synchronous class …

Three Principles of Effective Synchronous Classes

As a teacher transitioning from traditional classroom room teaching to online classes, planning your real-time video conferencing session with learners, also known as the synchronous e-learning session, will be one of the skills you will master.  In distance or online education, learners receive material online …

Resources for Online Teaching

It’s been a month since the lockdown began and numerous schools have taken learning into online platforms. One of the best outcomes for me was the education community coming together to support each other with resources – free resources! I am floored by the generosity …

Preparing to Teach Online During COVID-19

First time teaching an online class? Awesome! You will find the tools, tips, and tricks you will need to establish your teaching practice online. We as teachers push our learners to actively participate in the learning process, to try new things and to never be …

Summer Camp @ Home – Part 4

This past week, the mother of a 4th grader reached out asking for Grade 5 textbooks that she could use in order to ensure her child doesn’t fall behind. Schools have been on lockdown for 3 weeks now. I hear the mother. I understand her …