Distance Learning Resources
Date Posted: 3/16/2020
Distance Learning Resources
With the coronavirus forcing Texas schools to move classes online, educators are now having to adapt their lesson plans for distance learning. As Texans settle in to their new normal during this pandemic, it’s also important to note that the situation is ever-changing.
Is your district moving classes to a distance learning model? Here are some resources we’ve rounded up for you to use!
First and foremost, it’s of the utmost importance that districts consider whether their communities have access to needed devices and an internet connection. Know your community’s needs. Best practices include offering students a mix of digital and non-digital tasks so that everyone has access to the curriculum.
Internet Assistance
Lifeline is a program through the Federal Communications Commission that may help eligible low-income subscribers close the digital divide. Lifeline supports broadband internet access service; click here to find out more. Additionally, many internet providers are promising to help families (and businesses) “stay connected,” including Spectrum, AT&T, Comcast, and Charter, per a pledge put out by the FCC. Click here to see the full list of companies who have endorsed the pledge, and read more details here.
TCEA's Favorite Remote Learning Tools
TCEA, one of ATPE's strategic partners, compiled their favorite and most useful tools for remote learning all in one place. Head to tcea.org/remote-learning to check out all their videos.
Tips from One Teacher to Another
PBS is always a great resource for educators. Make sure to take a look at PBS’s LearningMedia site, which is full of videos, interactives, and lesson plans educators can use. Up on PBS’s Teachers’ Lounge site, you can find the article “Distance Learning Tips from One Teacher to Another.”
Talking about Coronavirus
Constantly hearing about this virus and how it is upending much of modern life may be frightening for some children. Talking about it and learning facts can help ease their minds. The Brainpop website offers resources to help you discuss this disease in an informative, rather than scary, way.
Amazing Educational Resources Facebook Group & Spreadsheet
Numerous educational websites are offering free subscriptions during school closures. Luckily, the Facebook group Amazing Educational Resources has gathered them into one, long list. Check it out here. This list is updated every few hours, and you can also join the Facebook group for additional resources (and support!).
100+ Tools for Distance Learning
EdTech company Albert.io put together “105 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement.” Read it here. This article covers everything from learning tools to the pros and cons of remote learning and ways to keep students engaged. Content is broken down into subjects such as writing, math, reading, science, and more.
Free Resources from Scholastic
Scholastic is offering free day-to-day projects through its Virtual Learning Resource Center. Lessons cover pre-K to ninth grade.
Virtual Field Trips
Get outside the classroom and take a virtual field trip with your students. From visiting other cities to touring museums, to exploring other planets, these field trips will help break up the monotony of learning from home. A teacher put together this Google doc that has over 30 links that will let your students explore and learn from their computers. Safe travels!
Fun Activities to Do at Home
Just because you have to stay at home doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Check out these ideas from Entertain Kids on a Dime for fun activities to do at home.
Pinterest Ideas
ATPE has gathered a variety of projects and activities that can be done at home on its Pinterest Boards. Browse projects by subject:
Check back frequently! We will continue updating* this list.
*Last updated on March 30, 2020.
With the coronavirus forcing Texas schools to move classes online, educators are now having to adapt their lesson plans for distance learning. As Texans settle in to their new normal during this pandemic, it’s also important to note that the situation is ever-changing.
Is your district moving classes to a distance learning model? Here are some resources we’ve rounded up for you to use!
First and foremost, it’s of the utmost importance that districts consider whether their communities have access to needed devices and an internet connection. Know your community’s needs. Best practices include offering students a mix of digital and non-digital tasks so that everyone has access to the curriculum.
Internet Assistance
Lifeline is a program through the Federal Communications Commission that may help eligible low-income subscribers close the digital divide. Lifeline supports broadband internet access service; click here to find out more. Additionally, many internet providers are promising to help families (and businesses) “stay connected,” including Spectrum, AT&T, Comcast, and Charter, per a pledge put out by the FCC. Click here to see the full list of companies who have endorsed the pledge, and read more details here.
TCEA's Favorite Remote Learning Tools
TCEA, one of ATPE's strategic partners, compiled their favorite and most useful tools for remote learning all in one place. Head to tcea.org/remote-learning to check out all their videos.
Tips from One Teacher to Another
PBS is always a great resource for educators. Make sure to take a look at PBS’s LearningMedia site, which is full of videos, interactives, and lesson plans educators can use. Up on PBS’s Teachers’ Lounge site, you can find the article “Distance Learning Tips from One Teacher to Another.”
Talking about Coronavirus
Constantly hearing about this virus and how it is upending much of modern life may be frightening for some children. Talking about it and learning facts can help ease their minds. The Brainpop website offers resources to help you discuss this disease in an informative, rather than scary, way.
Amazing Educational Resources Facebook Group & Spreadsheet
Numerous educational websites are offering free subscriptions during school closures. Luckily, the Facebook group Amazing Educational Resources has gathered them into one, long list. Check it out here. This list is updated every few hours, and you can also join the Facebook group for additional resources (and support!).
100+ Tools for Distance Learning
EdTech company Albert.io put together “105 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement.” Read it here. This article covers everything from learning tools to the pros and cons of remote learning and ways to keep students engaged. Content is broken down into subjects such as writing, math, reading, science, and more.
Free Resources from Scholastic
Scholastic is offering free day-to-day projects through its Virtual Learning Resource Center. Lessons cover pre-K to ninth grade.
Virtual Field Trips
Get outside the classroom and take a virtual field trip with your students. From visiting other cities to touring museums, to exploring other planets, these field trips will help break up the monotony of learning from home. A teacher put together this Google doc that has over 30 links that will let your students explore and learn from their computers. Safe travels!
Fun Activities to Do at Home
Just because you have to stay at home doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Check out these ideas from Entertain Kids on a Dime for fun activities to do at home.
Pinterest Ideas
ATPE has gathered a variety of projects and activities that can be done at home on its Pinterest Boards. Browse projects by subject:
- Art Projects
- Pre-K Activities
- Math Activities
- Science Activities
- Social Studies Activities
- English/Language Arts Activities
Check back frequently! We will continue updating* this list.
*Last updated on March 30, 2020.