Online learning is on the rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The great news for families is that thousands of tools and resources exist to support your student’s E-learning adventure, now more than ever. From curriculum building and organizational tools to archival records and online museums, it has never been easier to enrich your student’s educational experience.
Let’s look at 15 of the best tools and resources available for your student’s digital classroom.
1. Bulb
Bulb is an app that allows high school students to build a robust digital portfolio of their accomplishments and work completed. A portfolio is a fantastic way for your student to present a body of work to their college of choice when they begin applying. With its robust workspace and gallery features, Bulb can help them get a head start in creating one.
2. Digital Public Library of America
The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) is an online repository of 6,300 books and textbooks. They’re all available for direct download, with no need for a library card or login. Additionally, the library features over 37 million images, videos, texts, and audio recordings that span U.S. history. DPLA also features primary source sets—a fantastic resource for students who want to experience history through the eyes of those who lived it.
3. Google Teach from Home
Google Teach from Home offers families a wide array of tools to support and supplement online learning. From organizational tools to coding activities and AI academic help, Google has you and your student covered.
4. Interactive Constitution
Interactive Constitution by the National Constitution Center is an online hub where your student can take civic learning courses and brush up on essential Constitutional knowledge. The Center offers sessions and courses in U.S. elections, Constitutional amendments, notable Supreme Court cases, and U.S. history lessons.
5. Khan Academy
Khan Academy is a free online learning portal with a wide array of subjects for students to study. Course materials range from pre-K through high school and cover all subjects, including college prep, entrepreneurship, and growth mindset. APⓇ courses, computer programming, and other advanced course options are also available.
6. Library of Congress
The Library of Congress catalog and digital collections are a great online resource for older students engaging in historical research. LOC’s extensive collections also include concert series, online library exhibitions, current news, and more.
7. LibriVox
LibriVox is a library of free public domain audiobooks. They’re read by volunteers from all over the world. LibriVox’s books are available via mobile app and web browser.
8. MathGames
MathGames is a vast directory of math-based games for students from pre-K through 8th grade. The Math Games Arcade gives students a new perspective on math, helping them learn essential concepts in fun ways.
9. MetKids
MetKids is an online introduction to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met’s galleries feature artwork, historical artifacts, clothing, pieces of architecture, and more. Students may click on the interactive map to view and learn about specific pieces of artwork in the Met’s collections and galleries.
10. National Archives
The National Archives offers an online library of founding documents, records, photos, primary sources, and other educational resources that support a well-rounded American history education. This resource is well suited to high school students conducting U.S. history research and parents who want to put together primary or supplemental materials for their students’ online learning curriculum.
11. National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids is a great addition to any student’s science curriculum. The site features a wide array of scientific topics including space exploration, zoology, botany, biology, and more. Younger students will enjoy vibrant videos and games that reinforce their studies.
12. Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg is a collection of over 60,000 free published works in the public domain. The majority of the works featured on the site are literary works published prior to 1924. Books may be easily downloaded for reading via web browser.
13. Smithsonian’s History Explorer
Smithsonian’s History Explorer offers students an interactive look at artifacts, media, interactives, books, activities, and more. Parents can download lessons for their students, and students can spend time exploring the artifact galleries online.
14. Smithsonian Learning Lab
Smithsonian Learning Lab is a massive library of Smithsonian Institution resources and learning collections across more than 6,000 topics, including science, social studies, language arts, and many more. Teachers and parents can compile collections of specific resources for their students to study and experience.
15. Storybird
Storybird helps students of all ages improve their writing skills through writing short- and long-form books, flash fiction, and poetry. Your student will have the opportunity to participate in writing challenges and flex their creative muscles, all while brushing up on composition.
Wrapping up
Although this list is a great starting point, there are hundreds—if not thousands—more resources available for your student’s online learning. So let us know: are you going to give any of these resources a try? What are your favorite online learning resources? Leave a comment below!