Last week, Quebec's Minister of Education, Jean-François Roberge, invited teachers to communicate with their students. Here are some ideas to achieve it!
These days, we see that digital technology can advantageously support pedagogy, but especially to maintain the link that teachers had developed with students. Indeed, we realize that today we learn everywhere and at all times, and that the walls of the school are not a border!
Of course, some took the phone. Several have sent emails. But there are other ways to try! Take the time to take your students' needs into consideration: some will prefer the asynchronous side of the capsules recorded and viewable at all times, others will need direct contact with interaction.
Videoconferencing
A must these days, used with great success by many teachers. Not to teach as they would in class, but to maintain the bond!
Google Hangouts or Google meet
Meet is included in the Google education suite. These apps allow you to chat with 25 people to Hangouts, and 100 for Meet!
Skype
L'microsoft tool brings together 50 people and also works from Xbox 360 and Xbox One consoles with a Kinect camera.
Zoom
He is a rising star among teachers: the online tool is very simple and although you have to download an application, you do not have to create an account to connect. Very useful to reach students easily! Group calls (up to 50 people) are free for up to 40 minutes. zoom.us
FaceTime
If you have an iPad class, theapple app may be a solution to consider (if students have access to it). It is a bit more limiting since it only works with Apple products, but the quality is generally excellent. It works up to 32 people at a time.
Platforms and applications
SeeSaw
A must for many, the platform creates a link between class and family. Sharing ideas, photos, feedback… there are many ways to use it!
Classcraft
If you were already using it, why not continue to do so to motivate your students and keep the group spirit? And this might also be the moment you've been waiting for to discover this Quebec application.
Google Classroom
Open a class if your school uses Google tools. Or continue to use yours if you already did. Lots of info here!
Microsoft Teams
A classroom environment with multiple possibilities for establishments that use the Microsoft suite.
Studyo
Keeping the good habit of planning work and activities is something to encourage young people. And itis easy with Studyo.
Showbie
Flipgrid
ClassDojo
Have students blog
Focus groups for the class
50 people can be part of a private discussion group in the app Messenger. You can also make video or audio calls.
We can start a Facebook group for his class too, even if this platform is possibly less used by young people.
And staying connected with fellow teachers from everywhere is possible too!
Don't miss the hashtag #EduProf on Twitter!!