When the Snow Starts, the Learning Doesn't Have to Stop: Three Ways Tech Can Keep Your Class From Falling Behind

by Paul Lawrence

The snow day has always been a cause for celebration for students.  And while every teacher loves the opportunity to sleep in, drink some cocoa and catch up on Netflix, they know that they will have to make up the lost instructional time somehow.  Here are three technology tools that can help you and your students to get some work done from home while you’re waiting for the thaw.

1. Google Classroom or any LMS

 

Everyone by now has been told of the virtues of using a Learning Management System(LMS) like Google Classroom, with their students.  These programs help you to organize resources, deliver content and manage assignments.  These features make it perfect for your snow day lesson.  You can deliver your presentation, assign the work sheet and collect everything from your students without even shoveling your walk.

2. Screencastify

This screen capture program allows you to recreate all of the magic and drama of your usual mini-lesson and save it as a movie.  You can send this out via your Google Classroom and your students will feel like they are actually there with you in second block.  Features allow you to show footage from your webcam too, so you can send along a special hello while you are still in your PJs.  Combine this video with an online assessment and you have flipped your classroom for the day.

3. Edpuzzle

This application allows you to use videos to create interactive lessons.  You can choose from a library of ready-made content or make your own using your new Screencastify videos.  Edpuzzle allows you to add assessments and track the viewing times of your students.  It also syncs with Google Classroom so delivering to your students is easier than ever.

So before you start the next season of your favorite Netflix show,  take a few minutes to plan your next snow day lesson.  You can keep connected with your students and give them the opportunity to pause you in the middle of your lecture and go to the restroom whenever they feel like it.