1. Mini-whiteboards w/Markers
This tool may not come to mind as a virtual option, but mini-whiteboards are easy to access and use for students (a whiteboard and marker is available for under $3 at most discount stores). Students can use a mini-whiteboard to sketch, draw, write and explain their work. Students can capture screenshots of work on a whiteboard and insert pics in a Google Slide, a Jamboard or Google Doc assignment. Students can also use a whiteboard while doing a Flipgrid video to explain their thinking visually as they talk. The work on a whiteboard is easier to read than pencil/paper writing.
2. Desmos Activities
The work at Desmos has been nothing short of spectacular the past year. The number of pre-made activities on their website has exploded (some are particularly effective for distance learners). They have developed and released a full middle school mathematics curriculum (for purchase with both digital and print resources). There are hundreds more activities not listed on their teacher resource site that you can find by doing an ordinary Google search. Desmos activities are a core component of my daily lessons. I have developed a few activities of my own, but I prefer using activities of others while making a few modifications. Scatter Plot Capture is a new activity I used this year that was particularly engaging for students.
3. GeoGebra resources
GeoGebra has also been hard at work the past year creating additional FREE resources for distance learners. There are easy to use tools and apps for practice or review. These resources can replace typical pencil/paper tasks and many come with immediate feedback. You can create a classroom on any resource, but I prefer for students to take screenshots of their work and insert images into a Google Doc or Slide so I can check their work in Google Classroom.
4. Graspable Math
Graspable Math is another tool we use regularly in my classes. Students can manipulate expressions and type expressions and equations on a canvas with ease. There is a whiteboard feature on the canvas where student write their work or mark up the problems. Students can work through pre-made activities to get an intuitive understanding of the mathematics (even before you formally instruct them on the 'rules'). These activities can replace typical pencil/paper tasks and come with immediate feedback.
5. EdPuzzle
Edpuzzle has been around for years, but is a fantastic FREE tool for delivering video content to students. You have a full equation editor to author your own multiple choice questions. Insert voice and text comments, use your own video content or any of the thousands of video resources already created by other Edpuzzle users. I assign Edpuzzle videos to students through Google Classroom. Scores and viewing times are recorded in Edpuzzle for me to review. I can reset a student who wants to watch again to improve their score. You have a limit of 20 videos in your content library, but you can delete videos you no longer need to avoid paying for the premium version.
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If you are reading this blog, you have probably tried other FREE virtual tools with your students during the pandemic. Share your ideas on Twitter and use the #MTBoS, #iteachmath and/or #edtech hashtags on your posts.
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