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8 Tools for Remote Learning in Higher Education
Seamlessly transition from traditional in‐class, face‐to‐face instruction to remote learning with these technology tools
The uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 has put nearly all schools, colleges and universities on unsteady ground. The education industry is faced with a “new normal,” as it necessitates the need to quickly transition to online and virtual modes of instruction and enable remote learning for their students.
The curriculum tools of online education and the infrastructure to communicate with students remotely are playing a crucial role in connecting students amidst the closures. Fortunately, with the remote learning technology available today, it’s much easier to bring the classroom home and allow educators the ability to teach students from anywhere and at any time.
Classroom Management & Collaboration Tools for Robust Learning Experiences
Google Classroom
Available through any web browser, SMART Learning Suite Online enables students to connect remotely to live lessons delivered by teachers and engage in real-time with lesson activities.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft is offering a free six-month trial for the premium tier of Teams. Microsoft Teams provides a digital platform that can be used to streamline and centralize classroom resources and operations.
ViewSonic
ViewSonic is offering myViewBoard free to colleges and universities, to help faculty conduct distance learning. The program allows for real-time collaboration through video and audio conferencing, “huddles” and digital whiteboarding.
Video Conferencing Tools To Enable Face-to-Face Communication
Google Meet
Google is rolling out free access to advanced features of Meet for all G-Suite and Education clients until September 30, 2020. Educators can host virtual classes with up to 250 students and live stream with up to 100,000 viewers. Additionally, you can save recordings of your lessons to Google Drive for easy access and sharing.
Microsoft Education
Free for universities, Teams provides an online classroom that brings together virtual face-to-face connections, assignments, files and conversations into a single place accessible on either mobile, tablet, PC or browser.
Cisco Webex
Cisco Webex is offering free accounts for education. Those meetings can have up to 100 participants, high-definition viewing, screen sharing and personal rooms. The company has also developed a collection of resources to help instructors and students use the online virtual conference program.
Zoom
With a free Zoom Meetings license, users have access to all the audio and video conferencing and group collaboration features needed, including an unlimited number of video meetings with up to 100 participants, breakout rooms and private/group chats.
Barco SaaS Cloud-based Virtual Classroom
Most virtual systems are lacking when it comes to one fundamental thing: real-time engagement. Barco weConnect allows remote participants to interact in real-time with one another and with the teacher, as if they were all in one classroom. The Virtual Classroom is hosted and accessed via cloud-based software, and accessible from any device, allowing true flexibility and engagement.
