Using Digital Education Resources Effectively

Although many K-12 schools have returned to private instruction, students continue to learn from home and in the classroom. Teachers often need digital teaching resources to supplement the curriculum and engage their students. More than half of teachers use online education sites to find digital resources. School districts can support teachers and help them develop strategies to ensure effective use of digital resources. 

What types of digital resources are available?

Teachers and principals can find many digital teaching resources suitable for any subject or grade level. Most resources are free, although schools may choose to purchase essential resources such as digital textbooks. Here are several types of digital education resources that teachers can add to lesson plans. 

• Predictive and interactive models can make education more profound and useful especially in mathematics and science.
• Graphics such as public domain images (examples and photos), tables and charts can help learners better understand concepts.
• Videos and animations from websites like YouTube help explain topics. YouTube can be great for students when school districts use tools like web filters. 
• Digital textbooks can be used anywhere on any device and are updated faster than traditional textbooks. 
• Online assessments, including formative and summary assessments, provide teachers and administrators with real-time data. Also, they interact and socialize with students. 
• Podcasts and audio, like music, promote engagement and reach students with different education styles. 
• Online education games make education ideas fun for students.
• Online books and articles are examples of digital education materials that are easy to access and share. 
• Good digital resources help teachers to complete the curriculum without the need for physical publications.
• Interactive maps provide students with a digital experience. 
• Tools like graphing calculators help students learn math without having to buy a physical calculator.
• Fully online courses can provide exploration or enrichment and allow students to work on their own education goals. 

What makes online resources useful for teaching?

Online resources benefit education because they affect students’ lives and the way they interact with the world. Virtual reality opens up a world beyond what teachers can show students in a physical classroom. They stimulate students’ interest and strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills through inquiry-based education. Students can also use digital resources to create and create projects. 

Digital content can supplement original teaching material or drive a group or lesson. If the recommended curriculum lacks certain standards, online courses can address these areas. Teachers can also use them to help or motivate students who are not yet ready to meet grade-level standards. Another advantage is that learners can view the content as many times as they want. They can watch videos, recreate simulations, or listen to podcasts to explore ideas.