Free and Effective: My Go-To Digital Tools for Online Teaching

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 I’ve been teaching online since 2024 after working in traditional classrooms. As a full-time online educator and a mom, I’ve discovered how essential it is to make lessons both engaging and manageable. Today, I’m sharing a few of my favorite free online tools that have made a real difference in how I teach and how my students respond.

🔑 Key Tip: Use Free Digital Tools to Spark Interaction and Boost Engagement

One challenge in virtual teaching is keeping students involved and actively participating. What’s helped me the most is incorporating a variety of free tools into my lesson flow. These aren’t just “extras” — they help drive learning, keep energy up, and break the routine in a way that encourages focus and fun.

💡 My Go-To Free Tools and How I Use Them

🎮 Blooket

An interactive quiz game that makes content review feel like play.
How I use it:

  • I create quizzes with Khanmigo, which helps generate questions tied to my lesson goals.

  • I often use Blooket at the start for a quick recap or at the end as a fun wrap-up.

🎨 Canva

My favorite platform for designing lesson slides, printables, and visuals.
How I use it:

  • I plan lessons using Canva’s templates, adjusting them to suit each topic.

  • It saves time and lets me present information clearly and attractively.

🧠 ClassroomScreen

A simple tool that adds structure and calm to your online classroom.
How I use it:

  • I use timers, name pickers, and visual cues to guide transitions and behavior.

  • It’s also my go-to for adding brain breaks and focus check-ins.

🧩 Wordwall

Quick and interactive activities for checking understanding.
How I use it:

  • I assign Wordwall tasks during lessons or as exit tickets.

  • My students enjoy the game-like feel and immediate feedback.

🧑‍🏫 Khanmigo

An AI helper that makes lesson prep easier.
How I use it:

  • I use it to write quiz questions and check alignment with my objectives.

  • It’s helped me create more tailored Blooket and Kahoot! games with less effort.

🎯 Why These Tools Work

Using a mix of tools helps break the lesson into focused chunks.

  • Start with a game to hook attention (Blooket).

  • Deliver content visually (Canva).

  • Reinforce learning with short activities (Wordwall).

  • Keep students fresh with breaks and clear timers (ClassroomScreen).

This layered approach keeps students engaged, especially those with shorter attention spans or additional learning needs.

🙌 Wrap-Up

If you’re looking to keep your virtual classroom fun and focused, try adding one of these tools to your next lesson. Whether it’s Blooket for a quiz or Canva for a slide makeover — small changes can make a big difference.

I’d love to hear from you! What tools do you rely on for online teaching? Share your favorites below or let me know if you want more tips like this. 👇✨

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