Break out your tablet, computer, or phone and pull up your favorite programs and apps because Thursday, February 25th is Digital Learning Day!
Digital learning has take on a whole new meaning since early 2020, but it’s long been an asset for educators and families with an ever-evolving toolbox of software, platforms and gadgets. Whether you use PBS LearningMedia, TED-Ed, ClassDojo, Google Classroom, or Adobe Spark, integrating technology in the classroom and at home can support learning goals in inventive and substantive ways. Digital learning can provide personalized interactive instruction, create opportunities for play and collaboration, and help address educational inequities.
This Digital Learning Day, we invite you to explore new ways of incorporating technology and media in your homes, classrooms, and everywhere in between. Read on for tips on how to make the most out of screen time and kids being online, plus insights on PBS LearningMedia – the free, online library of quality, curated resources from PBS and public media stations around the country.
Digital Learning At Home
Online Safety Tips for Parents
With the proper protections in place, Internet use can be a safe and healthy activity. Here’s how you can help your kids enjoy the good and avoid the bad parts of the Internet.
Supporting Your Child With Disabilities With Digital Learning Games
There’s something for everyone in the new Cyberchase game Railway Hero, which was designed to be accessible for all abilities. In this article from PBS Kids for Parents, Steve Noble gives tips on how to ensure your child has a positive learning experience while playing.
14 Low-Stress Tips for Virtual Learning Routines
Virtual learning can be frustrating for children and grown-ups. Here are one mom’s ideas for making the most of a virtual learning routine. And remember, there’s no one perfect way to adapt to virtual learning!
How Children Learn When You Join Them for Screen Time
Educational media can be a powerful tool for helping children learn — and parents play an important part. Learn about how to create healthy media habits, explore your child’s interests alongside them, and create immersive educational experiences.
PBS LearningMedia
PBS LearningMedia is a FREE online library of trusted, quality, curated resources from PBS and public media stations around the country, including videos, lesson plans, and interactive games for K-12 teachers and students.
It’s easy for parents and teachers to choose appropriate, educational content by searching by grade level and subject, or state and national standards. Webinars and online support materials are also available to help you make PBS LearningMedia an integral distance learning tool.
Brand new to the platform? Check out this PBS LearningMedia 101 video to learn how to register for a free account, search for and download standards aligned content, and save and share your favorite resources.
Are you an old pro looking to learn some new tricks? Scroll below for tools and tips to maximize how you use PBS LearningMedia on Digital Learning Day and beyond!
Create Crosswords & Word Searches
Are you interested in using crosswords or word searches in the classroom, or with your kids while homeschooling? With the PBS LearningMedia Puzzle Builder you can easily create your own puzzles on any topic you want! Puzzles can be shared with your students using a URL or Assignment Code, or printed.
To start, set up a free educator account to create lessons, puzzles and quizzes. Then, watch this short video to see how creating your own puzzles works. You can also visit the FAQ page for more instructions on how to create, save and share, or assign a crossword or word search with Puzzle Builder.
Create a Digital Storyboard
Storyboards are a way to illustrate a concept or topic through a collection of videos, text and images. Create your own dynamic presentations incorporating PBS LearningMedia educational resources, accessible by a shareable URL to use with your class. You can even create a storyboard project that allows students to create and submit their own storyboard, demonstrating what they have learned. Want to learn more? Watch this short video for a quick overview.
Create a Digital Quiz
The Quiz Maker is a way to test your students on a lesson or classroom activity with custom, digital quizzes shareable using a URL or Assignment Code. Design a quiz based upon a video or piece of content and use it to gauge how much the students know about a particular subject. You can create quizzes with Fill in the Blank, Multiple Choice, Short Answer, True or False, and Essay Questions. To learn more, watch this short video.