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Understanding What Makes Digital Practice Effective in Schools

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Looking Beyond Technology

Digital learning tools are now part of everyday instruction in many K–12 classrooms. But as schools continue expanding their use of educational technology, the conversation is shifting away from simply using digital tools and toward a more important question: what actually makes digital practice effective for teachers and students?

On the surface, digital practice may seem straightforward. Students complete assignments online, teachers collect data, and schools track progress. But in practice, meaningful implementation is far more complex. Technology can exist in classrooms without improving instruction if it feels disconnected from how teachers actually teach or how students learn best.

Many educators are balancing increasing instructional demands while trying to keep students engaged, personalize learning, monitor progress, and prepare students for assessments. At the same time, teachers are often navigating multiple systems, disconnected workflows, and limited instructional time.

That is why schools are beginning to focus less on adding more tools and more on how digital practice fits into the instructional experience itself.

Why Implementation Often Falls Short

One of the biggest misconceptions about digital practice is that successful implementation depends mostly on the technology. In reality, many challenges come from usability, instructional alignment, and consistency.

Teachers are more likely to regularly use digital tools when they fit naturally into classroom routines and help simplify instructional tasks. However, when platforms require excessive setup, duplicate work, or complicated workflows, even strong instructional tools can become difficult to sustain long term.

Another challenge is visibility into student understanding while learning is still happening. Traditional assessment models often provide feedback after instruction has already moved forward. By the time gaps are identified, students may already be struggling with foundational concepts that impact future learning.

As a result, schools are increasingly looking for ways to make digital practice more responsive, manageable, and connected to everyday instruction.

Making Digital Practice More Meaningful

The most effective digital practice strategies are often rooted in small instructional improvements rather than large classroom transformations.

In many classrooms, teachers use digital practice to strengthen instructional responsiveness throughout the learning process. A teacher may use a quick formative assessment during a lesson to identify misconceptions before moving forward. Another may assign targeted practice opportunities based on student readiness levels so students can reinforce skills at an appropriate pace.

These types of strategies help make learning more flexible while giving teachers greater visibility into student progress.

Consistent digital practice also helps students build confidence over time. When students regularly engage with standards aligned questions and receive immediate feedback, they become more familiar with academic expectations and assessment formats before larger tests arrive. Rather than approaching test preparation as a separate event, practice becomes part of the everyday learning experience.

Why Simplicity and Data Matter

One of the greatest advantages of digital practice is the ability to provide actionable instructional data.

However, the value of that data depends heavily on accessibility and simplicity. Overly complicated reporting systems can create additional barriers instead of supporting instruction.

That is why many schools are prioritizing solutions that streamline assignment creation, simplify reporting, and reduce manual work for teachers. In many cases, long term success depends less on the number of platform features and more on how naturally a system supports daily instruction.

Support Matters

Professional development is most effective when it focuses not only on how a platform works, but on how it supports real instructional goals such as differentiation, formative assessment, student engagement, and assessment preparation.

Teachers are also far more likely to confidently and consistently integrate digital tools when they have access to responsive support teams, clear implementation guidance, and ongoing training that evolves alongside their instructional needs. This kind of support helps ensure educators are not left to figure things out alone but instead have a partner they can rely on for questions, troubleshooting, and deeper instructional guidance when needed.

That is why choosing the right solution matters. Schools need tools backed by teams that are present, responsive, and committed to helping educators succeed in real classroom conditions, not just during initial setup.

As a result, schools are increasingly recognizing that successful digital learning initiatives require partnership and long-term support rather than one time implementation.

More Effective Digital Learning

As schools continue evolving instructional practices, digital tools should strengthen teaching and learning without adding unnecessary complexity for educators.

Platforms like Castle Learning support this approach by helping teachers create standards-aligned quizzes and assignments, deliver meaningful practice, and access real-time reporting that informs instructional decisions. Students benefit from ongoing opportunities to practice skills, receive immediate feedback, and build confidence ahead of larger assessments and state testing.

When paired with responsive support, ongoing training, and thoughtful implementation guidance, digital practice becomes more than a standalone tool. It becomes part of a connected instructional system that helps teachers respond to student needs more effectively and improves learning outcomes over time.

By Danielle Cox

Danielle is a New York State Education Solutions Consultant for Harris Education Solutions, bringing more than 28 years of experience in education. Prior to joining HES, Danielle served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and school administrator. She now partners with school and district leaders to deliver tailored solutions that support student success, data-informed decision-making, and operational efficiency.

Prioritizing Security: How Harris Education Solutions Protects Your Data

Written by HES Marketing on .

In today’s digital world, data security is more important than ever—especially for school systems entrusted with sensitive student and staff information. At Harris Education Solutions (HES), we understand the critical responsibility of safeguarding your systems and data. It’s a responsibility we take seriously, and we want to share how we’re working to keep your information secure.

A Multi-Layered Approach to Security
Our commitment to data protection begins with robust infrastructure and best practices. Every aspect of our technology environment is designed with security in mind:

  • State-of-the-Art Hosting: HES systems are hosted in secure data centers equipped with advanced physical protections such as controlled access points, 24/7 video surveillance, perimeter fencing, and biometric authentication. These measures ensure only authorized personnel have access to sensitive systems.
  • Industry-Standard Encryption: To protect the confidentiality of your data, we use encryption protocols for both data in transit (using TLS standards) and at rest (via AES-256 encryption techniques). This ensures that your information is safe from unauthorized access at every stage.
  • Proactive Threat Management: Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are conducted to identify and address potential risks. Any critical findings are prioritized and resolved by our Infrastructure and Development Teams to maintain a secure environment.

Advanced Monitoring and Protection
We employ a variety of sophisticated tools and strategies to stay ahead of potential threats:

  • Continuous monitoring of networks, servers, and services ensures rapid identification and resolution of issues to minimize disruption.
  • Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) provide an additional layer of defense against malicious activity.
  • Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection safeguards against attempts to overwhelm and disrupt systems.

Trained Teams, Trusted Practices
A secure system starts with the people behind it. At HES, we’ve built a culture of security that prioritizes data protection across all aspects of our operations:

  • Employees undergo rigorous cybersecurity training, including annual compliance education on FERPA, credential safeguarding, and social engineering prevention.
  • Strict device management protocols are enforced, including encryption of company devices and regular patching to eliminate vulnerabilities.
  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular password updates ensure secure access to critical systems.

Commitment to a Secure Workforce
We also prioritize security from the moment an employee joins our team. All prospective employees are subject to thorough background checks, including criminal record verification and education confirmation, conducted by our Corporate Human Resources Department. This vetting process ensures we hire trustworthy and qualified individuals.

Your Security Is Our Mission
At HES, protecting your data isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a fundamental part of our partnership with you. We continuously enhance our security measures to address evolving threats, so you can rely on our solutions with confidence.

Thank You for Trusting Us
We’re honored to support your important work in education, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to keeping your systems secure. Thank you for being a valued part of the HES community.

For a closer look at our enhanced cybersecurity measures, click here.

Bridging the Three Facets of the Digital Divide

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How have you used the internet recently? Maybe you searched for information, read an email, paid a bill, attended a meeting, collaborated on a project, created a presentation, or consulted a doctor. Convenient internet access makes these and other actions quicker and easier.

In this modern era, not using the internet puts people at a significant disadvantage in many aspects of life, including education. The chasm between the haves and have-nots of internet access is called the digital divide. Optimizing the internet’s capabilities requires three components: 1) a computer or other internet-capable device, 2) reliable high-speed internet, 3) sufficient digital literacy skills.

Unfortunately, far too many students in the US lack one or all three components. This video shows the stark difference between students searching for information with internet access versus without it. As dramatic as this video is, searching for information barely scratches the surface of how technology, or EdTech, enhances student learning.

Inequity Factors

Research from the Pew Research Center, the National Education Association, and the International Computer and Information Literacy Study all tell a similar story. Personal factors heavily influence students’ access to computers and the internet. These factors often compound each other and include:

  1. Income level
  2. Geography
  3. Education level of parents
  4. Racial /ethnic background
  5. Income

Not surprisingly, families on tight budgets allocate limited funds to shelter, food, and healthcare over broadband internet service and computers. Even the least expensive devices cost a significant amount of money, and cheap devices often break and lack enough processing speed to be truly useful. Many low-income students do not have a device at home, or multiple household members share one device preventing students from having enough time to finish their homework.

Internet providers typically charge by the speed of the internet they provide. Streaming videos, attending virtual meetings, and uploading and downloading media require about 1.5 megabits per second, or 1.5 Mbps. Cable tends to be the cheapest way to get broadband internet. Texas residents pay about $.12 per MB per month for cable internet, whereas Wyoming residents pay $1.00. Many families cut costs by paying for slower internet that allows students to read and answer emails but not watch videos.

  1. Geography

The cost of broadband does not tell the whole story. The availability of high-speed internet varies dramatically depending on where you live. Students in areas such as rural West Virginia and Montana lack broadband infrastructure, making their internet connections too slow to be useful.

The NEA study ranked states based on students’ access to broadband internet. Complete access meant that they had enough working devices and reliable high-speed internet at home. Mississippi ranks 50th, with only 64% having full access. Meanwhile, 87% of New Hampshire students enjoy complete access. The geographic discrepancy is partially due to students living in rural versus suburban conditions and partly because some populations and policymakers do not prioritize access to the internet. However, even in top-ranking New Hampshire 25,000 students lacked enough access to take advantage of many digital education tools.

  1. Education Level of Parents

Children of parents with limited education have significantly less exposure to computers and digital literacy skills. This trend holds true globally. Higher education typically leads to careers that use computers and technology, whereas a lack of education often leads to jobs involving manual labor.

Ninety-one percent of students with parents with advanced degrees have sufficient internet speed and devices, compared with only 48% of those whose parents did not finish high school. More educated parents are also significantly more advanced in digital literacy skills and can guide their children’s learning.

  1. Racial and Ethnic Background

Finally, there is a high correlation between digital haves and have-nots according to students’ racial and ethnic backgrounds. Eighty-six percent of Asian American students have sufficient access to the internet and devices, compared with 50% of Native American students.

How Schools and Communities Provide Access and Training

While the digital divide in schools correlates with personal factors, community and school infrastructure can help bridge the gap. US municipalities that include broadband as a public utility are rare but quickly growing. State laws with strict requirements about cable providers are a big roadblock for towns wanting to provide broadband as a public utility. There are valid reasons for why public utility broadband is not right for every community, but it often gives more families access to reliable internet at home. This allows lower-income students to work from home instead needing to travel to a library or school. School districts might advocate for state and local measures that would provide more families with low-cost options for internet.

Changing state law and convincing local governments to invest in broadband infrastructure may be great long-term goals. Still, many students’ families need more immediate relief. Some schools are innovating creative solutions. The Coachella Valley Unified School District sends buses with WiFi to underserved neighborhoods to provide access. Some schools work out discounts with commercial internet providers. For more ideas, check out the Discount Internet Guidebook put out by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance.

Schools are also doing a lot to help families acquire devices. A common method is that the schools buy devices using monies from grants, Title One, CARES ACT, or other special funding. Many of these schools then allow teachers and students to take school devices home for homework. Another method is working with non-profits that refurbish devices to help families buy low-cost devices. Partners Bridging the Digital Divide lists many great resources, including where to find refurbished devices.

Overcoming the hurdle of internet access for students and teachers at home is tremendous, but it is not enough. Teachers and students need explicit technological training to take advantage of the tools. Without detailed training, teachers are less inclined to introduce technology in the classroom, so EdTech becomes more frustrating than solving problems. Students of undertrained teachers will get fewer opportunities to advance their digital literacy skills, limiting the closure of the digital divide which could dramatically affect their higher education, career, and daily life. District and state leaders can find professional development resources at the Office of Educational Technology.

A Partner in EdTech

At Harris Education Solutions, we are firm believers in the power of digital solutions for education. We understand that Investing in EdTech is a massive undertaking because it requires carefully considering your desired student outcomes and how to maximize teacher effectiveness. We hope our blogs help guide you in your EdTech journey. Try our Solutions Tool to see which products will help the people at your schools most.

Enable All Students to Access Curriculum with Strong Computer Literacy Skills

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Angela entered middle school with a strong foundation in reading, writing, and math. However, middle school teachers expected her to use unfamiliar technology, causing her to feel lost in many lessons. Although her elementary school was academically rigorous, it had neglected to incorporate adequate technology lessons. Angela’s computer literacy deficit made accessing the content in middle school stressful and frustrating.

Recognizing their mistake, the staff at Angela’s former elementary school changed their approach to teaching technology. Teachers introduced lessons focusing on fundamental computer skills and empowered students to learn, create, and collaborate. Students began to hone their skills using learning software with rapid feedback and enhancing projects with multimedia such as music, videos, pictures, and animation. Students transitioning out of that elementary school now have the computer literacy skills to thrive in middle school.

Educators without a strong technology background may feel unsure about how to start integrating technology in their lessons. If that describes you, start with reading Essential Digital Literacy Skills to Teach Digital Natives. Now that you have an overview of digital literacy, this scope and sequence will give you an idea of what to teach in different grades. These guidelines are a starting place and not meant to replace your state standards nor information from your assessments.

Students should master the following skills by 1st Grade:

  • Asks permission before going to any game or website not pre-approved.
  • Understands and uses computer-related vocabulary, such as the hardware and basic operations.
  • Knows how to turn on a device and shut it down properly.
  • Opens and exits programs and apps.
  • Understands how usernames and passwords protect privacy and account settings and can successfully log in using them.
  • Understands the importance of logging off and how to do it.
  • Uses icons and arrows to navigate to desired locations.
  • Uses a touch screen, mouse, or mouse pad to click, drag, double click, and scroll.
  • Ability to use the standard keys on the keyboard such as backspace, space bar, letters, and numbers.
  • Can adjust the volume on headset or speakers to appropriate levels. Too many children suffer hearing loss from having the volume of their headphones too loud.
  • Independently follows multi-step directions such as turning on a computer, opening an application, logging on, choosing a specific menu item, using the application, saving work, and logging off.

Students should master the following skills by 3rd Grade:

  • Understands the different types of devices and their benefits.
  • Distinguishes between being online versus offline and asks permission before going to any new website.
  • Can play, pause, rewind, and forward videos.
  • Saves, names, finds, and prints documents.
  • Uses a child-friendly search engine to find information.
  • Uses a word processor to write, highlight, copy, and paste text in documents.
  • Draws and paints with simple programs.
  • Uses some multi-key functions such as Shift and letter for capital letters and Control Z for undo.

Skills to Master by 5th Grade:

  • Follows online safety guidelines set by adults.
  • Understands the potential damage and permanence of anything posted online.
  • Reads error messages and follows simple troubleshooting directions.
  • Types with fingers on the home keys rather than hunting and pecking.
  • Uploads and resize images.
  • Edits documents with proofreading and formatting tools.
  • Finds specific websites and navigates the menu options.
  • Understands the different types and purposes of websites.
  • Shares and collaborates using simple EdTech tools.
  • Conducts online research and analyzes the information for credibility.
  • Knows how to write and send an email.

Skills to Master in Middle School

  • Recognizes when a website is not safe or appropriate.
  • Identifies common problems and troubleshoots them effectively, such as reloading a frozen website and reconnecting to the internet.
  • Understands the different methods for storing data (thumb drive, hard drive, cloud, etc.) and when each one is most useful.
  • Collaborates with others using comment features, message boards, digital whiteboards, and more.
  • Creates and shows multimedia presentations with pictures, music, and interesting transitions.
  • Creates simple graphs, tables, and spreadsheets to show information.
  • Understands how social media posts affect themselves and others. If the school encourages social media participation, students follow rules of conduct.
  • Knows how to download, rename, and find various file types.
  • Understands the basic ideas behind intellectual property to avoid copyright infringement. Gives credit to original creators with links and names when mentioning or using their work.

Skills to Master in High School:

  • Protects themselves online from phishing, viruses, scams, identity theft, and radicalization.
  • Chooses which (if any) social media platforms are helpful and how to stay safe on them.
  • Customizes settings to optimize their experience.
  • Integrates various applications such as email, calendar, and reminders.
  • Uses proper etiquette when communicating via email, social media, and message boards.
  • Understand how different technology systems work together.
  • Independently learns new computer skills using directions, videos, and other resources.
  • Uses specialized technology in fields of interest.

Just the Beginning

These basic skills will allow students to interact with technology in school and daily life.  As you and your students gain proficiency, you may expand into other computer-related domains such as coding, programming, and creating original work.

Harris Education Solutions partners with educators to help teachers and students thrive. As software providers, we understand that adapting to technology takes time and practice. That is why we provide robust training and support to help you get the insights you need. Visit our solutions page to see which product will most benefit the teachers and students at your school.

Essential Digital Literacy Skills to Teach to Digital Natives

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Since before your students were born, the internet has been integral to daily life, making them part of a generation of “digital natives.” Most children can “drag and drop,” “click,” “scroll,” and “login” even before starting elementary school.  However, digital literacy goes far beyond such basic processes. Digital literacy skills fall into various domains such as:

  1. Functional skills
  2. Staying safe online
  3. Finding and evaluating credible information
  4. Using digital tools to create

Learning Functional Computer and Internet Skills

While most youth today get plenty of screen time, many students still lack critical functional computer literacy skills. Some students have limited internet access at home. Even students in homes with fast connections often use it primarily for entertainment rather than learning. Teachers find that students frequently lack the necessary competency to use apps and programs important to education.

The International Society for Technology in Education, or ISTE, offers a wealth of resources to inform you about best practices in digital citizenship and computer literacy. They recommend that teachers provide explicit technological instruction and guided practice. The following list of foundational digital literacy skills is a good starting place to help students succeed with minimal frustration.

  • How to upload, download, and share documents, media, and other file types.
  • How to name, save, and organize files.
  • How to use software such as word processors, spreadsheets, software for collaborating and presenting, e-mail, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and other EdTech.
  • How to log in and out of sites.
  • How to use standard operating systems such as Apple MacOS, Chrome, and Windows.
  • How to use accessories such as cameras, headsets, and mice.

Allow students already adept in all these skills to help their peers (and possibly adults). The recognition of their expertise and opportunity to shine will feel good.

Staying Safe Online

While the internet offers amazing tools for researching, sharing, and creating, it also has a dark side with dangerous people lurking, ready to pounce on people’s vulnerabilities. With both those realities, avoiding the internet is not a practical solution to staying safe. Most students are naive about the type and severity of attacks from scam artists and other nefarious people. Adults must therefore set up safeguards and teach students how to protect themselves online.

Your district’s internet security system should be sufficient for restricting students to safe sites and activities when they are on campus. However, few homes have adequate internet security. The amount of schoolwork that students must do online from home means that teachers, parents, and students share the burden of keeping kids safe online. The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance for what students should avoid doing online. These tips include:

  1. Never share personal information online.
  2. Be wary about downloading any games, apps, or files.
  3. Stay away from illegal or untrustworthy sites.
  4. Avoid interacting with strangers online.

Finding Credible Information

The internet gives us unfettered access to a plethora of videos, websites, blog posts, social media posts, and scholarly articles. It allows us to explore almost any topic in-depth with minimal effort and time. The problem is that the quality of information varies dramatically. Students using the internet for research need to find and vet credible information sources.

Search engines use keywords to search the internet for relevant content. Therefore, teaching students what keywords to put in the query box significantly reduces their research time. Teach students to use specific keywords to narrow down the context of their search results.

For example, a student learning about the ecosystem in Yellowstone will get higher quality results from entering “Predators and Prey in Yellowstone” and “Food web in Yellowstone” than just “food web” or “Yellowstone.” Show students how to refine their keyword searches as they learn more about their subject. For more advanced research tips, read 35 Google Search Hacks that are Going to Change Your Life.

The adage, “Don’t believe everything you read,” is especially accurate when using the internet. Student researchers must understand that they will find misleading and incorrect information. Evaluating the credibility of information also strengthens their critical thinking skills. Even a young child can learn to recognize that cigarette ads from the 1940s are not credible sources about how smoking affects a person’s health.  Here are some questions students can use to evaluate their sources:

  • How recent is the information?
  • Is the author/organization an expert in this field?
  • Is this information relevant to my query?
  • What biases or external motivation does the author have?
  • Do I understand this information, and how does it fit with what I already know?

Using Digital Tools to Create

Quality cloud-based software programs empower students to unleash their creativity and apply it to almost any subject.  If you are tech-savvy, you might want to offer enrichment lessons in using creative software before assigning a project. If computers aren’t your strong suit, consider giving students time to investigate creative software independently and share what they learn. Here are some fun programs your students can start trying to create videos, art, animation, 3d models, music, and so much more.

  • Animation- DigiCel FlipBook and Doodly
  • Photo editing- Adobe Photoshop and Affinity Photo
  • Video editing- Movavi Video Editor and iMovie
  • Music composition-Dorico and Sibelius
  • Drawing- Krita and Artweave Free
  • 3d Modeling- BlocksCad and Morphi
  • Coding and programing-Scratch and Tynker
  • Game Development- GameMaker and Unity

Many professional-grade software programs offer low-cost and free versions for advanced student learning. However, be cautious about introducing students to robust programs that exceed your students’ capabilities. A seventh grader tried creating 3d models with the program Blender. After hours of frustration, he vowed never to use it again. Luckily, he gave it another try several years later and now uses it frequently and competently. Unfortunately, some students would likely get permanently discouraged.

Our Role in Technology Education

The everchanging and sophisticated global economy requires that students continue to advance their technological skills. However, teachers do not need to feel pressured to keep up with the fanciest technology. Helping students learn basic computer literacy skills will allow them to develop more skills as they need them. Harris Education Solutions provides software solutions to help teachers teach, and students learn. Let us know how we can best support you.

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Learning Management System (LMS) Integrations

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With the uncertainty of the 2020/2021 school year, we understand that having tools that will make both in-person OR distance learning easier on everyone is paramount.

Castle Learning is pleased to support the following platforms: Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas. Each system is designed to benefit the teacher and student. An assignment link can be copied and inserted into the LMS (Learning Management System), providing the teacher a better way to deliver the activity to the student, and monitor the student’s participation. Grading and assessment data can be pushed back to the LMS for reporting, and/or the grade-book. The student benefits from the direct to assignment link, reducing their steps to access an assigned activity. The student will appreciate that all their school-related tasks and information are located in one portal.

Google Classroom, Schoology, and Canvas integrations are an option available to districts or schools with site license access and need to be turned on via the Castle Support Team.  If you have one of these LMS services and would like the integration opened to your school or district, please call 800-345-7606 or email: support@castlelearning.com.

In cooperation with BOCES, the Castle Training Team is also available for a virtual presentation on how to use the LMS integrations.  Email training@castlelearning.com to learn more.

How to Get Started Using Social Media to Strengthen a Learning Community

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How to Get Started Using Social Media to Strengthen a Learning Community

Social media can quickly transform a collection of students into a dynamic learning community. It provides a digital platform for students and teachers to engage in conversations and build relationships. Social media has several educational benefits, even for classes that meet in person. Using a digital platform becomes essential in situations when students have limited personal interaction, such as distance learning.

Social Media Increases Participation Levels

Students often contribute more to informal channels than they would in a formal academic setting. The asynchronous feature allows participants the ability to engage at their own pace. Deep-thinkers appreciate the ability to mull over concepts and make connections to other disciplines. English language learners and those who process language slowly often find it easier to follow a written conversation than an oral discussion.

Social Media Ignites Interest

Students connect with other learning communities interested in similar topics, regardless of location and time zones. The heterogeneous grouping infuses various perspectives into a conversation. Your students may explore subjects with renewed vigor with the influx of new ideas. Students’ interest also gets fueled by instantaneous peer feedback to their posts.

Social Media Facilitates Integrating Critical Thinking into your Curriculum 

As social media increasingly becomes a way to disseminate information, teachers are focusing more attention on teaching students how to evaluate the credibility of information sources. Teaching digital citizenship includes providing students with guidelines for posting links and explaining how context is vital to understanding content.

Social Media Encourages Students to Challenge the Status Quo

The anonymity of social media helps students question ideas they might be too timid to ask in person. Taking academic risks leads to more profound thinking, and therefore academic growth. However, that feeling of anonymity is a double-edged sword. Without care, conversations on social media often devolve into name-calling and hurt feelings. If you decide to use social media, you must be willing to monitor your students’ communications. Establishing a culture of respect and intellectual honesty is easier to do on platforms that allow administrators to preview comments before students post them.

Choosing the Right Platform is Important

With so many benefits, you may wonder why teachers don’t always incorporate social media into their instruction more often. Teachers share valid concerns about privacy, accessibility, price, and the time they will need to devote to monitoring their students’ activities.

One of the first steps towards making social media work for your class is selecting the appropriate platform for your educational goals. Think beyond popular platforms of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, and Snapchat. Many families concerned about privacy and a lack of parental controls will likely object to their children having an account on those popular platforms.

Luckily, you have options beyond these common platforms. Many are safer and more educational than the ones listed above. Most are free or low-cost.

This social media list will get you started on platforms that will help you take advantage of the benefits of social media and avoid many of the risks. Common Sense Education evaluated various platforms with the educator in mind.

  1. Twitter aids in quick communication. The iconic hashtag helps people sort by topic. Adding GroupTweet | Group Twitter Accounts Made Easy helps teachers safely manage the conversations.  Target Ages: 13 and up; Cost: Twitter is free. Group Tweet starts at $7.99 per month for the administrator.
  2. Twiducate – Social Networking & Media For Schools: Education 2.0 offers students the opportunity to try micro-blogging similar to Twitter. Target Ages: 6-18; Cost: Free
  3. The Wonderment blends the ideas of content creation and crowdsourcing to help students explore and get involved in projects. Target Ages: 6-18; Cost: Free
  4. DIY.org – Online Courses and Fun Projects for Kids blend the successful approaches of scouting organizations and YouTube. Kids see videos with instructions on how to do projects. They get to share their accomplishments and earn badges.Target Ages: 7-14; Cost: $15-25 per month
  5. Project Noah: Citizen Science Platform for Wildlife helps nature lovers of any age discover, share, and identify wildlife. Target Ages: 7 and up; Cost: Free
  6. Youth Voices encourages teens to express themselves through writing and podcasts. Topics range from personal narratives to academic musings. The site’s organization makes it easy to read and comment on the content of peers. Target Ages: 13-18; Cost: Free
  7. Goodreads | Meet your next favorite book helps teens and adults engage with literature. They can follow friends, participate in literary conversations, and get suggestions for new books that they might like. Target Ages: 13 and up; Cost: Free

If you didn’t find the right solution for your needs, try asking your colleagues for more suggestions. You may find a wealth of information in professional groups from your own social media.

No matter what platform you choose, you will want to get parental consent. Explain to families why you are choosing to incorporate social media as part of your instructional model. You can use many of the benefits outlined in this article. Describe the safety and privacy features of the particular platform and your role in monitoring the conversations. Detail your expectations for responsible digital citizenship and how (or if) you will use social media participation as part of your grading.

eDoctrina in the Virtual Classroom

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At eDoctrina, our team takes pride in having the opportunity to help both teachers and students succeed in the classroom. Given the changing times, we have also learned to adapt to the fact that “in the classroom” often refers to a virtual setting! Luckily, our incredible team has worked hard to find ways in which eDoctrina can support a remote classroom environment.

Online Assessments: Utilizing Tools to the Fullest

We understand that setting up students to succeed while testing online can sometimes seem like a challenge, especially with so many tools and modifications kiddos may need to properly complete an assignment. This is one of the reasons our team has spent so much time updating our online assessment platform to contain all of the tools teachers need to create a unique online testing environment for all of their students, both individually and as a whole. Our platform consists of a variety of modifications that can be utilized while students are testing online, many of which mirror exactly is expected to be seen on both the ELA and Math NYS Computer Based Tests. This includes grade specific equation editors, a text-to-speech screen reader, answer masking, math tools (calculator, ruler, protractor, etc.), a sketchpad (blank or pre-filled with an image of your choosing), and many more!

Relaying Content & Results To My Students

One challenge we have found many of our partners are faced with is keeping up daily communication with their students in a remote environment. Luckily when it comes to online assignments in eDoctrina, we have gone to great lengths to ensure teachers are able to send and receive necessary communication.  When utilizing the assessment/assignment platforms, teachers have the ability to notify their students via email when they have assigned something new with the click of a button.  Additionally, teachers can opt into receiving email notifications to let them know when each of their students have completed said assignment. Student also have complete access to their assignment summary within their eDoctrina Progress Student Dashboards. This allows them to login at any time and see which assignments they’ve received or completed, as well as any grades and reports their teacher has given them access to view.

Blended Learning Using Lesson Plans

In the wake of blended classroom learning, we not only realized the importance of teachers being able to assign and communicate with their students, but also being able to relay lesson content in any form of setting, virtually or in-person. The addition of our new Online Lesson Plan tool will allow teachers to deliver content to their students whether they are in a small group setting in the classroom or in the comfort of their own living room. This interactive tool not only allows for the delivery of content, but also gives the teacher the ability to live stream with their class, record and relay the lesson to their students, share attachments, prompt educational discussion among classmates, and even live chat back and forth to keep students engaged.

While trying to adjust to the “new normal”, we at eDoctrina understand the stressors that teachers are up against on a daily basis and are here to help! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information about how we can assist during the adaptation into blended learning.