Common Digital Tools
As a substitute you will need to have an understanding of the main digital tools utilized by Rhode Island schools and districts. These tools have a variety of purposes, including:
While this module is not an exhaustive list of what you may see as a substitute teacher, it will give you a good starting point, alongside access to tutorials that you can come back to again and again for reference.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a basic, free Learning Management System (LMS) teachers use to create, distribute, and grade learning tasks. Many teachers have used Google Classroom for years, and even more began utilizing the platform once distance and hybrid learning became more common due to COVID-19. As a substitute teacher, you may or may not be added to the course with “Teacher” access, so it is important to note that your role in the classroom may include designing and grading tasks, viewing the course, or simply supporting students as they navigate tasks on their own through the LMS. Be sure to explore the resources in the Strategy Backpack to practice using Google Classroom ahead of time. Being familiar with this LMS will allow you to feel more prepared for the variety of learning environments you will work in.
Watch this video to learn how to get started with google classroom.
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conference tool from Google that many teachers use to host virtual classes and to provide small-group or 1-1 support to students. As a day to day substitute teacher, you may be given a link to join regularly scheduled classes. As a long-term substitute, you may need to create meetings and invite your students. Your district may give you a district email, but if they don’t, you’ll need to create a professional gmail address to use for all virtual activities. Be sure to explore the resources in the Strategy Backpack to get practice using Google Meet ahead of time. Being familiar with this LMS will allow you to feel more prepared to support students who are working in a variety of learning environments.
Zoom
Zoom is another common video conference tool that many teachers use to host virtual classes and to provide small-group or 1-1 support to students. As a day to day substitute teacher, you may be given a link to join regularly scheduled classes. As a long-term substitute, you may need to create meetings and invite your students. Your district may give you a district email, but if they don’t, you’ll need to create a professional gmail address to use for all virtual activities. Be sure to explore the resources in the Strategy Backpack to practice using Google Meet ahead of time. Being familiar with this LMS will allow you to feel more prepared to support students who are working in a variety of learning environments.
Additional Digital Resources
STRATEGY BACKPACK:
YOUR TURN!
Activity #1
Activity #2