It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the rate at which the world has switched its focus to online learning. Edtech has become a lifeline for many – however, sifting through the wide array of resources available can be a daunting task for students, educators, and parents.  Here is a brief glimpse of what is out there.

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Heriot Watt University’s SCHOLAR offers 37 online courses for Scottish schools and colleges aligned to the SQA curriculum at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level.

Boasting 50 million monthly learners, Quizlet has seven different study modes, tools to help teachers get the most out of their students, and activities to help classes learn and have fun together.

Learning with BBC Bitesize has just got better with the introduction of daily lessons for homeschooling.  They also have a Parent’s toolkit SEND with resources, activities and support to help you and your family during lockdown.

Radio 4 has launched a new history programme, presented by Horrible Histories’ Greg Jenner.  Full of facts and jokes, Homeschool History is broadcast Mondays on Radio 4 at 9:30am and is available as a podcast on BBC Sounds.

An English teacher in Bedfordshire has amassed thousands of followers worldwide hosting a live 30-minute lesson on Facebook every weekday covering topics from synonyms and spelling to Shakespeare. She provides task sheets for children and her students can interact with her and ask for “shout-outs”, which all come through on her phone.

And finally, everyone turns to YouTube for learning.  There is a powerful community of EduTubers like PhysicsGirl  and  Freesciencelessons whose videos have demonstrated the appeal of content that enriches as well as entertains.

A word of caution: choose websites carefully.  Look for content with well-structured explanations, where examples and exercises are clear.  If it’s easy to navigate and it’s engaging – then you’re on to a winner!

Jenna Storey,  jennifer.storey@abdn.ac.uk