Thread by @LexGrizzly

So, @gabbie_c told me about starting a thread regarding online teaching tools for educators that will have to work from home.

Here’s what I’ve done so far. Hang on tight. This is gonna be a lengthy thread #teacherlife #covid19

Earlier this week, I decided to create a virtual classroom model using Discord. If someone doesn’t know what Discord is, check them out @discordapp

The app allows you to create servers to host both text and voice communication channels.

Discord allows you to manage permissions for access to different channels within the server by creating and managing roles for users.

Each role can be assigned specific permissions within a channel.

Discord also allows video calls and has recently added a share screen function.
You can also assign permissions within voice interactions to prioritize speakers as well as to moderate participation.

Classes have not been cancelled at the school. But preparing for what’s to come has been a way to both ensure my students continuing their education, providing continuity for my job and also relieve stress.

I’ve gone ahead and started working on a welcome channel.

The welcome channels serves as a bulletin board. Permissions allow me to set it up so that everyone can view the content in the channel but not interact with it.

Permissions go as far as to allow you to enable sharing files and links in appropriate channels.

I might not want them to share links and files in the lobby channel but I would love them to share content related to the class on their classroom channels.

However, you don’t have to moderate everything yourself.

You can create admin roles among students to help out as TAs.

But wait! There’s more! Pairing @discordapp with Google Classroom will allow you to assign and grade activities. If you’ve never used @Google’s Classroom app, check it our at classroom.google.com.

All gmail accounts have access to it!

The best thing about both of these tools is that they all have mobile apps. That gives you all the benefits of a smartphone’s notification systems.

Don’t want the channels to be open after “class time”? There are also ways to quickly close or hide channels from view.

I hope this is helpful for teachers out there. I’ll share any other breakthroughs I come across here on Twitter.