Open Educational Resources: Free Tools to Boost Learning Webinar

This month, we focus on Open Educational Resources (OER), which are free, openly licensed learning materials available as websites or apps. OER helps reduce costs for schools and students, increasing access to education and improving learning outcomes. We highlight a variety of OER resources categorized by subject. (Watch the full video above or forward to the indicated times for specific sections)

Key OER resources for multiple subjects: 1:06

Teachers can access a wide range of free, open educational resources to enhance their lessons. Platforms like OER Commons and Merlot offer peer-reviewed materials, while edX and Coursera provide free online courses from top universities. Resources like Khan Academy, Project Gutenberg, and OpenStax offer free lessons, textbooks, and eBooks, while Newsela and Crash Course provide engaging current events and video content. Additionally, tools like Quizlet and IXL support personalized practice and learning.

Humanities and Foreign Language: 3:51

For English Language Arts, teachers can use Grammarly and Hemingway Editor to help students improve their writing by checking grammar and style. Purdue OWL offers comprehensive writing resources, while Common Lit and Readworks provide reading materials with questions for deeper analysis. Storyline Online brings literature to life with read-aloud videos.

In foreign languages, platforms like Duolingo, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone offer interactive lessons, while FluentU uses real-world videos for immersive learning. Copy Break Languages, Pandem, and Italki also provide tools and tutoring for language learners.

For Social Studies, resources like ICIVIX, the Bill of Rights Institute, and We the People help students explore civics and American history. The National Archives, Digital History, and PBS Learning Media offer primary sources and educational materials. BBC History, History.com, and PBS Learning Media provide videos, articles, and interactive tools to make history engaging. Additionally, The New York Times and The Washington Post offer current events and historical analysis for deeper classroom discussions.

STEM: 13:00

For science education, there are a variety of interactive platforms to engage students. Interactive Simulations and LabSTER offer hands-on, 3D simulations in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. Science News for Students explains complex scientific concepts in an accessible way, while CK12 provides customizable STEM resources, including digital textbooks and simulations. Bozeman Science offers video tutorials on science topics, and NASA Space Place provides educational resources on space and earth science. National Geographic also offers interactive activities and lesson plans.

In math, GeoGebra and Desmos provide interactive simulations and calculators, while ST Math uses visual puzzles to strengthen math concepts. MathWay offers step-by-step solutions, and MathXL supports online tutoring and assessments for middle and high school students. Math Playground features games for all ages, and Brilliant emphasizes problem-solving in math and science through interactive courses. Blue, One Brown offers animated math explanations on YouTube.

Visual Arts, Performing Arts and Physical Education: 21:26

For visual arts education, Khan Academy offers free lessons on drawing, animation, and art history, providing valuable resources for educators and students alike. Skillshare, on the other hand, provides professional courses in digital painting, design, and illustration, available through a subscription service. Additionally, platforms like ArtStation, Blender, and GIMP offer free and affordable tools for digital painting, design, and 3D modeling, helping students and artists explore their creative potential.

In music education, free tools like Audacity and LMMS allow students to explore music recording and production, while MuseScore provides free software for music notation. For more advanced music production, GarageBand, Cakewalk by BandLab, and FL Studio offer affordable options. Apps like Duolingo and Perfect Ear also support ear training and music theory, making it easier for students to build their musical skills.

In the field of theater education, Celtx offers free scriptwriting tools, and Trello is great for organizing theater projects like rehearsals and designs. For virtual rehearsals, Zoom is a helpful tool, and platforms like Blender and Final Draft assist with set designs and scriptwriting, providing professional-grade resources for theater educators.

When it comes to dance education, tools like DanceForms and Google Slides help with choreography creation and visualization. The Dance Notation Bureau offers resources for dance notation, while Corpio Flow and DancePro are low-cost tools for choreography and performance analysis, helping dancers refine their movements and techniques.

For physical education, apps like MyFitnessPal and Nike Training Club are useful for tracking fitness and planning workouts, while Google Fit and Fit On provide structured routines for staying active. For yoga, Yoga with Adrian offers accessible classes, and tools like Coaches Eye and Fitness Blender provide performance analysis, workout videos, and interactive fitness games to support students’ physical development.

Resources to Share with Parents: 37:03

To support their children’s learning, parents can use a variety of educational tools. Membean helps build vocabulary, especially for high school placement tests, while IXL allows for focused math practice. Tinker teaches coding through game creation, and Duolingo enhances their children’s Spanish skills. Other resources like Horizons Discovery make reading fun, Barron’s provides helpful study aids for history, and Kahoot offers gamified learning for social studies. Additionally, Typing has improved their children’s typing speed and accuracy.