5 Online Resources for World Language Virtual Learning

Well, we are over a month into virtual learning and quarantine, and it seems like we will not be returning to our classrooms anytime soon. I would argue that foreign language is one of the harder subjects to teach remotely because the students rely so heavily on the teacher, target language input, and frequent conversations. So, how can we make the best of our lessons without being in the classroom? How can we still provide communicative-based lessons from afar? These are my five favorite (free!) resources that I’ve found useful during virtual learning!

1. EdPuzzle

You can take any Youtube video and turn it into an interactive quiz! At any moment during the video, you can add a multiple choice or short answer question. Your students can watch/re-watch the video and respond. EdPuzzle even connects right to your Google Classroom, so your roster imports with one click. A bonus for teachers… it will automatically grade students scores on the multiple choice questions and it shows you student progress as they progress through the assignment!

2. Blendspace by TES

With Blendspace by TES, you can create a virtual classroom or gallery for your students. I used it during an art unit to provide students with a virtual gallery of Picasso’s works. For this task, students clicked each picture and provided a comment in the subject to express their opinion. In addition to images, Blendspace also allows videos, text, Google Drive documents, and links. It also has its own search engine built-in, so you can search “La Guerra Civil Española” and it will find a variety of resources to add to your virtual lesson!

3. Loom

Input is crucial in the world language classroom, and in our current environment, students are missing out on this key component of our lessons. I’ve found Loom to be very helpful in providing students with verbal instructions and listening exercises. Each day I record my screen as I present a Google Slides and go through the daily instructions, assignment, or new content with my students. If you want to check for their understanding, turn your Loom video into a Youtube video, then make it an EdPuzzle! (A few extra steps, but worth it for a personalized listening activity!)

4. Padlet

Padlet is very versatile, but I use it for a quick check-in at the end of a lesson. The sample photo comes from the Padlet template gallery, showing student responses to an exit ticket. You can also add images, similar to Blendspace. But here, students and teachers are the content producers! They can reply to one another, simulating a discussion.

5. Google Arts and Culture

Take a virtual field trip! Students can jump right into a cultural experience by virtually touring art museums, countries, temples, ruins, etc. With 360 degree views, street views, and art views, there are unique tours for every class. Search by country, artist, institution, etc. With these views, students will feel like they are right there! I would turn this into a Scavenger hunt activity, having my kids keep an eye out for certain objects, phrases, or facts!

Let me know what resources have been helpful to you and your students during this time.

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¡Hola, I'm Courtney!

I am a high school Spanish teacher from Pennsylvania. I create authentic and engaging resources for the Spanish classroom. On my blog, I share practical tips and strategies for teaching world languages.