Hand-picked tools for every scenario, all well-suited for use during the COVID-19 pandemic
Tanner Higgin
Published: April 1, 2020
Hand-picked tools for every scenario, all well-suited for use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teachers and families are in a tough spot right now due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many are quickly figuring out distance learning arrangements for their students or kids for the first time. Beyond the tricky technical and logistical issues involved -- not to mention equity and safety issues -- teachers are also trying to understand how to re-formulate their curriculum. During this process, there will likely be some content gaps to fill.
If you've found yourself searching for quality, content-focused tools students can turn to at home, then we think the list below will help. These are all hand-picked tools we recommend for this unprecedented situation. Most are free (or cheap), and all offer standout learning experiences that shouldn't be too difficult to slot into your plans. Of course, you'll also want to dig into their privacy and safety practices, so make sure to check out the privacy evaluations on the review pages (when available).
Elementary Math and Science
Creative, smart mix of pre-K to K activities is a breath of fresh air
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS, Android, Amazon
Big questions, kids' curiosity drive impressive science curriculum
Price: Free memberships available
Platforms: Web
Adaptive math practice wrapped in role-playing adventure
Price: Free (with optional paid upgrades)
Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
Elementary ELA and Social Studies
Free, expansive digital library unlocks treasure trove of books
Price: Free for teachers and, due to COVID-19, caregivers if invited by teachers
Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome
K-2 literacy program offers comprehensive, adaptive activities
Price: Free through the end of the 2019-2020 school year due to COVID-19
Platforms: Web
Kids create a lovely magical world by spelling simple words
Price: $2.99
Platforms: iOS
Elementary Arts and Creativity
Magically easy way to create and publish digital books and multimedia
Price: $4.99
Platforms: iOS
Kids connect the dots with multisensory, interactive media creator
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS
Make musical contraptions with playful sound and physics sandbox
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS
Middle School Math and Science
Social approach to problem-solving promotes deep math learning
Price: Free through July due to COVID-19
Platforms: Web
Engaging design challenges turn kids into actual science detectives
Price: Free through July due to COVID-19
Platforms: Web
Turn your phone into a lab sensor to collect and analyze data
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS, Android, Chrome
Middle School ELA and Social Studies
Feature-rich literacy resource offers superb support for readers
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Popular after-school program shares its resources with teachers
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Exceptionally well-designed games, lesson plans demystify government
Price: Free
Platforms: Web (and individual games available on iOS and Android)
Middle School Arts and Creativity
Design, build, and share new things offline and online
Price: Free
Platforms: Web, iOS
Excellent curation and an unmatched art collection invite exploration
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Amazingly simple yet powerful online CAD tool turns kids into makers
Price: Free
Platforms: Web, iOS, Chrome
High School Math and Science
Fascinating look at life's bigger questions with a fresh perspective
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
High-quality multimedia brings biological research to life
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Flex your deductive reasoning muscles with geometric proofs
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
High School School ELA and Social Studies
Empowering reader keeps kids actively, independently engaged
Price: Free through the end of the school year due to COVID-19
Platforms: Web, iOS, Chrome
A wealth of resources explore racism, prejudice, and anti-Semitism
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Captivating, cross-curricular stories increase cultural awareness
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
High School Arts and Creativity
Super-flexible design tool for crafting fab images, videos, and sites
Price: Free
Platforms: Web
Amazingly powerful audio workstation unleashes creativity
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS, Mac
Extremely powerful photo editor will equally delight pros, amateurs
Price: Free
Platforms: iOS, Android
If you're looking for something specific, try our browse and search tool to look through our complete library of reviews or our Top Picks lists.
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