Are you looking for amazing digital learning tools to use in your virtual classroom or regular classroom? You’ve probably seen tons of digital learning resources posted to popular websites like Teachers Pay Teachers, and you want some clarification on how they actually work. Let me give you the run-down on three of the most popular digital learning tools currently circulating the teaching world: Interactive PDF’s, Boom Cards, and Google Slides activities. All three platforms have their benefits, so let’s jump in and find out how we can use these resources to make learning fun and meaningful!
What is Digital Learning, anyway?
Okay, let’s back it up a bit here…So what on earth is digital learning, anyway? Well, simply put, it’s learning that uses technology. And I think we can all agree that NOW is definitely the time to “get with the program” when it comes to using technology! Interactive PDF’s, Boom Cards, and Google Slides activities are among the most widely-used digital learning tools in today’s virtual classrooms. And the fun doesn’t stop there! These fun, interactive learning resources are a total hit in the regular classroom too!
What is an Interactive PDF?
Interactive PDF’s – in the context of digital learning tools – are fun activities (often called “digital task cards”) that can be used on any device (smartphones, tablets, computers). There are interactive, “button-like” features throughout the activities, making them super fun to click through (waaaaaaay more interesting than a worksheet). Most resource designers on websites like Teachers Pay Teachers design their Interactive PDF’s to be self-correcting, which makes them awesome for independent practice and immediate feedback to the learner.
One major advantage of Interactive PDF’s is that you DON’T need an internet connection to use them after they’ve been saved to your device. Once they’re saved, you can use them over and over again without ever connecting to the internet again! We’ve all had our battles with WiFi, so this is definitely a great option for avoiding that.
Important thing to note: Interactive PDF’s work best with Adobe Reader if you’re on a computer (a quick, FREE download here), in the Books app if you’re on an iPad or iPhone, and with the Adobe Reader app if you’re on another type of smartphone/tablet. Don’t worry, set up is quick and easy, and is similar to any other platform where you’d have to download an app or sign up for a free account to use it. Believe me, it’s well worth it!
What are Boom Cards?
Boom Cards are super popular right now too as they “gamify” learning. They’re similar to Interactive PDF’s in that they’re self-correcting, and they can even include sound effects and voice recordings. This newer platform is really taking off right now, with an amazing response from the education community.
One thing teachers LOVE about Boom Cards is that you can track student progress once you’ve set yourself up with a Premium Account on the Boom Learning website. This feature is definitely a selling point for busy teachers looking for helpful assessment tools.
Important thing to note: Boom Cards are internet-dependent resources, which might pose a problem if your internet connection isn’t super reliable. Some resource designers offer products in Boom Cards format AND Interactive PDF format, giving you a back up plan if your WiFi fails you.
Here are a few examples of resources offered in the two different formats:
Addition to 20 – Boom Cards vs. Interactive PDF
Telling Time to the Nearest 5 Minutes – Boom Cards vs. Interactive PDF
Measuring Length with a Ruler – Boom Cards vs. Interactive PDF
What are Google Slides activities?
Google Slides resources are also internet-dependent and can be easily assigned in Google Classroom (super popular right now). Students can “turn in” their complete work to their teacher for assessment, giving a clear picture of what strengths and challenges students are experiencing. This would be similar to them handing in a worksheet in class, and you taking some time to look over it (minus the sloppy piles of paper thrown into your “In” basket…).
Google Slides resources are perfect for teachers looking to review authentic student work in a paperless way.
There is such a huge range of quality Google Slides activities out there, with a huge selling point being their “drag-and-drop” and “type-in-the-box” features. Kids just LOVE these interactions as they work through the tasks presented on the slides.
Luckily there are some amazing, comprehensive Google Slides resources available that make your life sooooo much easier! Click on the pics or purple links to check them out!
Tons of fun and engaging activities for your kids to enjoy, along with mini-lessons, learning goals, anchor charts, and practice pages!
Here’s a link to a FREE 1st Grade Google Slides resource sampler that you can try out to get a feel for it. You can also check out the full product here to see how complete, engaging, interactive units can be set up in this platform.
Can I use these Digital Learning Tools in a regular classroom?
Absolutely! In fact, way before this whole global pandemic even started, tons of teachers worldwide were already using technology in the classroom all the time. You can use digital learning tools for whole-class instruction, concept review, engaging centers, early finisher tasks, differentiated learning, and the list goes on. You can even assign these activities for homework in Google Classroom.
Where can I find these Digital Learning Tools?
Okay, now that we’ve covered the “What” of digital learning tools, let’s cover the “Where”. A lot of teacher-authors have their own websites and sell their resources directly from there. So when you find an author you love, be sure to subscribe to their website and bookmark it so you can find it easily next time. That way, you can stay in the loop when it comes to new products, articles, tips and tricks, sales, and sometimes even FREEBIES!
Teachers Pay Teachers is also super popular right now, with thousands of teacher-authors selling amazing resources. You’ll find everything you possibly need there, regardless of which grade you teach. Be sure to “Follow” your favorite authors for special perks and notifications about new products. In my TpT Store, for instance, I throw monthly “Follower” giveaways and always offer my new products at 50% off for the first 48 hours. Only “Followers” get notified of these new releases, so you want to make sure you don’t miss out on crazy savings! Click the pic below if you wanna jump on board!
Well, that covers three of the most popular digital learning tools floating around right now: Interactive PDF’s, Boom Cards, and Google Slides activities. I personally like to use a combination of all three platforms since students like variety and each platform has something different to offer. Make sure to keep an eye out for products that include all three types of resources to give you lots of options, like this Digital Learning Math Resource Bundle.
I hope this helps clarify things for you. Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope to see you again soon!
Jessica @ Savvy Apple
“Don’t worry, be Savvy!”
Check out these quick-tips:
How to Create an Assignment in Google Classroom
How to Drag and Drop in Google Classroom
I would LOVE to create an interactive PDF. Thank you for the information and video. I have used Boom Cards with my kids for several years now an they absolutely love them! Thank You.
Hi Eva, that’s awesome that you’ve been using Boom Cards with your kids! They have so much fun with those 🙂 I would love to teach people how to make Interactive PDFs and Google Slides activities. I will likely be creating some courses for those in the next few months, so stay tuned!
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