• Best Apps & Websites

  • Finding more Resources

    One of the most important methods to ease the struggles of virtual learning is accessibility. Knowing what resources to use will substantially decrease all the struggles that come with virtual learning, whether it be bookmarking websites, using shortcuts, downloading apps, etc. The best way to make a situation easier is to put the work in. That doesn't mean you have to deal with it alone though, this section will guide you to resources you can access on the Internet or download from your phone.

    Mandatory apps/websites

    If there is an app you use for virtual learning, whether it be Google Classroom or Kahoot, it is mandatory to download it. Not only is it easier to access apps from the comfort of your phone, but it also acts as a backup tool for when you can no longer access the essentials on your computer. For example, Zoom isn't always the most stable app to use and may disconnect often, using your phone as a backup when it disconnects is the best strategy. Make use of the "mobile" in mobile phones. A good tip to organize these apps is to place them in folders, that way all of the school essentials are in one place.

    Some of the school essentials I use are:

     

    PowerSchool

    The best way to view grades is without a doubt, PowerSchool. This service is especially useful at the end of marking periods when teachers begin to submit grades. PowerSchool is available for all RCSD students, however logging in is not the easiest. If you search your Gmail for "PowerSchool", the district should have sent log-in info for each student. 

    Gmail

    Never take Gmail for granted. It is an excellent resource to contact teachers and the best way to receive information. Google Classroom even emails you reminders if you haven't turned in an assignment 24 hours before it is due.

    Google Keep

    The best app for notetaking. This app can be used to store passwords, keep screenshots, save links, add reminders, etc. With the benefits of a Google app, you can take notes and access them on a Chromebook and any device or vice versa. 

    Optional apps/websites

    These apps aren't mandatory in my opinion, but they can still be helpful to have. Ultimately, it is up to you if you want to use these apps. 

    Khan Academy

    The best way to approach a problem is by viewing it from multiple angles. This is a great resource if you are stuck on a topic in class and need to understand the material from a different method of teaching. This is also good for reviewing topics when it comes to studying for tests.

    - Khan Academy website

    - Google Play download

    - App Store download

     

    Power Thesaurus

    A helpful thesaurus that provides you with synonyms, definitions, antonyms, and examples for words and phrases. I use this mostly for writing essays to sound more sophisticated and less repetitive.

    - Power Thesaurus website

    - Google Play download

    - App Store download

     

    LitCharts

    Provides great literary resources and guides for several texts.

    - LitCharts website

    - Google Play download

    - App Store download

     

    Quizlet

    A very helpful resource when it comes to studying. Easily create interactive flashcards to help remember terms before an upcoming test.

    - Quizlet website

    - Google Play download

    - App Store download

     

    Socratic

    Similar to Khan Academy, Socratic is a Google App that once asked a question it will find the best online resources for you to learn the concepts.

    - Google Play download

    - App Store download

     

    SpanishDict

    A translator for you guessed it - Spanish. More accurate translations than Google Translate.

    - SpanishDict website

    - Google Play download

    - App Store download