I put together a list of free digital and online teaching resources, or resources that now offer premium features for free, that might be useful now when many teachers are overwhelmed by the sudden shift to online teaching, for which many of us aren’t prepared due to the consequences of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Platforms for digital classroom
1. Zoom
Zoom is video-conferencing tool. The users can collaborate on projects, record sessions and share screens. The Basic plan is free and it offers unlimited number of meetings, however it limits the time of the meetings with three or more participants to 40 minutes.
2. Webex
This is another video-conferencing tool. The free plan offers screen sharing and meetings up to 50 people.
3. Classdojo
Classdojo is a free communication app and website for building school community. You can share photos, videos, files, use portfolios, messaging and more.
This free service by Google simplifies creating, distributing and grading assignments. It helps teachers get classes organized, and communicate efficiently with students.
5. Padlet
Padlet has a free version and a premium version for schools. It is a virtual board similar to Pinterest, but it offers a better way how to organize your notes, or whatever you want.
Online resources
Kahoot is widely popular and it’s good to know that its creators made Premium available for free for the rest of the academic year. Try it out!
My second most popular online quiz tool can be used to assign homework(this works great) or do solo practice. Very useful these times.
3. Cambridge English Write and Improve
This website is great for practicing writing! Students register for free and submit their word and get instant feedback and tips on how to improve their writing. There are many writing assignments, W&I workbooks: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced and extra category “Just for fun.”
There is also a test zone for IELTS Academic, General training and B2 First Certificate.
This is great for assigning homework. There are lessons based on the videos, students just need to register for free. I then assign videos, they watch it at home, do the Dig deeper and Discuss sections. You can also customize the lessons.
5. LearnEnglish Teens by the British Council
This lovely website is great when students have to study at home. They can practice grammar and vocabulary and I particularly like the Skills section that has online exercises so students get instant feedback.
6. OpenLearn
Free courses. Who needs more? But seriously, this is a great resource for older students. There are plenty of free courses on different subjects(Science, History, Languages, Nature, etc.)
7. Book Creator
This is fun and creative collaborative tool. Your students can create digital books online. Now you get get the premium features for free for 90 days.
The Smithsonian offer a lot of online activities not only for the younger kids. On their website you will find the Learning Lab with thousands of resources and Science Game Center with fun games and apps.
Bonus
Future Learn is another platform that offers free courses. There is one that might be particularly interesting for some teachers, it’s called Teaching English Online. Why not give it a go if you have the time. And let us know what you think!
Other resources
Taboo Card Games 
Role-plays 
Speaking Activities
