This post is written by Paula Johnson. By day, Paula teaches virtual special education to 8th-12th graders—where her flexibility rivals her coffee intake (which is dangerously high). By night (or whenever she has Wi-Fi), she is deep in the world of AI, helping shape policies that keep education innovative and responsible. She serves on the Iowa DOE’s AI Policy Creation Committee, the NEA AI Task Force, and the EngageAI Practitioner Advisory Board, and is an ISTE + ASCD Generative AI Fellow. You can follow Paula's blog at paulajohnsontech.com.
Did you know that virtual learning is still going strong?
Yep, it didn’t disappear when schools reopened!
It’s like that one houseplant you forgot to water—still thriving against all odds.
Virtual learning is an incredibly flexible option that allows students to learn anytime, anywhere (yes, even in pajamas). It personalizes learning experiences and lets students progress at their own pace with parental support (and sometimes a cameo appearance from a younger sibling or a very judgmental cat on camera).
Since the fall of 2020, I’ve been navigating the world of virtual education as a special educator.
My students, spread across Iowa, meet with me weekly via Google Meet.
My workspace? A cozy little nook in a school building where I juggle between 12 and 17 students, each receiving 30 minutes of direct instruction daily. It’s like speed dating, but with IEP goals and progress monitoring.
So, how do I keep things running smoothly while maintaining my sanity? With these five essential (and gloriously free) tools!
Canva Whiteboard
Think: digital whiteboard, but make it fancy.
Canva Whiteboard is my go-to for real-time collaboration with students. They can write, draw, add text, shapes, and even change colors (which they enjoy way more than actually solving the math problem). Links are easy to share, and work can be done interactively, so students can engage with content in a way that’s actually fun.
Why it’s a lifesaver:
- Watch students solve math problems in real-time (and gently guide them away from the “creative” solutions).
- Break words into parts or sort them into word families like a pro.
- Help students rewrite sentences without them suddenly deciding that writing is the worst thing ever.
Google Classroom
Because physical folders don’t work in the virtual world.
Google Classroom keeps all my assignments in one place and saves me from the chaos of a million emails asking, "Where is that worksheet again?" (Answer: In Google Classroom. Always.) It even syncs with the school’s student information system, so I spend less time searching for grades and more time actually teaching.
Why it’s my virtual filing cabinet:
- A home for all class materials (since slipping papers under the door isn’t an option).
- A free tool that integrates with other learning systems.
- The perfect spot for storing asynchronous work that students may or may not do before the last minute.
Loom
Because students need to see my face even when I’m not there.
Loom lets me create quick, engaging videos where I can show slides, talk through concepts, and—most importantly—remind students that I exist outside of Google Meet. It’s especially handy for asynchronous learning because sometimes 30 minutes of live instruction just isn’t enough (or, let’s be real, they were only half-listening).
Why it’s my secret weapon:
- Perfect for creating instructional videos students can watch (and rewatch) at their own pace.
- Allows me to provide additional examples without using up live class time.
- Saves me from explaining the same thing 15 times in a row. (Well, at least some of the time.)
Pear Deck
Turning slides into interactive fun (or at least preventing total boredom).
Pear Deck takes regular presentations and makes them interactive. Whether students are drawing, adding text, voting, or answering questions, it keeps them engaged (or at least clicking on something other than TikTok). I can use it live or asynchronously, so it’s versatile and keeps students on their toes.
Why it keeps my students awake:
- Additional instruction that supports new learning.
- A self-paced option for students who need flexibility.
- Reports that show what students know (and, more importantly, what they don’t know yet).
MagicSchool
Like a virtual assistant but without the salary.
This AI-powered tool is my ultimate time-saver. Need help with lesson planning? Done. Want a thought partner for writing an IEP? No problem. Need an email to a parent that doesn’t sound like a cry for help? Handled. Magic School can even rewrite text at different reading levels, making differentiation a breeze.
Why I might actually survive the paperwork mountain:
- Saves me time (and sanity).
- Helps with IEP writing, lesson planning, grading, and a million other things.
- Keeps me from needing 24 more hours in my day (though I wouldn’t say no to that, either).
As a virtual special educator, these tools keep me organized and make learning more interactive for my students. I love getting to know them (and their pets) in their home environments, and I’ve gained a new appreciation for the parents who support their learning.
Virtual learning has come a long way since the pandemic. Some tools have vanished (RIP, Jamboard), while others, like Magic School, are evolving with AI-driven capabilities. The future of virtual education isn’t just about the tools—it’s about ensuring students get the support they need.
At the end of the day, teachers are the heart of learning, but it sure helps to have tech tools that make life a little easier. Now, if only there were a tool that could grade papers and make coffee …
