In the third work package of the Digital First project, dialogue clubs are organised for teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. While the outcomes of these sessions will be presented at a later stage, this article shares a list of digital resources compiled by teachers in Finland, intended for educators worldwide.
This selection represents only a small fraction of the vast range of available digital tools, as digitalisation has significantly expanded the market. Nevertheless, it is hoped that readers will discover something new and useful.
The resources are divided into three categories: 1. resources for all subjects, 2. resources for specific subjects, and 3. resources for programming.
- Digital resources for all subjects
As the name suggests, these digital resources can be used in any subject since they offer a platform without any content.
In all Finnish schools, either Microsoft Education or Google for Education is used. Both offer a range of tools from word processors and spreadsheets to sharing documents and hosting online classes, essential for education today. Additionally, there’s Mentimeter for interactive presentations, Padlet for boards for creative collaboration, Kahoot for competitive quizzing, and ClassDojo for teaching and learning communities.
Links: Google for Education, Mentimeter, Padlet, Kahoot and ClassDojo.
- Digital resources for specific subjects
Then there are digital resources for specific subjects.
There’s Social Media Emulator developed by GenerationAi project for an Instagram-like application for education, which allows safe teaching of social media, DragonBox Algebra 5+ and 12+ for learning mathematics, NatureGate for identifying things in nature, and Minecraft Education for many subjects such as Math, Science, Art & Design and Climate & Sustainability. Did you know Minecraft Education was partially developed in Finland?
Links: Social Media Emulator, DragonBox Algebra 5+, DragonBox Algebra 12+, NatureGate and Minecraft Education.
- Digital resources for programming education
Digital resources for programming – now that just makes sense!
Probably the most well-known one is Scratch, and there is also a version for younger students: ScracthJr. More tactile experience can be achieved with micro:bit, which is compatible with Scratch and Microsoft MakeCode. Minecraft Education has a section for Computer Science. Then there is Processing, a language developed for learning to code, and Sonic Pi: coding for music-lovers.
Links: Scratch, ScratchJr, micro:bit, Microsoft MakeCode, Minecraft Education, Processing and Sonic Pi.
