Distance Learning Resources

2020 Tuleyome California Naturalist Graduation
• Online Natural History Content
• Free Distance Delivery Tools
We have tried to choose resources across multiple topical interests and types, in-line with California Naturalist curriculum. Most are either explicitly teacher or adult-focused, or can be adapted to an adult audience. This list is growing and is by no means exhaustive. It is sorted by subject.
In an education environment with increasing demands for online delivery, there are many options for instructors. These are a few of the free tools that UC California Naturalist instructors and partners recommend.
Tool | Type | What it does | Tech Needed by Instructor | Tech needed by Student | Notes |
Ecological Society of America | guide |
How to design online curriculum, ecology curriculum materials
|
computer | n/a | Many tips and links for transitioning a field course to distance learning. |
UC Davis- Teaching Virtually | guide | How to design online curriculum | computer | n/a | Many technologies are specific to the Davis Campus/Faculty, but find universal gems on the Teach tab, under Planning for Remote Instruction |
Flipgrid | app/website | video conversations and responses. free, kind of like a conversational pinterest for instructor resources: curate lists/video content | computer, google or microsoft account | computer or smartphone | California State Parks have used this successfully- find their content by searching "California State Park" in the top "disco menu" when you log in (free). |
Flipgrid- how to lesson plan & deliver | youtube help | how to lesson plan & teach remotely with flipgrid | computer | n/a | This is a great, free resource but it might have a steep learning curve for individuals that aren't as tech saavy. |
Flipgrid- learn the basics | youtube help | learn the basics- flipgrid help | computer | n/a | |
Google Hangouts | video conferencing | virtual classroom videoconferencing | gmail account, computer, web cam and mic (if not integrated into computer already) | gmail account, computer | The "meet" premium version is free until July. The "regular" version connects up to 25 via video or 150 non-video. |
Zoom Videoconferencing | video conferencing | virtual classroom videoconferencing | computer, web cam and mic (if not integrated into computer already) | idealy a computer and webcam, but at the least a telephone that can make a long distance call | CalNat staff have used this extensively internally. |
Zoom 101 : Sign Up & Download | zoom help video | gets you started on Zoom delivery | computer | n/a | |
Zoom 101 : Meeting Controls | zoom help video | learn the options for video conferencing | computer | n/a | |