The Long Beach Public Schools held a Parent Tech Night on Oct. 15 as an opportunity for parents to explore and gain a stronger understanding of the digital resources that are being utilized to complement instruction. Teachers Debra Cupani and Natasha Nurse led an interactive, virtual presentation that walked participants through online tools that can be used at different grade levels.

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Paul Romanelli welcomed attendees and introduced Ms. Cupani and Ms. Nurse. They discussed and demonstrated Mentimeter, Quizizz, Kahoot!, Quizlet, Nearpod, Jamboard and other online programs and activities, providing parents with opportunities to log in and try out virtual learning for themselves.

Ms. Nurse and Ms. Cupani explained that the featured tools generate data so that teachers can see students’ strengths and weaknesses and identify topics that need additional review. Many of the platforms, such as Jamboard, encourage communication among students with features such as digital post-it notes for questions and comments. The presenters also noted that some these tools, such as Kahoot!, can be used for family game nights and other forms of fun outside the school day.