Student Resources and Links

First off, let's just be clear: when anyone engages online, it's essential that everyone behaves appropriately. BOUSD students must follow the Responsible Use Procedures that are included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities documents that everyone gets at the beginning of the year. And it's not just students who have to follow those procedures, the adults do as well. As a quick reminder, when you're online, be sure to:

• Use respectful behavior and language.

• Stick to appropriate topic discussions.

• Send only appropriate video transmissions.

• Use only appropriate icon, emoji, and avatar submissions.

• Wear school appropriate clothing if you are attending meetings via video.

• Be honest and do not plagiarize or copy the work of others -- in other words, use academic integrity.

• Not falsify information about yourself or impersonate others online.

When everyone remembers to act kindly, show consideration for others, and treat one another online as you wish to be treated in person, we'll all be able to focus on learning.

BOUSD students grade 3 and above have Gmail accounts. Really. You've got one. These accounts are managed and monitored by school district employees who work in the Technology Department.

When you learn in the cloud, you will need to check your District Gmail account every day for information from your teachers and other adults about coursework, lessons, and/or content. All students 3rd through 6th grade , with support from a parent or guardian, should check their District Gmail account every day. All junior high and high school students should check their District Gmail account every day, too. Gmail is going to be an important tool for getting the information you need to successfully learn in the cloud. And if you need help using Gmail, Brea-Olinda educators can support you.

As a reminder, here's how you can access your District Gmail account:

• Use any browser to access Gmail. You can go to Chrome and type in Gmail.

• Click on Gmail and log in using the following information:

  • Student ID#@mybousd.us (example: 1234567@mybousd.us)

Checking your District Gmail account every day is one thing. Following through on all that you'll need to do at home when you're engaging in virtual learning is another. If you've already set yourself up with good study habits, those habits will support learning in the cloud. Here are some things to think about when you engage in online learning:

• Have a daily routine. Stick to it. Ask your parent or another important adult to help you develop your schedule if you need assistance. Be sure your routine includes breaks, time to be active, and time to eat lunch.

• Have a learning space. Use this space when it's time to learn.

Be sure your learning space includes what you need to learn. You'll need a computer, iPad, Chromebook, or other device. You'll need paper, pencils and/or pens. You'll need tools to help you with math like a calculator, ruler, compass, and possibly manipulatives like counters. You'll need your textbooks, trade books, composition notebooks, or any other curriculum materials that your teacher provides.

Don't be surprised when your parent or guardian asks you to make your learning space in a shared area of your home like at the kitchen table, a large kitchen counter, or a desk in a living room or family room. The reality is that when your learning space is separate from your bedroom and distanced from the television, it triggers your brain that the space is for work and not play. You really will be more productive. And, like it or not, an online learning space in a shared area allows the adult(s) in your home to readily support your learning while also monitoring your online activity. (Yes, they get to see what you do.)

Getting used to an online learning environment and participating in virtual learning might take a little while. Some people will love it right away. Others might need some time to get used to how to participate in live video sessions or use a chat room. If you're an "early adopter," be patient and remain kind to those who will take longer to adjust to a virtual learning environment. If you're one of the people who isn't as comfortable with technology or online learning as your peers, it's okay. Stay positive. Be persistent.

Your teacher(s) are going to want to know whether you are learning what they intend for you to learn. So you're going to need to figure out how to share your learning with them. When you check your Gmail messages every day, you will probably find out how your teacher will want you to demonstrate your learning. Be prepared to be asked to:

• Complete a Google Quiz;

• Submit a document into your personal Google folder;

• Take a picture of your work and upload it into a Google folder or email it to your teacher;

• Record a video that shows how you are able to do something;

• Email a message summarizing your learning;

• Engage in a Chat session; or

• Engage in an online video "Office Hour".

There might be other ways your teacher(s) will want to check on your progress. If you have an idea, let them know!