Introduction
Introduction
Embedded Files
Thanks to breakthroughs in modern technology and the ever-increasing need for remote technology, being able to support distance learning from a technology standpoint is easier than ever. It is also cheaper, more convenient, and exceptionally more user-friendly than in previous years. Remember, one huge upside to using technology is that you aren't as constrained to typical obligations or time constraints as a more traditional classroom and you have a more robust number of resources at your disposal that aren't bound by those classic standards. Despite these advances in technology itself, however, the difficulty in the management and administration of that technology is just as difficult as it has always been, if not more so, considering how inundated our culture has become with the technology. Don't fret! With our assistance and our know-how, you will find helpful tips, resources, and direction on "things to consider" to help you manage technology in the world of Distance Learning and Remote Education.
Best Practices
Best Practices
Use Creative Solutions to Connect Students to Wifi
Have you surveyed the possibility that not all students have access to the internet services? Consider the alternatives or offer guest WiFi to students who live near your school.
Get Devices in Students Hands
Distance learning means having the technology to do so in the first place, right? Consider how you might handle device hand-outs and manage distribution while maintaining social distancing.
Manage Access to the World
Now that devices are at home and not in a controlled network, what type of access or permission do your students have at home? What is in practice for acceptable use or security? Consider making revisions if necessary.
Plan for At-Home IT Support
Inevitably, our technology will need intervention and require the help of tech experts, whether in-house or contracted. Carefully plan for efforts to set up effective services for your staff's and students' tech needs for home.
Resources
Resources
Feel free to use any of these resources to help your school/district. Each template, document, or presentation you find below can be copied and used for your own purposes with original credit attributed:
Teacher Training
Teacher Training
Check out the free training we offer to prepare your staff for distance learning:
Enable Google Drive Offline Access
Enable Google Drive Offline Access
Low Bandwidth Meet Settings
Low Bandwidth Meet Settings
Using Google Drive from a Mobile Device
Using Google Drive from a Mobile Device
Low Tech Tips
Low Tech Tips
When in doubt, restart your device.
IT Support? The more detail, the faster they can help!
Have you tried Googling self-help tutorials?
Things to Consider
Things to Consider
Device Access
Device Access
If your remote model asks students to join live classes or access digital instruction at home, does each student have reliable access to a device or internet?
Learning Assessments
Learning Assessments
Have you considered how to appropriately assess students through technology? What is in place to ensure student engagement is effective or accurate?
Technology Support
Technology Support
What solutions can we set up and communicate so that students can get help when needed or exchange devices so that learning isn't prevented or delayed?
Bright Spots
Bright Spots
In order to better facilitate distance learning, Deer Park Community City Schools scheduled a time that allowed students and parents to drive by the school and pick up a device for home use. The devices were prepared and distributed by technology staff. Families remained in their car while staff would exchange names and devices, all while maintaining social distancing practices and proper PPE practices.
District Facilities Director, David Conover had this to say in response to the lack of universal home internet among the district's families, "We have families without access. Nothing we can do other than think outside the box a little bit... times like these demand that."
Deer Park has made 'Drive-Thru' WiFi available to students and parents in the parking lot of their Amity location. This way, those families without internet access can visit in their vehicles and continue their education while maintaining their safety.
For device repairs, Purcell Marian High School created a location that is contact-less. Part of the process is to coordinate with their tech department for a scheduled device drop-off and pick-up.
For device pickup, parents in the Three Rivers Local School District submit a pre-checkout form with their student's information and an acceptable use agreement before driving through a car line to acquire a student device.
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