Buzz/FLVS help

Helpful information for Students and Parents accessing Buzz

*If there is a technical issue with a district issued Chromebook, please refer to the Device Issues page.

PARENT SUPPORT

• Assisting Students in Buzz (pdf)

• Assisting Students in Buzz (Google Slides)

• Student Submissions in Buzz (Google Slides)

• Student Submissions in Buzz (pdf)

• Online learning on-boarding for parents - watch the Video

• How can I see my student's work?

When you login to Buzz as a parent (called observer) you see all your students' courses, assignments, submissions, due dates, and grades, exactly how the student does.

*Helpful hint: Google Chrome is the supported browser for Buzz. If using a different browser, such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge or FireFox, Buzz may not perform properly. If you do not have Chrome installed, you can download Chrome for free from http://chrome.google.com.

• How can I receive text message or email notifications? SLIDESHOW

In the Settings menu of the Parent login view, parents can choose the student(s) they would like observer notifications for and what kinds, submissions, grade thresholds, and/or scores. Check all preferences and also check your contact information to be sure it is correct and current. Then be sure to SAVE! Watch the slideshow linked above.

• How can I email my student's teacher?

You will receive initial email correspondence from your child's teacher, so be sure to keep that email address handy! You can also access the internal Buzz email function by going to the Communication link in the left side menu (three lines). You will search for the course and using the filter tool on the toolbar, filter for the the course. Click on the course and an email icon (flying envelope) will appear. If you click on that icon, your default email program will open and you can compose an email to your child's teacher.

• How do I log in to Buzz? VIDEO

Go to the GPS Portal, click on the Buzz tile, and click the Login button in the upper right of the Buzz portal screen

• How to I access the Buzz orientation course?

The Buzz Orientation course is found in each students' Buzz Login Home screen. This course provides instructions on how to use the features of the platform. We HIGHLY recommend you take the (short) time to work through the orientation course. Instructions for signing up for this course can be found in the video.

• How do I contact my teacher? VIDEO

There are two ways to contact your teacher. If you know their name, you can email them directly at firstname.lastname@gilbertschools.net. (For example: mickey.mouse@gilbertschools.net). There is also a function within Buzz to communicate with your teacher in the Student app menu under Communication.

• When I click on items in my course, nothing happens. What now?

Please do not use Internet Explorer for your Buzz coursework. Google Chrome is the supported browser. You can download Chrome for free from http://chrome.google.com.

• I received a welcome email and waited 48 hours, but I don't see my course in Buzz. What do I do to fix this?

If your course is missing, the most likely reason is because you started the course at an earlier time (perhaps even a year ago!) and your class dates simply need to be updated. If this is the case, please send us an email at GAOnline@gilbertschools.net and we will take care of this for you.

• Why is my course grade 0%?

As you approach the end of your course, you may notice your grade turn to 0%. The reason for this is most likely that you passed your due date for your final exam. Since you are required to pass the final exam in order to receive credit for your course and the system recorded a "soft" zero percent, your overall grade was affected. Once you take and pass the final exam, your actual grade will reappear.

• What is a Discussion Based Assessment and how do I complete it?

A Discussion-Based Assessment (DBA, for short) is an opportunity for you to interact with your instructor about your learning. Each instructor manages DBA a little bit differently. You'll need to contact your instructor who will send you a few questions and explain how to submit your assignment. You may be asked to make a phone call or make a recording to complete this assignment. Do not skip these assignments, as they are an important part of your grade.

• My Chromebook is having trouble opening RTF files. How can I do my work? VIDEO

Rich Text Files (RTF) can be opened easily on PCs or Macs using a word processing software program. On Chromebooks, you will need to download the file to your computer and then upload it to your Google Drive to open it. Please see this slideshow for information on how to do this.

• How do I complete voice activities? VIDEO

Some of our courses use voice recordings, so you will need some type of software or program to make an audio recording to submit to your instructor. There are several free audio options that will work for this purpose. Be sure to contact your instructor to determine the file type in which you need to submit your recordings, and for directions on how to submit assignments in your Learning Management system.

• There is a black box where there should be a video or activity. How do I get rid of it?

If you see a black box where there should be a video or interactive graphic, it is most likely an issue with the newest version of Google Chrome. The developers are working on a permanent fix. For now, you can press Ctrl + or Ctrl - (to zoom in our out the page) and the item should appear.

• How do I sign up for the final exam?

Once you have completed your course, you will need to email your teacher for clearance to take the Final Exam. This means that you have completed all of your coursework satisfactorily and the teacher has given you permission for the final.

To schedule your final exam, click the link to your school located on your Buzz homepage. Note that all full-time Global Academy, Gilbert Classical Academy, and junior high students MUST take their exams at Global Academy.

Then click a date and time you wish to complete your final exam, and complete the form. You will not receive confirmation, so just come to the location you chose at your selected date and time.

• I see a blank screen when trying to log in to Buzz.

We've received numerous reports of students experiencing a blank screen when trying to access Buzz on their Chromebook. This issue appears to be caused by a Chrome extension called "Screen Shader." Please follow the steps below to disable this extension. You will need to open Chrome, go to the main menu, choose "more tools" > then choose "extensions". Find "Screen Shader" and remove or disable it.

• How do I disable my pop-up blocker on a Chromebook?

If you receive a notice that a pop-up blocker is preventing a page from opening, you will need to disable that pop-up blocker. On a Chromebook, this is as simple as clicking the red pop-up blocker icon on the toolbar and disabling the blocker for the Buzz/Agilix site.

• How can I use a screen reader to listen to the course material?

Students all have access to Read&Write for Google Chrome, a Chrome app you can use to read the page out loud.

• How do I type accented characters for my Spanish class? SLIDESHOW

The slideshow will show you how to use the Advance Chrome Setting in Languages Input to type accented characters for your Spanish class.