School-wide Tools and Platforms

In order to implement successful distance learning, certain core technology tools/platforms will be used to ensure consistency, promote clear and reliable communication and support parents and students at home.

Tools all teachers will use:

Veracross:
- ISA will post all information relevant for parents on the Veracross portal
- Each LS homeroom teacher and each US teacher will use their Veracross Class Website as a one-point of entry for parents to allow parents to support their children’s learning; Class Websites will direct parents and students to other digital tools as appropriate through links to Google Classroom, Seesaw or Storypark as applicable
- Upper School teachers will use their Veracross class website as a one-point of entry for parents to allow parents to support their children’s learning. Any assignments students are expected to complete will be posted on Veracross and parents will be able to view a completion status. The Veracross class websites may direct students and parents to other digital tools as appropriate through links to Google Sites or Google Classroom.
Google Education Suite:
- Google Chat for students to ask questions and seek help from teachers
- Google Meet for video chat and real-time lessons with students
- Google Drive for storage of all digital resources
- Google Docs, Sheets and Slides for collaboration
- Gmail:
  - In a distance learning situation email should not be the main communication tool. It can be overwhelming for students and teachers if communication flows through email.
  - Teachers should use the tools listed above to post assignments and give instructions to students. If students want to contact the teacher, they should do so through Google Classroom or Google Chat.
  - US Teachers should share information with parents via the Veracross Class Website, through posts and assignments. Parents will still choose to email teachers and that is to be expected.