Blended and virtual learning models rely on the use of traditional curriculum materials and resources delivered through the technology tools that are chosen to facilitate or enhance the learning process. In MUSD, when we consider meaningful student engagement through virtual means, we must think about how to design learning experiences that effectively support the introduction of and interaction with our standard curriculum materials when students are not present in the classroom.

Meaningful engagement through virtual means requires that promising practices in online pedagogy are utilized. Online pedagogy first and foremost requires thoughtful consideration of the communication process: When and through what method will students and their significant adults be informed of online class time, lesson content, lesson activities, and expectations for the demonstration of student demonstration? Once the communication methods are identified and information is shared, then students will be better equipped to engage in live video sessions, chat rooms, and/or independent learning that they document and share in some way.

Elementary - Curated materials

Secondary - Curated materials

Elementary - Curated materials

Secondary - Curated materials

Amazing Educational Resources - A spreadsheet containing a list of educational vendors that have now made many of their features free to be accessed for distance learning circumstances.

Teachers Helping Teachers - Grades 4-8

Scholastic Learn at Home - Grades TK-6+

30 Virtual Field Trips

Common Sense Media

12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours

Teachers, please preview these resources linked above or others in order to provide the safest possible distance learning opportunities for our students.

In order to maintain high standards of social-emotional and academic support for all MUSD students, educators are committed to the following:

• Daily attendance monitoring

• Daily communication with students (via Google for Education platform, Zoom, and/or site based platforms)

• Daily facilitation of learning engagement (provide instructional materials via online, collect evidence of student learning)

• Abide by the MUSD Acceptable Use Policy (Updated AR will be provided by Technology Services).

Educators in MUSD schools are familiar with and use a variety of online tools and platforms. These include, but are not limited to:

• Google Suite

• Zoom

• Aeries

• Nearpod

• Acellus

• Edgenuity

• iReady

All MUSD educators have access to virtual training resources for how to use these tools so that everyone would have common knowledge about the features of these online resources. Additionally, educators had the opportunity to think about which of the available tools will work best for students and their families.

MUSD is committed to using the Google Platform as a means to communicate and distribute assignments to students. However, It is up to each individual classroom teacher, in consultation with their grade or department teammates when appropriate, and site administrators, to make the decisions about which virtual platform will best serve the needs of their students. Having the tools available is one thing. Choosing which tool(s) to use is another and is dependent upon what the educators in each school, grade level, and/or department know will match what their students already know and can do with online technology.

All MUSD educators have Google Suite for education accounts that include access to Google Classroom. Educators can access Google Classroom through their monroviaschools.net district account. Educators should post in Google Classroom every day to communicate with students, provide instructional materials, and collect student evidence of learning. This is the primary platform for MUSD educators to engage students with communication and learning. Educators will also clearly communicate with students about how to share evidence their learning. Educators may use Google Classroom to:

• Provide access to instructional materials such as screencasts, PDFs, Google Docs, and Google Slides

• Post Google Classroom assignments

• Post Google Form surveys and/or quizzes

• Moderate a Google Question chat forum

• Access and assess student evidence of learning (i.e. pictures of work, Google Docs, Google Slides, Question responses)

Resources for support with navigating and using Google Classroom:

The Google Classroom Start-Up Guide

Introduction to Google Classroom Slide Deck - Created by Tonya Sherman

Getting Started with Google Classroom Video (Start at 1:20)

Assignments in Google Classroom: Going Beyond Announcements - Created by Tonya Sherman

Screencastify is a Google Chrome screen recorder that is available to all MUSD educators and students. It allows users the ability to capture video recordings of their screen and includes audio recording capabilities. Screen recordings are limited to five minute clips and are automatically saved to Google Drive when stopped. Screencastify recordings may be shared by copying and posting a link into Google Classroom or through Gmail. Educators may use this tool to communicate general information with students, provide instructions for an assignment, and/or teach mini-lessons.

• https://help.screencastify.com/

• Create a Screencastify ~ By: Phil Heng

• Teachers At-Home ClassLink Guide