Digital and Distance Learning for Teachers

Use an LMS

Strategy 1: Use a Learning Management System

Whether we are addressing dismissals or just day-to-day classroom learning, all OSD teachers should be using a learning management system (LMS). It is also best to make this decision as a grade level or school. Share learning with students for quick access and ease of use. Get started by using your LMS:

Canvas: Use Canvas to share learning with students, collect assignments/assessments, and provide powerful student feedback. Canvas is the OSD recommendation for secondary schools and 3rd through 6th grade teachers and ir the required LMS for 7th through 12th grade teachers.
Google Classroom: Google Classroom is a tool that allows teachers and students to communicate and collaborate. Teachers can create, collect, and grade assignments. It also creates Google Drive folders for each class so that students are able to keep everything organized. Classroom or Canvas are the OSD recommendations for Kinder through 2nd grade teachers. (Scroll down for a quick getting started guide.)

From Canvas or Google Classroom, teachers can share valuable and authentic independent practice with students from a distance. Consider existing core curriculum resources as a starting place for core learning.

Getting Started With Canvas (3rd - 12th Grades)

OSD Blended Learning With Canvas Guidelines

This document outlines the guidelines for consistent use of Canvas LMS in the Ogden School District. Canvas is the learning management system that affords our 3rd through 12th grade educators the space to effectively employ digital tools/resources and implement Personalized and Blended Learning instructional models.

OSD Blended Learning With Canvas Guidelines

Step 1:

Check out this slide deck for a list of high-lever tasks with which to start. These are the quick wins you can employ as a teacher to get started sharing learning with students using Canvas. Support guides and how-to resources are linked in addition to some quick videos and screenshots.

Getting Started w/ Canvas

Step 2:

If you would like a guided look at the topics above, check out this webinar the OSD Canvas team did on March 13, 2020. We saved a recording for you if you would like to rewatch and pause the video throughout.

3.13.20 Webinar - Getting Started w/ Canvas

Step 3:

Canvas is a powerful tool which can facilitate distance learning with ease, however, there is a lot to learn. The links below will give you next steps as you look for a deeper understanding of how to use Canvas LMS to support your students while school is dismissed.

Check out the OSD Canvas Elevated Course (Click here if not enrolled)
View the Canvas LMS Instructor Guide
Use the Tier 1 Chat or Phone Support (Click the question mark icon in the Canvas global navigation - this option is only for educators.)
Reach out to the OSD Canvas Team

As you support students with Canvas LMS (this is a great principal task to send out by school), please remember our official OSD resources:

How to create a Parent Observer Account Video (also embedded on the OSD Canvas Login Page)
How to become an observer (English/Spanish)
Canvas Parent App (English/Spanish)
OSD Student/Teacher Login Instructions

These resources may be collectively found in the folder to the right/above.

Getting Started With Classroom (K - 6th* Grades)

OSD Blended Learning With Classroom Guidelines

This document outlines the guidelines for consistent use of Google Classroom in the Ogden School District. Classroom is the learning management system that affords our lower elementary educators the space to effectively employ digital tools/resources and implement Personalized and Blended Learning instructional models.

OSD Blended Learning With Google Classroom Guidelines

Step 1: Create a Classroom

Navigate to Google Classroom by going to classroom.google.com OR by clicking the waffle in your Google Drive and then Classroom.
Create a New Class. Click the plus button and then "Create Class".
Add students to Classroom. To do this, click on the People tab and the invite icon.
You can add students by typing in their names or their email addresses.

Google Classroom.mp4

Step 2: Create Assignments

Post assignments by going to the Classwork tab and clicking +Create.
Choose the type of assignment you would like your student to access.

Step 3: Customize Assignment Details

Add stimulus material here. This can be a Google Doc, a file you already have on your computer, a video, or a link out to another website.
You can also create a template or file within Classroom. Once you create a document, you can choose to make a copy for each student or just allow students to view and edit one document.
Select the class and the students you would like to assign it to. (If needed, you can assign to multiple classes).
Change the point value to match your assignment.
Select a due date for your students.

Step 4: Grade and Return Work

Once your students have completed work, you can provide feedback and grade the assignment.

Click on the Classwork tab and then the assignment.
You can view which students have turned in their work and then open student work.
Type comments to students by clicking on the student's name within their assignment.
When finished, grade the assignment and make sure to click "Return" so that students can view your comments and their score.

Step 5: Explore More

Classroom is a powerful tool which can facilitate distance learning with ease, however, there is a lot to learn. The links below will give you next steps as you look for a deeper understanding of how to use Google Classroom to support your students.

Check out the Google for Education Teacher Center for more in depth tutorials on the basics.
Use the Google Support site to find answers on frequently asked questions about Classroom.
View the G Suite Basics slide deck for G Suite tools that integrate with Google Classroom.
Reach out to Zoe Lu or Sarah Eastman.

*Many 3rd - 6th grade teachers are using Canvas with their students. Please make the best choice for your students based on your school and team.

Have questions about using an LMS with your students? Please reach out and ask.

OSD Digital Teaching & Learning Team - osdedtech@ogdensd.org

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