Blended Learning Resources
PGSD Technology Department
This site is under continuous construction. Please check back regularly as information will be added or changed. Please email jsteer@pgsd.ms if there is a resource that needs to be added to this page.
Preparing for Blended Learning
Checkout our PD Webinars!
Upcoming SchoolStatus Webinar
PGSD is so grateful to SchoolStatus for helping us during this pandemic. Check out their webinar on May 6, 2020 to see further explore how SchoolStatus can aid with distance learning. Click the link below to register.
You can find our webinars on the Webinars on Demand page.
Tips on Creating Engaging Asynchronous Lessons
Google Classroom As Our Learning Platform
Google Classroom will be your basecamp for all learning. This is where your students will come first everyday. All important information goes here. Activities, assignments, chats, and other resources need to be posted here.
Google Classroom for STUDENTS
Be sure you create a Google Classroom for each of your classes
Share the code with your students and have them join your class.
Create assignments using TOPICS to organize your Classwork page
Create daily date topic ie: 3/13/2020
MS/HS - Create assignments using a numbering scheme and assignment title "#001 Algebra chap 10" tag it to the date topic.
Elementary -
Topic 3/13/2020
#001 Check in
#002 History
#003 Math
#004 Science
#005 ELA
Due dates - be flexible with due dates to accommodate students with little or no technology.
Use the grade book feature
Make a Checklist
Post a new checklist the night before for the next day.
Our students want to see their teachers. Create a short video for the day.
Teach students to always look at the checklist first.
Include everything on the checklist
Any videos to watch
Reminder to check feedback on their returned work.
Links to other resources.
First Days of Distance Learning
Everyone needs routines - set these just like the first day of school
Capture your students hearts. This can help your relationships with your students and help build an online community. Building your community can help with student engagement and completion of assignments later.
Even if you have been an avid Google Classroom user, let your students know this remote learning is new to you.
Post a pic or your workspace if you are working from home.
Introduce your pet
Joke a day
Weekly Artist
Give them an area to post their interests. This could be a Padlet or a Jamboard.
Use a daily "Check-in"using a Google Form to check on the well-being of your students. Check out this article with a example.
Decide how you will give feedback to students and train them on how to look for the feedback. Practice with them.
Go over digital etiquette and expectations with students!
Create a document with your expectations and make it an assignment. Have students review it and mark it as done. Afterwards, keep the document pinned to the top of the Classwork page as a material post.
Home Learning Routines for Students
Here are some tips that you should share with your students for establishing a learning routine at home.
Eliminate distractions (tell students to turn off notifications during learning time). Find a quiet area for students to work in.
Charge device nightly
Check your checklist first (Sample Checklist)
Set a timer-Students need to remember to take breaks
Watch your greeting video from your teacher
Look for teacher feedback.
Add work that needs to be redone to your checklist.
Check your checklist again when finished.
Contact your teacher for concerns or questions.
Rethink Assignments
Consolidate
Include everything in one container or a Hyperdoc
Think about Lesson Designing using the 5E Model
Chunk Information
Provide more context than usual
No partner work - Students may have different technology abilities, or different schedules due to being caregivers to younger siblings, etc.
Choice in assignments when possible
Consider Formative vs. Summative
Template of Respiration and Photosynthesis.5 E's Lesson Plan
Digital Lesson Design - HyperDocs Making Connections 18Rethink Devices and Access
Every student will not have the same access to devices or internet
Some homes may be sharing one device for parents and multiple students.
Every home situation will be different
Some students are losing their only hot meal of the day
Some parents will not be able to help at home.
Strategies for Creating Instructional Videos
Use your phone, iPad, Screencastify, Screencast-O-Matic, Quicktime, Flipgrid, Google Meet
Say "Good Morning" or "Hello"
Record instructions using a screencasting tool to show students how to complete work.
Use video as a feedback tool
Offer video conference opportunities for "Check-ins" with Google Meet.
Keep them short-not more than 3 mins
Consider using YouTube for Closed Captioning (CC)
Show EL Ss how to change the language on CC
Example of how to change the language on Closed Captioning
Create Group Norms When Video Conferencing with Students
Ask students to keep microphones muted.
Students need to be respectful of the teacher when instructing
Students should not chat unless specifically asked
Teachers Should Consider
Daily or Weekly options:
Synchronous vs asynchronous learning
schedule online meetings to teach multiple students live
record videos and lessons and have students review on their own
Teachers should have online hours available for LIVE student interactions
Think about due dates. Consider weekly or bi-weekly due dates depending on the length of the assignment.
Paper options:
Give students the option to complete assignments using paper.
Scheduling options:
Instructional time will be different. Don't expect it to be the same time frame or schedule as in person in the classroom.
