We are seeing an unprecedented movement to digital communication and access in the last few days.
1st - BREATH!!!!!! We are in this together!
2nd - PLEASE BE PATIENT!
We are seeing reports that google and other sites are having capacity issues (much like the toilet paper shortages, just different).
Google and other sites are adding capacity and will be able to handle it, but know, it might have some bumps. . . . . expect them, and BREATH.
Also know that NGT has moved several more people into help-desk, so you have a place to go to get help. . . . http://www.ngthelp.com there you can chat, email, or call.
We are living in extraordinary times . . . . . remember the next few weeks, it will be a story to tell.
Pay attention the next few weeks, there are many teaching moments, use them!!!
Thank you
Brian Blodgett
Before we begin, please make sure you can do ALL of these things. If you can not, please speak with your building administrator.
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Laptop powers on and you can login to it
Laptop connects to internet at home and passes speed test HERE
I have a laptop and can login to it
My laptop web camera works - Test it by clicking HERE
I have access to my google documents
I have access to http://docs.google.com/
I have access to my NICS email outside of the district either via OUTLOOK or webmail @ https://mail.northiowa.org, test by sending an email to someone from home
I know how to get help on NGT's support page - http://www.ngthelp.com
The 1st step is to make sure you know how you are going to communicate with students and how students are going to communicate with you.
You need to know this and parents / students need to know this as well so they are checking for info.
This is how do you get the 'word out' on things, not necessarily where you post all your assignments.
Option #1 -
Staff will email parents using JMC.
You can do this HERE
Option #2 -
Staff will email parents directly via distribution group in their email.
Here is a HOW TO setup a distribution list
Option #3 -
If you happen to be using a FACEBOOK group already with your parents this could be another method.
There is no HOW TO at this time as this should only be used if you already have something setup.
Outliers and how to handle -
If some parents do NOT have access to email ensure you have a phone number to make calls directly to parents to communicate the assignment/assignments.
You will need a place to 'share' your lessons so that students and possible parents can find them easily. You can email students and even send home packets of info, but having a landing zone for your students to look up things if there is an extended window is very helpful. Please note that this does NOT need to be complicated, just a place for you to share learning opportunities.
Option 1 -Email
I will not be creating a landing zone, I will just email parents information daily with lesson for them to do and ask them to return them via email so I can check for understanding. "I have a packet with info for a few days and will be emailing the reset as we go."
Option 1 - Google Classroom. This is a GREAT way to go.
If you have not used Google classroom before, HERE is a great how to
Option #2- Google Site
Create a google SITE. HERE is a 5min how to video
HERE is another HOW TO you can read.
Option #4 - SharePoint
SharePoint is and has been used by some for years. This is an option if you want to use something you know. How tos can be found HERE.
Please note, if you have an OLD SharePoint page and choose this as your landing zone, PLEASE be sure to update before declaring it as your landing zone.
Option #5 - Facebook
If you happen to be using a FACEBOOK group already with your parents this could be another method. There is no HOW TO at this time as this should only be used if you already have something setup.
Outliers and how to handle -
If a student does NOT have access to internet at home and says they can NOT meet the check list above even at a neighbors or other 'safe' location then ensure you have a phone number to make calls directly to communicate the assignment/assignments. Work with your principal for possible delivery options of printed packets.
By Friday, the office will verify that the correct email addresses are in JMC.
Elementary classroom teachers, middle school ELT teachers, and high school homeroom teachers need to send an email to your students and parents on Friday.
Below is a template
DATE: March 20, 2020
SUBJECT: Mr. XXXXXX's Communication Plan for Electronic Learning
Over the next few weeks, students will have the opportunity to learn electronically. As your child's classroom teacher/ ELT teacher/homeroom teacher, I will be your primary point of contact.
Teachers will communicate general information to student's and parents' email accounts on file. I ask that you check emails daily for updated information.
We are planning to have virtual parent and student conferences on March 26 and 27. Please reply to this email with a few times that are convenient for you. Conferences can be done via phone or Google MEET. Here are the items we will be discussing:
Checking in - How is everyone doing?
Do you have questions about getting services or support with online learning?
Review Progress report - This is where we are now.
Provide additional contacts for school personnel if needed.
Address any other items you'd like to discuss.
All teachers will have offices hours from 10:00 - 11:00 and 1:00 - 2:00 Monday through Friday. During this time , teachers will be checking emails and possibly meeting with students using Google MEET . If you prefer to talk by phone, email me and I will call you back shortly.
Both parents and students can access online learning opportunities in the following ways:
INCLUDE SPECIFICS BASED ON BUILDING LEVEL
If you need technical support contact me or NGT. They will be providing technical support and triage for everyone. You can reach them at http://www.ngthelp.com .
Please continue to check your emails regularly for updates.
If you have any questions please let me know.
Mr. XXXXXXXX
In this section we will be sharing tools to teach lessons to your students.
SPECIAL NOTE - Both synchronous and asynchronous lessons can be created. (See visual to the left).
As teachers we have an opportunity for many learning opportunities over the next few days and weeks.
Record yourself while at the same time recording your computer screen (screen cast)
No software installation required; video downloads directly to your device which can then be uploaded to You Tube, or pulled directly into your Google Drive for use in other G-Suite applications. Once in Drive, it can be shared easily, and can be viewed from all mobile devices.
Record yourself teaching using your webcamera and computer.
https://www.screencastify.com/ is a great free tool for this.
A how to can be found HERE
Unlimited version of Screencastify in a free trial until April 17.
THE CODE IS - "CAST_COVID"
You can upload to google classroom directly from your PHONE.
1 - Install google classroom on your phone and login with your North Iowa account
2 - Follow these instructions HERE
If you have a Surface laptop you have the option to use the built in camera application. A how to can be found HERE.
Once you have this recorded, you can add it to youtube and there you can email out the video or place in your classroom.
A HOW TO can be upload to You Tube - HERE.
SeeSaw provides a great platform for students to practice various skills.
You can a find a tutorial of how to use the tool HERE
Mute when not speaking
Have a quite environment
Dress how you would for school
Ask everyone to use VIDEO - we are social creatures and seeing video is important
Voice / Video discussion with a single or a group.
Students and/or Staff Groups
Can be used with parents if they have a google account.
Talking / Typing in REAL TIME
Discussion boards
Great place for teacher ideas
Talking / Typing over time (not at the same time)
This site generated by Next Generation Technologies, LLC (NGT) with cooperation North Iowa Community School (NICS). In addition content was created from experience of the various districts we work with.
Content is meant to reflect the IT structure at NICS and provide items that can be support by NICS technology and Staff.
NGT and NICS give permission to use anything that found here free of charge to anyone using it to enhance education during this National State of Emergency
NGT and NICS have attempted to give credit where it is due in these pages.
NGT is glad help anyone with their own site like this is needed, please let us know. http://www.ngthelp.com