Wilton Public Schools eLearning Plan
Wilton Public Schools eLearning Guide
Use the table of contents below to jump to the sections of the guide related to the overview, technical support, access and school-specific schedules.
Overview
During the past week (Week 1 of eLearning), our students and teachers have engaged in an asynchronous, parent and self-directed learning experience that was designed to provide routine, normalcy and maintenance of skills as we faced an initial school closure due to COVID-19. This plan included meaningful opportunities for review and practice. We have subsequently received clearance from the Commissioner of Education to proceed with a more robust plan that engages and connects students with teachers online frequently. As such, our revised plan shifts to an eLearning model that allows students to access instruction and continue to progress through their grade level curricula. While this change may seem to be a substantial one, the student experience ought to be relatively seamless because we are using our current (Week 1) plan as the foundation for this next iteration.
This document outlines the goals and guidelines for this new stage of eLearning and reiterates the support available to students and families during this challenging time. Being flexible as we co-construct this “new normal” will be invaluable as will our shared commitment to treating ourselves and each other with kindness and compassion. Thank you for your support and patience as we continue to strengthen our plans to meet the needs of all our learners and families.
What are the Goals of eLearning?
Minimize anxiety and maintain normalcy, structure and interpersonal connections during a challenging time for teachers, students and families.
Deliver a meaningful, engaging, rigorous, standards-based curriculum through an eLearning environment.
Provide the human and technical infrastructure to support our eLearning plan’s users access to resources, technology and professional learning.
What is eLearning?
eLearning is an umbrella term that refers to learning that takes place over a distance through digital media. Although you may see terms such as “distance”, “remote” and “online” learning, all of these are the same a blend of asynchronous and synchronous teaching and learning. Synchronous learning is online and happens at a designated scheduled time, whereas asynchronous learning occurs through online channels at different times. Discussions, collaboration, and feedback all occur with asynchronous learning - but not at a designated, scheduled time.
What are the Responsible Use Guidelines for eLearning
Students will be practicing their digital skills, especially citizenship in an online world. This is a time that special attention needs to be given to the responsible use of technology agreement as well as the chromebook responsible use agreement that every student was introduced to in September during their Digital Citizenship bootcamp lessons with their Library Learning Commons teachers.
Wilton Public Schools eLearning Plan Elements
Our eLearning plan is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning and follows a developmentally-appropriate daily and weekly schedule.
Our plan focuses on student interactions, connections, collaboration and support.
Our plan recognizes the importance of balance between online and off-line learning. To the extent possible, grade levels, departments and teams will work toward this goal.
Teachers will be available through a variety of means to provide feedback, interact in discussions, and connect with students. School specific schedules are outlined below and class-specific information will be provided by teachers.
How will Content be Delivered?
Grades PreK-2
At Miller-Driscoll, teachers will communicate electronically and primarily use Padlet for classroom content.
Grades 3-12
Google Classroom will be used as the primary eLearning platform to distribute assignments. Recordings and instructional videos will be provided for the delivery of content
Our eLearning plan allows for flexibility in meeting student needs.Teachers may provide content through asynchronous recording using a tool such as screencastify. Students will be expected to listen and view the lesson content, respond to questions, or engage with peers and teachers. Teachers will be available to confer, answer questions, and provide feedback during designated times and asynchronously.
Teachers may engage in synchronous learning or synchronous chats/discussions at designated times. Schedules for synchronous activities will be published by your child’s teacher.
Our Special Services staff will reach out to families and may communicate using a variety of tools such as Google Hangout, phone or other means
How will students, teachers and parents access resources and technical support?
Student or parent questions about classwork should be emailed to the student’s teacher. Availability will be communicated via Google Classroom or the school principal. Please click the appropriate link below to submit a Tech Help Desk request for your child’s school. This would include support accessing tools/resources or software. Should you need support accessing content that is posted in Google Classroom (Grades 3-12) or content that has been sent home (Grades PK-2), please be sure to contact your teacher directly:
Technical Support
Miller-Driscoll Cider Mill Middlebrook WHS
Digital Resources
Miller-Driscoll Cider Mill Middlebrook WHS
Google Classroom Help
Google Classroom in elementary Google Classroom in secondary Setting up Guardian Summary
Miller-Driscoll: What does an eLearning day look like?
Cider Mill: What does an eLearning day look like?
Middlebrook: What does an eLearning day look like?
Wilton High School: What does an eLearning day look like?
A Note to Families
Feel free to reach out with questions to your building leaders or directly to me at komparf@wiltonps.org. Thank you all for your partnership and support.