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Continuity of Learning
Digital Tools and Strategies for Student to Teacher connections Return to the HCOE COVID-19 Information PageResources for K-12 Education Agencies
Overview
As the possibility of quarantines and school closures increase in response to COVID-19, it is important for every agency to have a Continuity of Learning Plan in place, whether it leverages the use of technology to provide independent study or distance learning, or simply involves sending copies of paper assignments home to students.
NOTE: A Distance Learning Strategy should be approached with caution. If it is applied to an environment where stakeholders are not already pre-conditioned for it, it can cause more harm than good in the short term. Agencies should take into account the below pre-conditions when considering whether to provide instruction through independent study or distance learning.
Pre-conditions that should be in place as a baseline for distance learning success:
- One-to-One take home programs already in place and successful
- An online Learning Management System (LMS) in place, with students already enrolled and set up.
- Teachers trained to use the LMS, and can manage a cohort of students in the system independently.
- Teachers are trained or certified for blended learning environment.
- Equity issues are considered: Access to internet and mobile devices for all students is a concern. Students without home internet access cannot go to public spaces (where COVID-19 exposure risk might be increased) just to complete their assignments.
Continuity of Teaching and Learning Plan Samples
Supporting Continuity of Teaching and Learning During an Emergency
(Best Practices and Protocols – excellent resource)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TnkpQDj5xWeZSkJ9bufcDzh6abI2DI4K/view?usp=sharing
(Best Practices and Protocols – excellent resource)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TnkpQDj5xWeZSkJ9bufcDzh6abI2DI4K/view?usp=sharing
Sample Continuity of Learning Plan
(Provided by the Santa Cruz COE)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rg2Lm_EF1iYW3Xr064ggpajHCJxd6_QXuBb1p2HQnqw/edit
Synchronous Webinar Tools
Recommended: Zoom
- Free Zoom Licenses for K12 Distance Learning (by request)
- Tutorials: How to use Zoom
- Register your domain for free Zoom Licenses
Alternative Options
- Google Hangouts can be accessed through your Google Apps for Education accounts
- Google Hangout Tutorial Video
Asynchronous Learning Tools
Learning Management Systems
Google Classroom: (Recommended for grades Levels 3-12)
Google Classroom can also act as a communication tools with parents. The younger the student the more likely parent
- Google Classroom Tutorials
Scout: University of California A-G Courses (Recommended for High School)
Canvas: Option for self-developed courses. There is a free option for individual teachers. (Recommended for grades 6-12). Not recommended for beginners to distance learning.
Free Online Learning Resources
National Standards for Quality Online Teaching (K-12)
Curated List of Educational Youtube Channels
Comprehensive list of distance and online teaching tools for Assessment, Screencasting, Writing, Reflecting, Scanning, Presenting, Audio Recording and More. This is an exhaustive list and teachers should feel no compulsion to learn them all. View List Here
Online Learning Plan Examples
Extended Closure Digital Learning Plan Brainstorm
Grand Rapids Community College – Continuity of Learning
Mahtomedi Public Schools e-Learning Days
Marshall Public Schools eLearning Days
Southmont Schools eLearning Days
Oak Lawn Community High School
Pepperdine – Academic Continuity Plan for Teaching and Learning
Sacred Heart Preparatory Academy – Atherton
University of Massachusetts – Boston – eLearning and Instructional Support (look at the checklist and assignment builder at the top of the page)
Westborough Public Schools – Alternative Learning Days (particularly good for looking at elementary grades)
Upcoming Related Workshops
| Click on link below to join: | Date | Time | Facilitator |
| Introduction to Zoom | March 16th | 4:00-5:00 | Ryan Keller |
| Introduction to Google Classroom | March 17th | 4:00-5:00 | Janice Lourenzo |
| Introduction To Zoom | March 18th | 3:00-4:00 | Colby Smart |
| Introduction to Zoom | March 23rd | 12:00-1:00 | Colby Smart |
| Zoom Admin Management | March 23rd | 1:30-2:30 | Colby Smart |
