COVID-19

The coronavirus COVID-19 is currently affecting our school systems in major ways. This page has and will continue to be updated with various resources related to the virus, as well as various tools that schools and families can use during this time.

Cleaning Devices

One of the frequent questions we get is, how do I clean my electronics.  We have put together a compilation of recommendations here:

https://confluence.remc1.net/display/PS/Cleaning+and+Disinfecting+Devices+and+Peripherals

Guides for Schools

A number of resources have been created with useful information for schools to know regarding the virus. Below are some of these resources:

• Planning Guides
  • Priority Planning for Coloma Technical Support Team for COVID-19
  • School Closure Planning Document
  • CDC Guidance for Child Care Programs, K-12 Schools, and Colleges

Remote Learning Resources

REMC1 has a number of resources available for students and teachers. Below are various links regarding these resources, how to use them, and how to make the most of them.

Remote Learning Strategies

• A Simple 4-step Approach for Getting Started by REMC1
• Extending Your Classroom to the Cloud by the REMC Association

Online learning

• Moodle

  • REMC1 Guide
  • Teacher Quick Guide
  • Moodle Resources
  • Getting Started Videos by REMC1 (Accessing, structuring course, adding content and enrolling students) or view at MiStreamnet 

• Google Classroom

  • https://www.remc.org/professionallearning/learn-at-your-own-pace/extending-your-classroom/
  • https://www.remc.org/professionallearning/learn-at-your-own-pace/making-the-most-of-your-google-classroom/
  • EduPaths–Introduction to Google Classroom (30-minute training video) 
  • Using Google Meet in Google Classroom
    • Support Info 
    • Videos and articles on this new integration by Eric Curts

• SeeSaw (popular for the elementary grade level)

  • They offer both a free and premium version.  Learn more at https://help.seesaw.me/hc/en-us/articles/206381415-How-much-does-Seesaw-cost-
  • Getting Started Resources
  • Learning Activities
  • EduPaths–A Student-Driven Portfolio Tool  (45-minute training video)

Parent Resources

• Articles Written by Local Educators

  • Growth Mindset (by Carla Strome, CCISD General Education Director) 
  • Looking at the Big Picture... (by Micah Stipech, Houghton Elementary School Counselor)
  • Growth Mindset (by Micah Stipech, Houghton Elementary School Counselor) 
  • Structuring Your Day for Optimal Learning (by Janel Summer, CCISD Autism Consultant) 

• Video Created by Local Educators

  • Growth Mindset Video (by Lynnette Borree, CCISD School Psychologist) 
  • Parenting "Quarteens" Video (by Sierra Bishop, CCSD MTSS Specialist) 

• Technology Resources

  • Digital resources to help support your child’s learning from home

Video Conference Options

Google Hangouts Meet

• Google Hangouts Meet, known simply as Meet, is a video conferencing service provided by Google. You can use this to hold real-time meetings and can easily create and invite people to meetings from Google Calendar. We have also added the recording functionality to Google Meet for staff accounts - you can now record meetings and share them with your students.
• Google Teacher Center Meet Resources (Collection of resources on how to best use Meet for teachers) 
• Getting Started with Google Meet Video by REMC1 (how to access, information on FERPA, etc.) 
• Creating a Google Meet and Live Stream from Calendar Video by REMC1 
• Using a mobile device as an extra camera to capture handwriting by REMC1
• Video on using Google Meet Basics Including Premium Features by Kyle Pace
• Information on how Google handles Privacy and Security (FERPA, COPPA, etc.) 
• Additional Google Meet Resources
• G Suite Learning Center–Google Meet Help and Support
• Chrome Extension for Google
  • Meet Grid View (see all participants at once)
  • Nod–Reactions for Google Meet
  • Meet Attendance
  • Push to Talk
• Using Google Meet in Google Classroom
  • Support Info 
  • Videos and articles on this new integration by Eric Curts

Zoom

• Guide to Zoom
• Zoom FERPA Info
• Security Concerns 
  • Collection of articles on this topic: https://wakelet.com/wake/eeb62d68-5520-4594-a26d-6e6403e53359
  • https://www.npr.org/2020/04/03/826129520/a-must-for-millions-zoom-has-a-dark-side-and-an-fbi-warning

Thoughts on Video Conference Options by Troy Patterson  

Audio Recording Options (great for creating read aloud)

https://vocaroo.com/

https://online-voice-recorder.com/

https://www.soundtrap.com/edu/

iPhone/iPad: Voice Memos (already installed as it's part of the iOS): Learn more at https://osxdaily.com/2016/05/04/record-audio-iphone-voice-memos/

**If you need to convert your file to an mp3, https://www.zamzar.com/convert/m4a-to-mp3/ works well! 

Free PDF Tools (edit, annotate, etc.)

https://pdfcandy.com/  

https://smallpdf.com/edit-pdf

https://www.kamiapp.com/

Other Online Resources

• Google–Teach From Home Guide
• Mindspark Online Toolkit
• WideOpen School
• Annotated List of Educational Tools (Temporarily free)
• Educational Companies Offering Free Tools (Temporarily)
• Wayne RESA Resources
  
  • Remote Work Tools
  • Remote Learning Toolkit
• Communication Tools
• Online books, audiobooks, and databases (temporarily free)

Discovery Education 

• All REMC1 member schools have access to this resource for free.  Please see the Getting Started Wiki for login information
• DEX (Discovery Plus) premium content has been made available for free from 3/18/20-6/30/20.  Once logged into Discovery Ed, click here to access DEX content
• Explore How Do You DE?, Virtual Field Trips, Learning Adventures, and more directly from the student landing page for self-directed learning experiences. Explore ideas for Student Exploration now.

Other Online Resources

• ISTE Resources
• Learning Keeps Going
• Michigan Department of Education Website
• Michigan Department of Education resources
• State of Michigan Website
• MASA resources
• Resources from REMC10 (videos on Google Meet, Drive, Forms, and Screencasting