• Crews Digital Learning Day Updates

County Resources

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  • Adding additional staff members to your eCLASS page

    Sent 3/18/20:

    If you have an additional staff member you would like to have access to your page (case manager, teammate, etc), you can follow these directions:

  • Co-Teachers: Creating Groups in eCLASS

    Sent 3/25/20:

    Co-Taught special ed teachers can set up tools on their gen ed teachers’ course pages that only the co-taught students can see. Here’s how. Note that you complete all of the steps on the gen ed teacher’s page.   Directions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14YFcu_SZ6lLN3uImLPuM7Hl9UxRaD1wC5KT8S64nsu4/edit?usp=sharing

  • Creating Presentations

    Sent 3/25/20:

    If you are looking for another option for creating presentations, you can try Visme.  Here is what a teacher from another school says: 

     "It is super useful because it is really clean and easy to use, and I love how they look. Second is you can also add voice over right from the website, so it is really easy to just add voice over. Unlike other places, you have to do the whole slide show at once and one little mistake means you have to redo it, Visme does it by slide so it is like 20 second snippets which I like. So for economics in particular, I will send you guys my slideshows as I create them with voice over; may not be perfect and may not be exactly your style / position in the class, but it can at least help and feel free to post them in your Google Classrooms and eClass as well, so kids can hear them and use them if you want".
    Here is an example of one of his presentations:  https://my.visme.co/view/g7zpm4p6-debts-and-tax-types

  • Crews DLD Expectations

    Linked at top of training page or here: (requires you to be logged in to your GSuite account)

    https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1KitFYMV-UjWK8nDZ8SAX2SClPc7I7qLXIltJxTfBDhg/edit?usp=sharing

  • eCLASS Quick Guides

    Sent 3/15/20:
    Hello!  I wanted to remind you guys about the Quick Guides on the Self Directed Training Guide in eCLASS C&I. The Quick Guides feature step-by-step PDFs and videos for how to do pretty much everything on your course pages. They are located here:
    Image.jpeg

  • eCLASS Quizzes

    Sent 3/23/20:

    eCLASS Quiz Road Map for Teachers

    Sent 3/17/20: 

     Q: What are you hearing about the best way to give tests to eliminate/decrease chance of cheating?

    A: eCLASS quizzes with randomized answer options, randomized questions, as well as clicking on restrictions at the bottom of the page.  You can disable right click and you turn it on where they cannot access the email to landscape message or alerts if they have a quiz attempt in progress. Also, do not have it set under submission views to show questions (just show questions answered incorrectly) for testing security! If you have a tech-savvy person 
    have them create a question pool, so it pulls a number of questions from a larger pool...less likely the students get the same questions.

     

    Additionally, pay attention to the Submission View tab when setting up your quiz - this will determine what your students see when they submit their quiz.

  • File Types

    Sent 3/16/20: 

    All documents for students need to be uploaded as pdfs or google docs so that kids can access them. Not all kids can open Microsoft products, but they will be fine with pdf or google. If you need help with this, please let me know!

  • Flipgrid & Nearpod

    Sent 3/17/20:

    Looking for some variety?  Flipgrid is in Nearpod! While creating a lesson, go to "Add Activity" and then "Flipgrid”.

    flipgrid nearpod

  • Gmail

    Sent 3/23/30:

    Any emails from you still need to come through Outlook, not gmail.  To create email groups for your students, do the following: 
    Run a report in Synergy to find the student emails:
    Then create groups:
    On the web

    1. On the People page, on the toolbar, select the arrow next to New contact, and then select New contact list.

    2. Enter a name for the list, and then add names or email addresses.

    3. Select Create.

    Sent 3/20/20:

    Teachers are now able to pull the student district email used in Google using a new report in TeacherVUE.  See the link below for specific information and screenshots.
    This will allow you to easily email individual students or groups of students through your Outlook.

    Posted to students 3/19/20:

    gmail for students

    Sent 3/17/20:

    Students have in-domain email, meaning they can email you and you can email them through the G Suite email.  You may want to set up your GSuite gmail to forward to your Outlook to make sure you see these emails.  Here are directions, if you are interested:

  • GOC Course Content

    Sent 3/16/20: 

    GOC Course Content for grades 4 -12 is available on the new DLD Sample Course pages.  Additionally, we just want to make you aware of the following:

    • GOC is filming a library of 1 – 2 minute videos with tips for online learning to share with teachers. We will send an email to LSTC’s with a link to these videos.  

    Here is the introduction video for the series - GOC Video Series Welcome

    • GOC is creating a page on our website to house the videos along with Best Practices and Resources for teachers.  

    Beginning Wednesday, March 18 at 1:30 pm, teachers can join GOC live sessions to ask GOC teachers questions about online practices.  Here are the Adobe links for these sessions:

    GOC Live Q & A sessions – Wednesdays at 1:30

    Middle School link – http://gwinnettonlinecampus.adobeconnect.com/mslive/

  • Google Classroom

    Sent 3/18/20: 

    Several people have been asking about Google Classroom.  Here is an overview tutorial with videos: https://teachercenter.withgoogle.com/first-day-trainings/welcome-to-classroom
    You do not need to add your students manually - you can post the code for your class on your eCLASS page and have them do the following:
    2) Click the plus at the top right and choose Join:
    3) Enter the code you gave them:

  • Google Voice

    Sent 3/20/20:

    Clarification - Google voice – Approved for Limited Use

    To further clarify yesterday’s information regarding Google Voice access,  Google Voice is NOT available within the GCPS Google Domain due to limitations that the service imposes. Therefore it cannot be set up using a GCPS Google account.  It is approved as a “3rd Party Vendor” for teachers and other staff who choose to use their personal Google accounts to set up Google Voice and make individual calls to parents/guardians.  The app should not be used for any group calls, texts or notifications.  Please contact the Data Governance and Privacy mailbox with any questions.

    Sent 3/19/20: 

    Google Voice has been approved for limited use during this time, provided you are using it with individual students only, not groups. If you need to contact students, this is an option to protect your personal phone number. 

  • McGraw Hill 6-8 MA and 6-8 LA pilot

    We are hearing some concerns about students’ ability to log-in to some resources, and specifically some of the McGraw Hill online content.

    This may be due to incompatibility of their device with the platform.

    Minimum requirements for devices using these resources:

    • 1024x768 resolution
    • 9.5” display screen

    If students report an issue with one of these resources, teachers should test log-in on a GCPS laptop to determine if the student device may be the issue.

    If you have additional questions or issues with connectivity of a digital resource, please submit a Tech Ticket on your portal.

  • Media Center Updates from Karen, March 16-20

    Sent 3/19/20:

    Wow! Another company is offering FREE ebooks and audio books for students to read. There are no limits on how many students can click on a title. And you can download them! I just downloaded the app to try and looked at the website to read - 🙂
     

    Sent 3/18/20:

    Checkout the ScienceFlix resource located on the online Resource Library.
    The  ScienceFlix database is setup by  topic and each module is designed by lessons.  It includes videos, articles by reading level, experiment, infomrative assessments,etc.  for every level.  Text conversion to Spanish is also available.
     
    Let me know if you need any help with anything! (the kids all have an Online Research Button on their portal as well)

    Sent 3/18/20: 

    Everyone has a subscription to Discovery Ed (discoveryeducation.com) - Here's our school code:
    ALTON C CREWS MIDDLE SCHOOL B063-6E02
    Click on use passcode/create new user and put in the passcode for Crews
    Once you click on a video, you can download the video or get a link to share with students.
    They also have lesson plans and other resources you can use. 

    Sent 3/18/20:

    Wow! Our public library has SO many resources for you and your students - here are a few links:
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rukB3amL-gz14JFHnlnbI7zpxHg5rlyC/view - Watch this video to learn about 6 great apps - Libby (ebooks/audio), Press Reader (magazines/newspapers), Flipster (magazines), TumbleBooks (kids books and activities), Lynda (new skills), and the Gwinnett Library App. ALL of these apps are free and have free log ins with your public library card. The students' public library card number is their Student ID number, and their password is their 4 digit birthday (MMDD)
    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/11jwq7_KbsGFbnsjNYLCgrRuJMREzHpOFtMyNWutDRYo/edit#gid=0 - different permissions authors have set in place for you to use their books.
    The public library will be continuing to showcase different resources, so make sure to go to gwinnettpl.org
    I will also be posting the video and the link to the video read alouds for the students on the Media Center eClass page.

    Sent 3/17/20: 

    Hi! Please text me a picture of you reading at home somewhere! I want to put them on the Crews Media Instagram. And if you don't follow @crewsmedia on instagram, you should - You could also put an announcement about it on your eClass page.
    My phone number: 770-862-6783
    I'm going to use the hashtag #broncosreadathome

  • Media Center Updates from Karen, March 23-27

    Sent 3-25-20

    Audible is offering free stories and unlimited streaming via this link: https://stories.Audible.com 
    Information directly from its website:
    For as long as schools are closed, we're open. Starting today, kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help them continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.
    All stories are free to stream on your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet
    Explore the collection, select a title and start listening. 🙂

     Newsela is currently offering its suite of resources (normally only accessible via subscription) free-of-charge to meet virtual learning challenges. It provides leveled articles on a variety of subjects, including food and environmental science topics. (You can differentiate learning by assigning the same article at different Lexile levels).  Articles include multiple choice and discussion questions, but you can also create your own to better reflect your lesson objectives.  Additionally, there are thematically curated texts and lesson plans and activities. 
    Go to the website, https://newsela.com/ select "Join Now" and sign up as an educator.  Once you log in, click on the "Educator Center" tab in the top right corner to access "Getting Started" videos, webinars, remote learning unit plans, flipped classroom tips, etc.
     

    TumbleBook, TumbleMath, Teen Book and Teen Audio Cloud Info

    Free Access - Direct URLs

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/18nSE2r9UGT3LKJ1q0EMt-4jzldtscj47zOGskyrXm6E/edit?usp=sharing

    Follett Lightbox and AV2 interactive free access through June 30, 2020

    https://www.follettcommunity.com/s/article/follett-e-learning-resources



    Instagram Have you texted me a picture of you reading yet? You should! 770-862-6783. I'm posting them on our Crews Media Instagram
    Thank you! Thank you so much to all of you! I love how you are supporting reading with our students by starting first as readers yourself. 

    Sent 3/24/20:

    I have a few resources to make sure you or your students can get a GCPL library card - for teachers, you don't  have to live in Gwinnett (just be a staff member of Gwinnett). Most students already have a card, but a few might not. All library cards have zero late fees!
    For a parent to sign up for an account for their child via the parent portal, click here for the instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BLgeS_dFvnTaBd1d2nVyjKFGHG4SaBCxD7TtNDJMugw/edit?usp=sharing
    I'm also attaching a video for parents to follow. Students log in will be student id and birthday in MMDD format
    For an employee to sign up via the employee portal, click here for the instructions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13gP_8lo9JZyKgB7S13K3Q4uMHc3OokZeujiYpt9rDzM/edit?usp=sharing
    It may take a day for changes to go through. Our county is working as fast as they can to get library cards out. 
    The MAJORITY of students won't need their parents to sign up for this - most of them did this at the beginning of the school year one of the previous 3 years. These resources are just for those few students (and teachers!) that don't already have branch out cards. 
    Happy eBook reading! 🙂

  • Mirroring Students

    Sent 3/16/20: 

    To see what a student sees on your eCLASS page, go to Course Admin and click on Classlist.  Scroll down to the list of students and click the arrow next to a name. Choose Mirror.  When you are finished, go to the top left of your screen, click on the student's name, and click the X next to Mirroring: (student name).
                 
                            

  • Recording Videos

    Sent 3/18/20: 

    Pre-recorded videos are also a great way to present information to your students.  You can use resources like the screencastify chrome extension or screencast-o-matic.com.  Videos can be uploaded to Google Drive and linked from there - just make sure you change the privacy settings to "anyone with the link can view."  As a heads up, uploading videos is taking a while for many people - just be patient.
     
    Finally, just wanted to send a reminder to be careful about what is behind you when you are recording or video-conferencing!
    Follow-Up- Screencastify free upgrade: 
    Screencastify is offering a free pro subscription right now - this will allow you to record more than 5 minutes.
    Go to https://www.screencastify.com/ and click on My Account at the top right.  Sign in with your GCPS GSuite account.  Click to get an unlimited account and it should take you to a screen that says you owe $49.  There is a coupon code field.  Copy and paste this in:
    CAST_COVID
    Note - it must be in all caps!  This will take your subscription to $0.  
    Download the chrome extension if you don't already have it and you are all set!
    Sent 3/17/20:
    Sharing from Tony Vincent:
    As an educator, there are three options for getting a free full-featured WeVideo account if you don't already have one.

    𝕆𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝟙
    You can get a free 30 day trial of the Education version of WeVideo. However, it only lasts 30 days and places a watermark over every video you export. So, this kind of account is not recommended.
    https://www.wevideo.com/signup?p=trial&tier=education&instanceName=WeVideo

    𝕆𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝟚
    Currently WeVideo is offering free access for educators affected by school closings. You'll need to fill out a form and WeVideo will contact you about the account. This account allows for student sub-accounts.
    https://www.wevideo.com/blog/for-schools/wevideo-offering-support-to-schools-affected-by-covid-19

    𝕆𝕡𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝟛
    John Kline, the director at WeVideo for Schools, invites educators to contact him through Twitter or email to get a free teacher-only account.
    https://twitter.com/EDUcre8ive/status/1182817931559751681
    WeVideo is APPROVED on the 3rd Party Vendor List

  • SchoolNet Usage Concerns

    Sent 3/23/20:

    Schoolnet Use at Home

    It is our recommendation that teachers use the eCLASS C&I Quizzes feature to create assessments to administer to students, for the following reasons:  equitable student experience, fewer platforms, and copyrighted material in Schoolnet.  We’ve been collaborating with the eCLASS team who’ve put together resources to support your teachers.  Click here to access the Quizzes resources from the eCLASS Team.

     

    More Information about Schoolnet Use at Home (see attachment)

    ·       Equitable student experience:  Schoolnet, when used at home, may result in students having mixed experiences due to variations in student devices.  All GCPS devices are managed so that students have equivalent experiences.

    ·       Windows Devices. Schoolnet is not supported on older devices that run Windows; only Windows 10 and above are supported.

    o   Chrome 77 and above supported

    ·       Chromebooks. Since School Secure Tester isn’t loaded on student personal devices, students will enter via the Portal.

    o   Students may have trouble with calculator and formula sheet displays (if you’ve set these up) due to the fact that they aren’t using Secure Tester.

    ·       Fewer platforms:  As students and parents are having to become comfortable with Digital Learning Days, it is best practice to maintain the work in eCLASS. 

    ·       Copyright concerns:  The Quick Check and item bank content in Schoolnet is copyrighted and cannot be used at home.

  • Team Collaboration through Outlook Teams

    Sent 3/19/20: 

    You can also video conference using Outlook Teams:

  • USA TestPrep

    Sent 3/24/20:

    USA TestPrep has graciously provided free licensing to any courses we did not already have.  I requested all LA, MA, SC, and SS courses that they offered.  The licenses will be added in the next 24 hours. All students and teachers can access this content for free until June 30, 2020.   USA TestPrep is linked on our website under the Students tab.  To create an account, go here: https://www.usatestprep.com/create-account
    usa testprep
    Info from USA TestPrep:
    Here is your school's teacher activation code: tea6352
    If you need help creating your teacher account, contact our support team @ support@usatestprep.com!
    We are also offering a variety of webinars for the remainder of this month.  Please use this link to see when they are available.  We have webinars for Digital Learning and Teacher Training.  If you are unable to attend, please go ahead and register.  You will receive a recording of the webinar in an email.  
    We also have these recorded webinars that you can access at any time for training:
    Keep in mind that teachers will need to add the new courses to their classes via the “Class Management” icon on their homepage.  Please contact support@usatestprep.com if you need additional assistance getting set up.

  • Video Conferencing-Meet/Zoom

    Sent 3/25/20:

    KSU developed guidelines for students when participating in online meetings.  Here is a text version and a visual version, if you are interested: 

    Sent 3/24/20:

    Just got out of my county meeting and you are now able to use zoom with students, even though the list has not been updated.  They are also working on some other options with zoom, safari montage, and extra features - I will send more info as I get it on that.

    Zoom Help:

    Sent 3/18/20: 

    Obviously, video conferencing and recorded lessons are a hot topic right now with DLDs, so I wanted to send a few important notes to everyone.
     
    While Zoom is great for teacher collaboration, it has not been approved to use with students.  The county is still evaluating it, but at this point, it is teacher use only.  You can use Google Meet, which all students should have access to.  You can also record the session (highly recommended) and post for students who couldn't meet.  As a reminder, the directions are near the end of this presentation: 
    *NOTE: If you are using Google Meet with your students, please do not send the link by email or Remind. Google Meet sessions don't "close" after you finish them, so students can log back in and have unsupervised conversations. Please post the link on eCLASS or Google Classroom so that you can remove the link afterward. We want to minimize the opportunity to return to that link later.
    The use of Google Meet has grown exponentially over the course of our DLDs.  In an effort to maintain the security of the Meet environment, we will be turning off Meet for students starting at 7 p.m. each evening. Meet will then be reactivated at 6 a.m. so staff members can continue to leverage this tool with their students. These restricted hours are for student access only. Staff-to-staff access will not be interrupted.

  • VPN/Log In Limit

    County update send 3/20/20:

    Due to a security requirement on GCPS issued Windows based laptops, there is a 50 login maximum when you are off the GCPS network.  This means a user that is not connected to the GCPS network or the VPN will be locked out of their laptop on the 11th consecutive login.  A login constitutes shutting the computer down or logging off then logging back on to the laptop.  Accessing the laptop after locking it or putting it to sleep does not count as a login.   

    If you have the VPN client on your computer, you should connect through it at least once a week in order to eliminate being locked out of your laptop.

    If you do not have VPN, do not shut your computer completely down or log off.  Instead, either put it to sleep or lock the screen.  
     
    Connecting through the portal does not reset the counter.  You must either connect to the GCPS network directly or connect to the VPN from home. 

    In the event you are locked out, you will need to take your laptop to your school and connect/login to the wired or wireless network to reset the counter. 

    Some clarification on vpn:
    What you need to do (if using a GCPS laptop):
     
    1) Connect to VPN at least once a week. 
    You don't have to stay on VPN for the entire day, but it will allow you to connect to the GCPS network to get critical updates so you don't get locked out of your computer. (This is only on staff laptops - you do not have VPN access on the student laptops.)

    2) Don't shut down your laptop and don't log off. 
    Instead, either put it to sleep or lock (Windows Key + L) the screen if you need to.
    This is very important for anyone who brought a student laptop home.