COVID-19
COVID-19 is currently affecting our school systems in major ways. This page has and will continue to be updated with various resources and tools 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
The Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning School-Issued Devices by Micah Castelo, EdTech Focus on K-12
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
- Return 2 Learning Toolkit for Teachers (offered by the REMC Association of Michigan)
- Creating a Virtual Learning Classroom Recommendations
- 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
- School Resources on COVID-19 (videos for students on mask-wearing, handwashing, and what to do when feeling sick)
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 Tips by Jason Gregersen (Senior Lecturer at MTU's Math Department)
Online learning
Google Classroom
- EduPaths–Introduction to Google Classroom (30-minute training video) (Click the link and then search for Introduction to Google Classroom version 2)
- Making the Most of Your Google Classroom (by REMC)(self-paced training)
- Google Teacher Center
- Anywhere School 2020
- Using Google Meet in Google Classroom
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
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
Videos Created by Local Educators
Technology Resources
Video Conference Options
Google 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.)
- Google Meet Features and Tips for Success
- 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
- Using Google Meet in Google Classroom
- Document Cameras & Phones & iPads in Virtual Meetings by Andy Mann, REMC4
- What's New in Google Meet (updated in April 2021)
Zoom
- Guide to Zoom
- Zoom FERPA Info
- Security Concerns
Improve Your Video Conference Video (tips that apply to Zoom, Meet, or any other platform)
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!
Hardware for recording video
You may need some hardware other than just the built-in options on a laptop/Chromebook for recording the audio and video of the teacher (to get better quality audio, and better-framed video)
Some systems that we know work well (these are all USB or 3mm connected to a computer so would work with any online platform - Meet, Zoom, WebEx, etc). Other systems may also work (check reviews), these ones we know about.
Logitech C920 webcam and a MXL AC-404 microphone
Logitech C920 webcam and a Jabra Speak 710
Aver room system (an updated version of what is in the ISD conference rooms)–Offered at $975 from Precision Data, REMC Save Vendo
Gooseneck Document Camera (Can be used as a webcam too): AVer U50 and AverVision F178m
USB extension (if you need to be more than 15' from computer to device)
Phone/tablet tracker: Pivo, Swivl and GimbOWL
Adesso CyberTrack H4 webcam (we have not tested this but it's an option currently in stock offered by a REMC Save vendor).
Blue Yeti Microphone (recommended for capturing audio for screen recording videos)
Lavalier Lapel Microphone, wired, 3mm connection (we have not tested this but it's an option currently in stock)
Lavalier Lapel Microphone, wireless, 3mm connection (we have not tested this but it's an option currently in stock)
Lavalier Lapel Microphone, wired, USB connection (we have not tested this but it's an option currently in stock)
Various microphones and headset options, including discounts can be found on the REMC Save Bid.
Free PDF Tools (edit, annotate, etc.)
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
- Communication Tools
- Online books, audiobooks, and databases (temporarily free)
- PBS Learning Media (videos, interactives, lesson plans, etc.)
- Resources for Teaching the Trades Online
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 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