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

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

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
  - Support Info
  - Videos and articles on this new integration by Eric Curts
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
- 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
- Google Anywhere School 2020

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
- Support Info
- Videos and articles on this new integration by Eric Curts
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
- 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

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

25" Gooseneck Webcam stand

Meeting Owl Pro

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).

IPEVO Document Camera

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)

Logitech Headset

Various microphones and headset options, including discounts can be found on the REMC Save Bid.

Free PDF Tools (edit, annotate, etc.)

https://pdfcandy.com/

https://smallpdf.com/edit-pdf

https://www.kamiapp.com/

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)
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

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