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Be prepared for Distance Learning!
We hope that this page provides you with information, advice and support during Distance Learning at AISL. We care about ensuring that every student thrives and that AISL’s and the IB’s mission statements are met through offering families a variety of options for student learning over the school year.
Our new Distance Learning 3.0 (DL3.0) program has been heavily revised based on feedback from our students, parents, and faculty. It is designed to be highly flexible in order to support the wide range of needs in our community. Our distance learning program has two Learning Paths: Real-time Distance Learning and Flexible Distance Learning.
Our Real-time Distance Learning Path is designed to offer a synchronous student experience within our regular school hours and following our normal schedule of classes. The goal of this program is to provide as much of an “in-the-classroom” experience as possible. It is meant to maximize engagement and provide frequent opportunities for students to have direct interactions with their teacher, teaching assistants, and peers. Our Flexible Distance Learning Path is targeted toward students who are located in other time zones or who have unique educational circumstances that are not suited to the Real-time Distance Learning Path. The Flexible Distance Learning Path is largely asynchronous, which allows students to work on learning tasks according to their own schedules. There are still multiple opportunities each week for these students to interact directly with their teachers.
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Find out more about Distance Learning at AISL
If you need an answer to a specific issue? Complete this support request and we will get back to you as soon as possible:
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Distance learning in the Primary School
Distance Learning in the Secondary School
Distance learning in the Primary School
Primary Distance Learning Program: Ensuring Success
The Primary School distance learning program includes weekly modules for each week that school is ‘in session’. The weekly modules will include times for synchronous learning sessions as well as asynchronous learning engagements, providing a balance of ‘on-screen’ and ‘off-screen’ learning experiences.
Our teachers have worked hard to develop a balanced learning experience for our AISL students with a range of online and offline activities encompassing all areas of the AISL curriculum. We understand that there will be challenges with internet connection, power outages, and other factors that may affect student learning but we hope that, with a strong school-family partnership, this could be overcome.
Timetable and logistics of lessons
Your child will follow his/her AISL timetable, participating in lessons as scheduled via Google Meets and completing other work offline. The relevant part of synchronous lessons will be recorded so that students who are unable to attend may watch the lesson when they are able to do so.
All students are expected to participate in the distance learning program and attendance will be noted through the regularity of student engagement. However, we understand that not all students will have electricity and Internet access, so those students are welcome to view the Google Meets lesson on video afterwards. If a student is in Lusaka and is expected in lessons, but does not attend, the student’s parents will be notified after two days. For exceptional circumstances or illness, parents of students who are unable to participate should inform the school (primaryoffice@aislusaka.org for Primary and attendance@aislusaka.org for Secondary) and their child’s homeroom teacher so that we are aware of the situation.
Screen time and maintaining the timetable
Students will be welcome to take breaks during Google Meets lessons if the screen time is too much for them. Teachers will plan lessons, when possible, where students can log on to the start, then have work time, then rejoin the class at the end of the class period. This way of planning lessons will allow students to do their work on- or offline. Students will be able to log back on to Google Meets during the lesson to ask questions or receive support, as the teacher will stay logged on to the Google Meets lesson for the length of the class, even if the students have all logged off. The purpose of the teacher staying on for the length of the lesson is so that the teacher is available to students during the full length of the lesson.
Additional Support
Our Student Support Services team will continue monitoring students who have been receiving services so that their support is uninterrupted. They will continue monitoring the progress of students who find distance learning to be a special challenge and will continue working with those students 1:1.
Supporting new students and those transitioning back to Lusaka
We recognize that many of our students will be in transition at the start of the school year. Through continual communication with the families, the Primary Principal and Primary Assistant Principals will help coordinate the following for new and transitioning students according to each family’s situation:
Role of Parents/Guardians
Your role as a parent/guardian is to guide and encourage students to access their synchronous learning sessions via the Google Meets and the asynchronous learning activities via Seesaw. Seesaw is our primary platform for distance learning and it is where teachers post learning experiences and provide feedback to students on a regular basis.
Please make sure your child has:
Technical platforms for learning
The Seesaw ‘Class’ app is how students access Seesaw. It is on the student’s school device (KG-G5) but would need to be downloaded for a device at home, particularly for ELC. This app is where teachers set work for and communicate with students. Most students (KG-G5), who are returning, know how to use this app. The school will provide support for new students and KG/G1 students who are using the Seesaw app for the first time. ELC students will need support from a family member/guardian.
Google Meet is the platform we use for synchronous learning via video. The Google Meet app is on your child’s school device. Your child will be able to access all of their Google Meet appointment times through that app and should be able to self-manage their login times using the app.
Communication
Families can contact teachers and the Primary Leadership Team through email. Please send a message if you or your child has questions and/or if your child needs extra help and support. It is not expected that parents/guardians have the knowledge of teaching strategies so please ask if you need clarification on any of the activities posted. When needed, a Google Meet can be arranged to have a conversation ‘in person’ as well. There will also be weekly updates in the Leopard’s Tale pertaining to the Primary Distance Learning Program.
Our teachers have worked hard to develop a balanced learning experience for our AISL students with a range of online and offline activities encompassing all areas of the AISL curriculum. We understand that there will be challenges with internet connection, power outages, and other factors that may affect student learning but we hope that, with a strong school-family partnership, this could be overcome.
Timetable and logistics of lessons
Your child will follow his/her AISL timetable, participating in lessons as scheduled via Google Meets and completing other work offline. The relevant part of synchronous lessons will be recorded so that students who are unable to attend may watch the lesson when they are able to do so.
All students are expected to participate in the distance learning program and attendance will be noted through the regularity of student engagement. However, we understand that not all students will have electricity and Internet access, so those students are welcome to view the Google Meets lesson on video afterwards. If a student is in Lusaka and is expected in lessons, but does not attend, the student’s parents will be notified after two days. For exceptional circumstances or illness, parents of students who are unable to participate should inform the school (primaryoffice@aislusaka.org for Primary and attendance@aislusaka.org for Secondary) and their child’s homeroom teacher so that we are aware of the situation.
Screen time and maintaining the timetable
Students will be welcome to take breaks during Google Meets lessons if the screen time is too much for them. Teachers will plan lessons, when possible, where students can log on to the start, then have work time, then rejoin the class at the end of the class period. This way of planning lessons will allow students to do their work on- or offline. Students will be able to log back on to Google Meets during the lesson to ask questions or receive support, as the teacher will stay logged on to the Google Meets lesson for the length of the class, even if the students have all logged off. The purpose of the teacher staying on for the length of the lesson is so that the teacher is available to students during the full length of the lesson.
Additional Support
Our Student Support Services team will continue monitoring students who have been receiving services so that their support is uninterrupted. They will continue monitoring the progress of students who find distance learning to be a special challenge and will continue working with those students 1:1.
Supporting new students and those transitioning back to Lusaka
We recognize that many of our students will be in transition at the start of the school year. Through continual communication with the families, the Primary Principal and Primary Assistant Principals will help coordinate the following for new and transitioning students according to each family’s situation:
- Personalized Google Meets according to grade-level class with the Primary Leadership Team, homeroom teacher/TA and specialist teachers during the first few days of school.
- If a Google Meet cannot take place at the start of the year, the Homeroom teacher/TA will provide an introductory video of the teaching team and a classroom tour for the student to view when s/he can.
- A virtual tour of the campus (video) will be provided to all students now that our new buildings are completed.
- Individual meeting times with families will be arranged with our tech support team to introduce and review any of the technology platforms we use to support distance learning so that the process is smooth for both students and parents.
- Set up a plan for acquiring a school device to support distance learning once a child has arrived in Lusaka.
Role of Parents/Guardians
Your role as a parent/guardian is to guide and encourage students to access their synchronous learning sessions via the Google Meets and the asynchronous learning activities via Seesaw. Seesaw is our primary platform for distance learning and it is where teachers post learning experiences and provide feedback to students on a regular basis.
Please make sure your child has:
- access to an internet-connected device,
- a responsible adult to support learning, as needed, and provide encouragement particularly for our younger learners,
- a comfortable, quiet space to work that is set up to help your child remain focused and on task, and
- access to his/her daily schedule of classes.
Technical platforms for learning
The Seesaw ‘Class’ app is how students access Seesaw. It is on the student’s school device (KG-G5) but would need to be downloaded for a device at home, particularly for ELC. This app is where teachers set work for and communicate with students. Most students (KG-G5), who are returning, know how to use this app. The school will provide support for new students and KG/G1 students who are using the Seesaw app for the first time. ELC students will need support from a family member/guardian.
Google Meet is the platform we use for synchronous learning via video. The Google Meet app is on your child’s school device. Your child will be able to access all of their Google Meet appointment times through that app and should be able to self-manage their login times using the app.
Communication
Families can contact teachers and the Primary Leadership Team through email. Please send a message if you or your child has questions and/or if your child needs extra help and support. It is not expected that parents/guardians have the knowledge of teaching strategies so please ask if you need clarification on any of the activities posted. When needed, a Google Meet can be arranged to have a conversation ‘in person’ as well. There will also be weekly updates in the Leopard’s Tale pertaining to the Primary Distance Learning Program.
Distance Learning in the Secondary School
Secondary Distance Learning Information
The Secondary School distance learning program includes plans for both synchronous and asynchronous lessons designed to continue to provide rigorous and engaging learning experiences for all AISL Secondary students.
Timetable and logistics of lessons
Your child will follow his/her AISL timetable, participating in lessons as scheduled via Google Meets and completing other work offline.
Google Meet is the platform we use for synchronous learning via video. The Google Meet app is on your child’s school device. Your child will be able to access all of their Google Meet appointment times through that app and should be able to self-manage their login times using the app.
The relevant part of synchronous lessons will be recorded so that students who are unable to attend may watch the lesson when they are able to do so. Students in other time zones will be clustered together in the same sections of a grade level (unless a guidance counselor has a reason to keep them separate) so that they can complete collaborative assignments at times that work for them. Teachers may give assignments for due dates that work for their lessons throughout the week as their lessons meet.
Attendance
All students are expected to participate in the distance learning program and attendance will be noted through the regularity of student engagement.
Teachers will take attendance on ManageBac at the start of lessons. However, we understand that not all students will have electricity and Internet access, so those students are welcome to view the Google Meets lesson on video afterwards.
If a student is in Lusaka and is expected in lessons, but does not attend, the teacher will notify the student’s parents after two consecutive missed lessons (for Secondary). For exceptional circumstances or illness, parents of students who are unable to participate should inform the school ( attendance@aislusaka.org) and their child’s homeroom teacher so that we are aware of the situation.
Screen time and maintaining the timetable
Students will be welcome to take breaks during Google Meets lessons if the screen time is too much for them. Teachers will plan lessons, when possible, where students can log on to the start, then have work time, then rejoin the class at the end of the class period. This way of planning lessons will allow students to do their work on- or offline. Students will be able to log back on to Google Meets during the lesson to ask questions or receive support, as the teacher will stay logged on to the Google Meets lesson for the length of the class, even if the students have all logged off. The purpose of the teacher staying on for the length of the lesson is so that the teacher is available to students during the full length of the lesson.
Curriculum
The student-centered inquiry-based Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) will continue. Grade 10 students will continue with the Personal Project (PP) and Grade 11-12 students will continue with the Extended Essay (EE), Community Action Service (CAS), and college counseling. We aim to introduce the Community Project (CP) to Grade 8 students this year, but will wait to see what works best for students during distance learning.
Learning materials and assessments
Teachers will share digital resources at the beginning of each lesson. Formative and summative assessments and homework tasks will be assigned to students on ManageBac. Using ManageBac ensures that teachers and students use a common Learning Management System (LMS) for finding and submitting assignments. Teachers will continue to send grades notifications to parents so that parents stay up to date about their child’s learning and progress.
Expectations for using school devices off campus
Please remind your child about using their school device responsibly during the distance learning program. It is a tool for learning and the means to connect with teachers. Linked here is the Acceptable Use Policy pertaining to using school devices. Please review the expectations with your child according to their grade level.
Calendar
Giving all resources, learning activities, formative assessments, and summative assessments as events allows teachers to see when assignments are due for students in another class. The purpose for using the ManageBac calendar is to ensure that students are not overburdened with an excess of summative assessments due on the same day.
Advisory
Advisory lessons will continue during their scheduled times, which is 8:50-9:35 am for Grades 6-10 and in their timetable as a class for Grades 11-12. The content of the Advisory lessons will continue to be about helping students develop their Approaches to Learning (ATLs), study skills, and learner profile attributes. It will be supplemented with additional lessons to support their emotional health and well-being during distance learning.
Additional Support
As part of their ASA commitment, teachers will offer after-school tutoring once a week or by appointment with students. Students can attend additional Google Meets lessons with their teachers during those scheduled office hours/tutoring sessions.
Our counseling and Student Services team will continue monitoring students who have been receiving services so that their support is uninterrupted. They will continue monitoring the progress of students who find distance learning to be a special challenge and will continue working with those students 1:1.
Additional Enrichment Programming
During distance learning, we will pause all additional enrichment programming such as social events and Community Service Days (CSDs). After School Activities (ASAs) will continue in a modified way online. Assemblies will resume on Day 4 during Advisory.
Communication
Families can contact teachers and the Secondary Leadership Team through email. Please send a message if you or your child has questions and/or if your child needs extra help and support. It is not expected that parents/guardians have the knowledge of teaching strategies, so please ask if you need clarification on any of the activities posted. When needed, a Google Meet can be arranged to have a conversation ‘in person’ as well.
There will also be weekly updates in the Leopard’s Tale pertaining to the Secondary Distance Learning Program. StudentComms will continue as the daily message board for Secondary students.
Timetable and logistics of lessons
Your child will follow his/her AISL timetable, participating in lessons as scheduled via Google Meets and completing other work offline.
Google Meet is the platform we use for synchronous learning via video. The Google Meet app is on your child’s school device. Your child will be able to access all of their Google Meet appointment times through that app and should be able to self-manage their login times using the app.
The relevant part of synchronous lessons will be recorded so that students who are unable to attend may watch the lesson when they are able to do so. Students in other time zones will be clustered together in the same sections of a grade level (unless a guidance counselor has a reason to keep them separate) so that they can complete collaborative assignments at times that work for them. Teachers may give assignments for due dates that work for their lessons throughout the week as their lessons meet.
Attendance
All students are expected to participate in the distance learning program and attendance will be noted through the regularity of student engagement.
Teachers will take attendance on ManageBac at the start of lessons. However, we understand that not all students will have electricity and Internet access, so those students are welcome to view the Google Meets lesson on video afterwards.
If a student is in Lusaka and is expected in lessons, but does not attend, the teacher will notify the student’s parents after two consecutive missed lessons (for Secondary). For exceptional circumstances or illness, parents of students who are unable to participate should inform the school ( attendance@aislusaka.org) and their child’s homeroom teacher so that we are aware of the situation.
Screen time and maintaining the timetable
Students will be welcome to take breaks during Google Meets lessons if the screen time is too much for them. Teachers will plan lessons, when possible, where students can log on to the start, then have work time, then rejoin the class at the end of the class period. This way of planning lessons will allow students to do their work on- or offline. Students will be able to log back on to Google Meets during the lesson to ask questions or receive support, as the teacher will stay logged on to the Google Meets lesson for the length of the class, even if the students have all logged off. The purpose of the teacher staying on for the length of the lesson is so that the teacher is available to students during the full length of the lesson.
Curriculum
The student-centered inquiry-based Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) will continue. Grade 10 students will continue with the Personal Project (PP) and Grade 11-12 students will continue with the Extended Essay (EE), Community Action Service (CAS), and college counseling. We aim to introduce the Community Project (CP) to Grade 8 students this year, but will wait to see what works best for students during distance learning.
Learning materials and assessments
Teachers will share digital resources at the beginning of each lesson. Formative and summative assessments and homework tasks will be assigned to students on ManageBac. Using ManageBac ensures that teachers and students use a common Learning Management System (LMS) for finding and submitting assignments. Teachers will continue to send grades notifications to parents so that parents stay up to date about their child’s learning and progress.
Expectations for using school devices off campus
Please remind your child about using their school device responsibly during the distance learning program. It is a tool for learning and the means to connect with teachers. Linked here is the Acceptable Use Policy pertaining to using school devices. Please review the expectations with your child according to their grade level.
Calendar
Giving all resources, learning activities, formative assessments, and summative assessments as events allows teachers to see when assignments are due for students in another class. The purpose for using the ManageBac calendar is to ensure that students are not overburdened with an excess of summative assessments due on the same day.
Advisory
Advisory lessons will continue during their scheduled times, which is 8:50-9:35 am for Grades 6-10 and in their timetable as a class for Grades 11-12. The content of the Advisory lessons will continue to be about helping students develop their Approaches to Learning (ATLs), study skills, and learner profile attributes. It will be supplemented with additional lessons to support their emotional health and well-being during distance learning.
Additional Support
As part of their ASA commitment, teachers will offer after-school tutoring once a week or by appointment with students. Students can attend additional Google Meets lessons with their teachers during those scheduled office hours/tutoring sessions.
Our counseling and Student Services team will continue monitoring students who have been receiving services so that their support is uninterrupted. They will continue monitoring the progress of students who find distance learning to be a special challenge and will continue working with those students 1:1.
Additional Enrichment Programming
During distance learning, we will pause all additional enrichment programming such as social events and Community Service Days (CSDs). After School Activities (ASAs) will continue in a modified way online. Assemblies will resume on Day 4 during Advisory.
Communication
Families can contact teachers and the Secondary Leadership Team through email. Please send a message if you or your child has questions and/or if your child needs extra help and support. It is not expected that parents/guardians have the knowledge of teaching strategies, so please ask if you need clarification on any of the activities posted. When needed, a Google Meet can be arranged to have a conversation ‘in person’ as well.
There will also be weekly updates in the Leopard’s Tale pertaining to the Secondary Distance Learning Program. StudentComms will continue as the daily message board for Secondary students.
Tutorials & Getting Started
If you would like to see any other tutorials added to the site please let us know
Getting started in Primary School
Getting started in Secondary School
Getting started in Primary School
Step 1: Your Child's Google Account
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Your child's '@aislusaka.org' Google Account is already active and this will be required to access Seesaw (KG-G5), Google products (Calendar, Meet, Docs, Slides etc) and other platforms. If you were with us last year, the email address will be the same. If you are new to AISL, please follow these instructions:
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Step 2: Login to Seesaw using the app
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KG to G5: Students login with their Google Account on their own iPad
ELC: Students login with Class Code To help you get started with Seesaw for Distance Learning, please watch this video. Don't get confused with the Seesaw FAMILY app which is how parents access, comment on and provide encouragement and praise to their child/children's portfolios.
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Step 3: Sign in the 'Google Meet' app
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KG to G5: Students login with their Google Account on their own iPad
After signing in, the 'Google Meet' app allows the student to 'swipe up' to see future 'meetings'. The student can also click on the 'Google calendar app' to see an overview of the day or week.
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Parents - take control of the notifications!Notifications can be overwhelming but YOU can control this through the settings on your Seesaw Family app. Watch this video which explains how:
You’re in control of how often you're notified about new information in Seesaw. Here are your options in the Seesaw Family account:
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Familiarise yourself with all the other apps! |
Getting started in Secondary School
Step 1: Login to Google with your school email address
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Let us know - by completing this Tech Support Form - if you have any challenges:
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Step 2: Login to Managebac with your school email address
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Once you have completed Step 1, you need to access and familiarise yourself with ManageBac which is the platform we use for assignments/tasks, grading and reporting in Secondary. If you were with us last year, the email address will be the same. If you are new to AISL, please follow these instructions:
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Step 3: Sign in to the 'Google Meet' app
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Students login with their Google Account on their own iPad
After signing in, the 'Google Meet' app allows the student to 'swipe up' to see future 'meetings'. The student can also click on the 'Google calendar app' to see an overview of the day or week.
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Familiarise yourself with the deviceiPad or MacBook Air, it doesn't REALLY matter - you need to check out what it can or can't do. Check out tutorials on how to make the 'settings' and 'system preferences' work for you. Start learning about your device!
Also check out the apps and applications on your device. Some of the main tools we use in Secondary at AISL include:
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Create your 'favourites/bookmarks'To help you start off your AISL experience well, please do the following…:
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Organise your device & appsTips to staying organised:
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Problem with an app? Complete this support request:
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More Detailed Tutorials
Over the next few days we will be updating this section with tutorials and helpful hints. If there is something in particular you would like to see please email us.
Seesaw (Primary only)
Google Meet
ManageBac
iPads
Apps
Seesaw (Primary only)
Seesaw is a digital student portfolio that gives students an audience for their work! It gives families a window into what's going on every day in their child's classroom.
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- Seesaw gives students a place to document their learning, be creative and learn how to use technology.
- Each student gets their own journal and will add things to it, like photos, videos, drawings, or notes. During distance learning your child will be using the Seesaw Class app to complete learning activities. This is different than the Seesaw Family app. |
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Student - Teacher
The Seesaw CLASS app is how students access and complete learning activities.
- Seesaw learning activities can only be accessed through the class app. - Anything that the children are sending to us i.e photos, videos etc please send these through the class app. ELC families - This page will help you find the correct app for your device as well has step-by-step instructions on how to download and install it.
https://web.seesaw.me/platforms |
Parent - Child - Teacher
The Seesaw FAMILY app is how parents access, comment on and provide encouragement and praise to their child/children's portfolios.
Communication between parents and teachers can be done through the family app Notifications
You’re in control of how often you're notified about new information in Seesaw. Here are your options in the Seesaw Family account:
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How to get started with Seesaw for Distance Learning
Google Meet
Google Meet is designed to work using the Chrome browser. Through chrome you can enter a Google Meet with or without a Gmail account. The address is https://meet.google.com/
If you are using an iPad, iPhone or Android device you will need the Google Hangouts Meet app and a gmail address to sign in with.
Anytime a teacher sets up a google meet, the link will be something like this - meet.google.com/xxx-xxxx-xxx. The last 10 digits will be different for every Meet that is set up. This is the code you will need to join any meeting.
If you see a pop-up window asking you to allow the camera and microphone for meet.google.com, click ALLOW.
If you are using an iPad, iPhone or Android device you will need the Google Hangouts Meet app and a gmail address to sign in with.
Anytime a teacher sets up a google meet, the link will be something like this - meet.google.com/xxx-xxxx-xxx. The last 10 digits will be different for every Meet that is set up. This is the code you will need to join any meeting.
If you see a pop-up window asking you to allow the camera and microphone for meet.google.com, click ALLOW.
ManageBac
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ManageBac is THE main tool that you all need to ‘master’ whether we are in school or on ‘distance learning’. ManageBac itself has a few student tutorials AND youtube has a LOAD more - problem solve… AND please reach out if you have any challenges or problems with ManageBac.
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Uploading work to ManageBac (Secondary)
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Step 1: Save file to Google Drive.
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**If Google Drive is not showing, click on the 3 dots, edit and check ‘Google Drive’ OR use this tutorialto help you!
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Alternative MB UploadSometimes uploading to ManageBac from Google Drive may not work (there's a glitch with the current IOS14 update) - it's always good to have an alternative way!
SO....: follow the instructions above but INSTEAD of saving and uploading to/from Google Drive, use 'Save to files' instead and then then upload 'from my iPad. Watch this video tutorial to learn more! |
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iPads
Apps
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Doc Scan
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Digital Citizenship During Distance Learning
Now, more than ever, we are all aware of the importance of being a good digital citizen. With increased screentime at home, challenges related to balance and appropriate use are more prevalent. As a parent, you have the opportunity to support at home and even ‘manage’ the child’s iPad. More information can be found here on the Parent LibGuide. Please read below for some practical suggestions and solutions:
Make Space for Learning
Your child will work best in a quiet, comfortable space that they helped design away from other distractions and in a public area of the house. Keep in mind that students will be in this space for many hours each day.
Avoid Multitasking/ Distractions
Monitor your children’s social media use, especially in a distance learning setting. Make sure that time spent on social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp is monitored/restricted to help students focus on school work.
Digital Recess
Make sure that your children take plenty of breaks in order to get physical activity and plan off-screen activities for the whole family.
References
‘COVID-19 and At-Home Learning’. Children and Screens, https://www.childrenandscreens.com/media/press-releases/covid-19-and-at-home-learning/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
PARENT’S GUIDE TO DISTANCE LEARNING | ACS International Schools. https://www.acs-schools.com/parents-guide-distance-learning. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
Make Space for Learning
Your child will work best in a quiet, comfortable space that they helped design away from other distractions and in a public area of the house. Keep in mind that students will be in this space for many hours each day.
- Regularly check in on their progress and their focus. Position them somewhere where you can check their screen regularly as you walk by. If you’re suspicious of ‘multi-tasking’, a quick check can be done of the browser history and other tabs/windows open on the device.
Avoid Multitasking/ Distractions
Monitor your children’s social media use, especially in a distance learning setting. Make sure that time spent on social media apps such as TikTok, Instagram and WhatsApp is monitored/restricted to help students focus on school work.
- Consider limiting your children’s cell phones use so that schoolwork receives their undivided attention.
- On the iPad, try using ‘Guided Access’ to focus your child on one specific task or activity at a time. This is a simple video explaining what it is and how it works.
- If you want more control of the child’s iPad then try using the Screen Time feature in ‘Settings’ (full, detailed instructions) to manage Downtime, App Limits, and Content & Privacy with all of the limitations that you want for your child.
Digital Recess
Make sure that your children take plenty of breaks in order to get physical activity and plan off-screen activities for the whole family.
- Set alarms for ‘recess’ and other breaks similar to those at school
- Encourage students to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack.
References
‘COVID-19 and At-Home Learning’. Children and Screens, https://www.childrenandscreens.com/media/press-releases/covid-19-and-at-home-learning/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
PARENT’S GUIDE TO DISTANCE LEARNING | ACS International Schools. https://www.acs-schools.com/parents-guide-distance-learning. Accessed 22 Apr. 2020.
And if you need more support:
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Program support:
Seesaw:
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Device support:
IT Department through the Distance Learning Tech Support Form.
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Curriculum support:
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If you continue to have specific concerns, comments, or questions
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Primary
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Secondary
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Latest school news and information |
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AISL virtual librariesPlease remember our virtual libraries are full of useful resources and information as well.
If you need an answer to a specific issue? Complete this support request and we will get back to you as soon as possible:
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