As a global community, we are hearing of k12 schools, universities, and businesses, experiencing the impact of COVID-19 or more commonly known as the coronavirus. Many are staying connected through virtual communication. With this in mind, we are sharing our top three suggestions for connecting home, school, and work during extended absences. If you are a business, school, or university planning for extended absences, here are some things to consider.

Be mindful of technology limitations.  The home environment is often differently equipped with technology in comparison to work and school.  Be sure to consider variables such as:

1. 1. number of devices per family 

   2. number of family members needing devices

   3. types of devices 

   4. data plan limits

   5. Internet access. 

   6. tech savviness

Consider the social and emotional impact. Whatever has caused the extended absence will affect each household differently. 

1. 1. Be reasonable with expectations. 

   2. Set soft deadlines

   3. Reduce the typical completion rate

   4. Encourage and participate in daily/weekly check-ins 

   5. Be aware of possible increased responsibilities

Stick with familiar communication platforms. This is not the time to teach a new tech skill but an excellent time to reinforce digital communication skills, such as posting comments, responding with video, and composing an email.  Choose one regular route of communication and stick with it to avoid confusion.

1. G-Suite

2. Office 365

3. Flipgrid

4. SeeSaw: The Learning Journal

5. Remind

6. Class Dojo

7. Newsletters

8. Weekly teacher Emails

Below you will find ten general technology resources that parents, students, and teachers can use to support classroom standards. 

1. Visit your online library to check out ebooks -  in Savannah Live Oak Public Libraries

2. Take a virtual field trip to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

3. Listen to educational podcasts from Common Sense Media

4. Practice keyboarding skills with Typing.Com

5. Travel with Google Earth or Google MyMaps. 

6. Submit photos to teacher of workspace, math worksheet, art work

7. Create video explaining a day in your world Flipgrid Screencastify

8. Teachers,  create a playlist for students on YouTube

9. Visit BrainPOP’s free resources and Wonderopolis  to learn more about something that interests you. 

10.  Learn more about computer science and coding by participating in a Free course at Code.Org

If you would like to hear the accompanying podcast, offer suggestions or resources please visit somethintotechabout.com

More resources:

• ISTE Standard(s) for Educators and Students
• Newspapers In Education
• Common Sense Media

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