Continuity of Learning

Overview

As the possibility of quarantines and school closures increase in response to COVID-19, it is important for every agency to have a Continuity of Learning Plan in place, whether it leverages the use of technology to provide independent study or distance learning, or simply involves sending copies of paper assignments home to students. 

NOTE: A Distance Learning Strategy should be approached with caution.  If it is applied to an environment where stakeholders are not already pre-conditioned for it, it can cause more harm than good in the short term.  Agencies should take into account the below pre-conditions when considering whether to provide instruction through independent study or distance learning.

Pre-conditions that should be in place as a baseline for distance learning success: 

• One-to-One take home programs already in place and successful
• An online Learning Management System (LMS) in place, with students already enrolled and set up.
• Teachers trained to use the LMS, and can manage a cohort of students in the system independently.
• Teachers are trained or certified for the blended learning environment.
• Equity issues are considered: Access to internet and mobile devices for all students is a concern.  Students without home internet access cannot go to public spaces (where infections illness exposure risk might be increased) just to complete their assignments

Continuity of Teaching Learning Plan Samples  

Supporting Continuity of Teaching and Learning During an Emergency
(Best Practices and Protocols – excellent resource)

Sample Continuity of Learning Plan
(Provided by the Santa Cruz COE)

Synchronous Webinar Tools

Recommended: Zoom

• Free Zoom Licenses for K12 Distance Learning (by request)
• Tutorials: How to use Zoom
• Register your domain for free Zoom Licenses

Alternative Options

• Google Hangouts can be accessed through your Google Apps for Education accounts
• Google Hangout Tutorial Video

Asynchronous Learning Tools

Learning Management Systems

Google Classroom: (Recommended for grades Levels 3-12)
Google Classroom can also act as a communication tools with parents. The younger the student the more likely parent support will be needed to leverage an asynchronous online learning tool like Google Classroom.

• Google Classroom Tutorials
  • Full Tutorial Video (16 min.)
  • Google Classroom Teacher Center

Scout: University of California A-G Courses (Recommended for High School)

• Free Access to University of California A-G Online High School Courses

Canvas: Option for self-developed courses. There is a free option for individual teachers. (Recommended for grades 6-12). Not recommended for beginners to distance learning.

• Sign-Up for free
• Canvas Tutorials and Further Information