Resources from BOCES 2 Instructional Technology, Distance Learning & Library Services

Resources for Teachers

This is a Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES resource list for teachers developing plans to provide instruction during this extended closure due to the Coronavirus COVID-19. Information will be added as it becomes available.

Best Practices for Teaching Online
 
18 Strategies for Instructional Design
 
iReady
How to navigate, assign and monitor online instruction in the i-Ready digital assessment tool: an easy-to-follow video,
 
Zoom
Zoom is a video-conferencing platform that allows you to engage in live Web conversations with your students using audio, video, and text-based chat features. Zoom has lifted 40 minute time limit on videoconference calls with multiple participants on the free version for all K-12 (or the non-US equivalent) schools that have been impacted by school closures due to the COVID-19. For the most up to date resources from Zoom, check out the Zoom Blog.  
For resources on remote teaching and work from Zoom, as well as links to sign up for free trainings use this link. 
 
Tips for our Teachers and Staff new to using Zoom:
Microsoft Teams for Education 
Working from Home with Teams

Microsoft and Office 365 
Microsoft Learning Tools

Schoology 
Many of our districts are using Schoology as their LMS.

BOCES 4 Science Extension Investigations / Activities 
Instructors at BOCES 4 Science have developed several experiences that can be used to support student development of science content outside of the traditional classroom. Please feel free to use or share these activities. You can find these activities at http://www.boces4science.org under “BOCES 4 Science extension investigations/activities.” 
 
Wide Open School
At Wide Open School, we celebrate teachers—and parents—as they take on this new challenge. We'll discover and highlight teachers who are figuring out how to light up an online classroom and invite them to share their tips and wisdom to help blend home and school. Wide Open School can only fulfill its mission if all kids and families can access it. We know that millions of kids are without home broadband and/or computers, leaving them without access to critical learning and support services. We will persistently highlight the need to connect all kids, and we won't rest until we have played our part in closing the digital divide. As we do so, Wide Open School will offer many resources that can be completed offline and on smartphones, as well as bilingual and English-language learner resources. 
 
Online Museums and Virtual Field Trips
https://wke.lt/w/s/bvUyKR 

Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html 
Children with Special Needs during Emergencies

Resources for Families

Zoom
Zoom is a video-conferencing platform that allows you to engage in live Web conversations using audio, video, and text-based chat features. (See Zoom entry in center column for more information)
 
Tips for Students, Families and Guardians new to using Zoom:

Guidance from BOCES 2 Mental Health experts 
Parents/Guardians - Know you don’t have to re-create school at home, just provide structure and positive activity. Love your kids. Be their safe place. Read, create, play, sing, and talk together.
 
With many of us moving to working remotely, we may wonder if it is okay to take breaks? If so, how often and how many? We need to take brain breaks to refresh. This is even more true, when working remotely in front of a computer screen. Here are ten ways to take ten-minute breaks (download a PDF).

eBooks, Streaming Video and Online Databases Tool Kit
These are paid resources used by students, teachers and parents within the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES community. We have identified resources most of our schools and BOCES programs have access to, and provided the direct links to each one.

Just for fun! Sing along with BOCES 2 music therapists, plus art therapists, too!
Check out the brand new BOCES 2 Music Therapy YouTube channel! Our talented music therapists are uploading new sing alongs and musical story telling for children during this expanded break. Subscribe to their channel and have some fun with your kids singing "Catch that Sneeze!" "The Noises Song" and many more.

Distance Learning for families
Great distance learning resources for parents and children working from home.
- WideOpenSchool: Wide Open School is a free curated collection of the best online learning experiences for kids. 
 - Microsoft Family Learning Center: Engage your family for an hour or more with these safe and simple, family-led learning experiences for ages 3 to 12.
- Microsoft Student Help Center: We’ve pulled together support that can help spark your creativity and launch your best work yet.
- A Curated List of Online Museums and Collections: including virtual field trips, organized by Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Distance Learning specialists. 
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