Virtual Learning Program Plan
2020-2021 Virtual Learning Plan
Bedford County Department of Education has developed a flexible plan that allows for students to participate in grade level instruction virtually using various communication methods to interact with their classes through Microsoft Teams (video and chat, email, etc.). This can occur in a synchronous (live) and/or asynchronous (recorded) environment. Students will be given a schedule and times for logging in virtually when they pick up materials from their school. All information, forms, etc. should be accessed on the BCS website under the Departments on the main menu and then by clicking on the Virtual Learning Program link.
|
Scenario |
Protocol |
|
My student needs a device |
• Devices distributed when requested. Dates and times for pick up will be determined by individual schools. Schools will contact virtual families. |
|
Whole Group Instruction |
• Live stream, recorded, or teacher assignment via Teams, Thrivist, Classlink |
|
Small Group Instruction |
• Live stream, recorded, or teacher assignment via Teams, Thrivist, Classlink |
|
My student needs access to materials/ manipulatives |
• Textbooks and materials will be distributed the first week of school. Dates and times will be determined by individual schools. Schools will contact virtual families. • Individual math tool kits with manipulatives may be provided if the teacher has enough materials. If not, parents will be provided a list of ‘at home’ materials that could be used (ex. Dry beans, straws, cereal, coins, etc.) · To check-out a Library book, students put books on hold through email to media specialists at each school. |
|
My student needs training to know how to access Virtual Learning |
• Students should access the video on the Virtual Learning page (referenced above) for information on connecting to their virtual class. |
For Technical assistance, please consult the Process for Technical Assistance page or email techhelp@bedfordk12tn.net.
Classlink
Classlink is a single sign on application, which gives access to learning resources for all K-12 students.
Thrivist
Thrivist will serve as our district Learning Management Suite, and it will assist in the management of BCS curriculum in both the building environment and the distance learning environment. Students will access all curriculum resources through the Thrivist dashboard. Thrivist will provide an opportunity for teachers to share content and provide feedback to students. Students will be able to turn in assignments through Thrivist. All students will access Thrivist through Classlink single sign-on.
Skyward
Email account information can be found in Skyward, and attendance and grading will be taken and tracked using the Skyward portal. Parents can access the portal for attendance, grades, and updates from the school and district.
Contact Information
Each school will have a Virtual Learning Coordinator, and the list will be available on the website. Your district contact is Tiffany Swain, Virtual Learning Supervisor at 931-684-3284, Extension 2212.
Attendance
Students who are enrolled in the virtual learning program will be coded as “D” in their attendance profile in Skyward. This will count them as present. Students are required to engage in the learning each day, and this will be monitored by their teacher(s) by the end of each day. In order for distance learning students to be considered present for the day, they must be interacting and responding to instruction. The teachers will take attendance for each class based on the following:
- Connecting in the virtual format (Teams)
- Participation in an online discussion for the class; video should be on
- Participation in synchronous learning in an online classroom
- Completion of an assessment for the class
- Discussions with the teacher/class via phone call, email, or online meeting in a virtual format
If a student has not engaged with the class in any way, then the teacher will mark the student absent in Skyward for that class period or day.