|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Academic continuity is language of connection and uninterrupted learning cycles when disruptions – expected or unexpected – alter the model for learning interactions. COVID-19 sure has done that for learning institutions in North Carolina and throughout the country. The situation our schools and students are confronted with currently is compounded by the different conditions of off-site delivery of instruction that vary greatly based on location and resources – so the challenge of keeping learning ongoing right now is in itself a challenge.
“Now, more than ever, is the time for Strategies That Engage Minds (STEM),” says SMT Center President Dr. Sam Houston, reinforcing his view of the STEM acronym. Melissa Thibault, Vice Chancellor for Distance Education and Extended Programs at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM), notes that we are all up against a big shift in expectations day-to-day. "Remote teaching is not full distance education; learning outcomes, assessments and ways to demonstrate proficiency in a subject today require modified learning objectives and expectations," she says. What is the teachable moment here? How can we maintain perspective so students can get through this phase and be ready for the next life hurdle? Who's vulnerable? Who should we be celebrating? "Teachers are pivoting and adjusting to be respectful of where people are right now," adds Thibault. "Equal is not always equitable, and we know every household is different. Maintaining perspective within the bigger scheme of things will not jeopardize anyone's individual progress."
We have put together a special e-Update to assist our community of educators and students in this time of need. Please tweet us @NCSTEM with any questions, thoughts or feedback. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
North Carolina Virtual Public Schools
The North Carolina Virtual Public School is sponsoring a new conversation series called NCVPSTalks. The NCVPSTalks series will facilitate a broad range of conversations about current and future topics of online and digital learning. Due to demand, more sessions have been added for NCVPSTalks: From Face-to-Face to Virtual - Tips & Tricks for Successful Transitioning. If you have already registered, feel free to choose the date/time that better meets your schedule. This interactive conversation focuses on sharing best practices for digitizing your content and supporting students in learning online. Get more.
Kenan Fellows
With
school systems closed,
Kenan Fellows has pulled together a list of resources to help educators,
parents, students, and community members. You can find resources here.
NCWiseOwl
NCWiseOwl is available to North Carolina Public School Units for at-school and home use through funding at N.C. Department of Public Instruction. Please request the home-use password from your local media/tech contact. Students should work in partnership with teachers and parent/guardians while curating digital content on this site and also adhere to locally adopted Acceptable Use Policies and other applicable guidelines/standards. Features include N.C. K-12 Source for Research Databases, E-Journals, Magazine Subscriptions, Collections, Primary Sources, Encyclopedias, eBooks, and more. Access NCWiseOwl.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State
On the state-wide education front, impressive efforts are underway among educators to support each other and to provide some academic continuity for students through remote teaching. View this website for information. On social media, you can use hashtags #NCLearnsTogether or #NCRemotelearning to stay involved.
National
For schools working towards academic continuity through remote teaching and learning, this is a co-authored and rapidly-evolving resource document collecting information from distance educators around the country. View working document.
Digital Training for Educators
Dr. Sharon Jones, of the Dottie Rose Foundation, is offering Just In Time training for North Carolina education providers who find themselves leaping into digital instruction NOW. Just in Time Virtual Professional Development: Leveraging Digital Tools for Online Learning, is a one-hour virtual PD on creating a comprehensive learning experience through your online learning platform (Google Classroom or Canvas) on Monday, March 23, at 9 a.m. Click here to register and a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LearnPlatform
U.S. school districts access more than 700 different edtech tools during a normal school month. LearnPlatform based in North Carolina supports the growing community of K-12 educators who rely on Learn's technology and services to inventory, manage and analyze their education technology infrastructure. LearnPlatform is providing free services and other budget relief for K-12 local education agencies (LEAs) and state education agencies (SEAs) through June, based on their situations. More information about free services highlighted below can be found on the LearnPlatform Community site here. Any LEA or SEA may contact LearnPlatform to get more information about local or specific needs. Learn Founder Karl Rectanus told NC STEM that his team is working around the clock to support thousands of schools during a rapidly evolving situation. "Educators have told us they feel overwhelmed, and we are here to help relieve anxiety with a system that is built exactly for this reason."
JASON Learning Online
JASON Learning Online is offering any school district facing closures due to the effects of COVID-19 coronavirus free online access to our digital platform and STEM curricula. Access will be made available through the end of April. Access JASON online here.
Scholastic Learn at Home
Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing. Access now.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Online Field Trips
While school is out and outside interaction is limited, virtual field trips can provide a great adventure! Here is a fantastic compilation of more than 40 virtual fields. Visit here.
The Smithsonian
The Smithsonian has some fun and educational online resources – everything from web cams of the pandas in the zoo to games. Access now. The Smithsonian Science Education Center also has free instructional resources for K-12 students and teachers that integrate STEM with the history, art, and culture of the Smithsonian’s vast research and collections. Use the links provided to explore free Smithsonian Science and the Smithsonian Learning Lab.
South Carolina Aquarium
As of this publication deadline, North Carolina Aquariums were temporary closed. The South Carolina Aquarium, however, is providing virtual visits - offering daily digital programming and STEM-based lessons. Virtual visits also will be archived for future viewing. Access here.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MCNC
The North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) is the fundamental broadband infrastructure for education in North Carolina. MCNC owns and operates NCREN, one of America's longest-running regional research and education networks. MCNC’s world-class network and operational expertise provides high-speed Internet and other important networking services for all 115 K-12 public school districts, more than 80 percent of charter schools, a growing number of private schools, all 58 community colleges, and more than 50 universities and colleges throughout the state including the 17 campuses of the UNC System.
See how MCNC is working to keep North Carolina connected and protected at www.mcnc.org.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are here to help
NC STEM will continue to collect information and resources that our community may find beneficial for educators and students in this time of need. We need your help! If you have ideas, links, or anything others may find useful, please share it with us. Tweet us, DM us, email us, or tag your messages with #NCSTEMcares – thank you in advance for your efforts!
TuPortalSTEM
TuPortalSTEM is a web portal dedicated to STEM designed to raise awareness and increase access to information for Hispanic students and their families. | | | |
