Resources for Blended and Remote Learning

Looking for resources to help you navigate blended or online learning? Forty-fifth Street has got you covered.

Terms to Know

Digital Literacy—the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills

Digital Citizenship—Digital citizenship refers to the responsible use of technology by anyone who uses computers, the Internet, and digital devices to engage with society on any level

LMS—Learning Management System

“The role of a Learning Management System varies depending on the organization’s objectives, online training strategy, and desired outcomes. However, the most common use for LMS software is to deploy and track online training initiatives. Typically, assets are uploaded to the Learning Management System, which makes them easily accessible for remote learners. In some cases, the LMS may even have built-in eLearning authoring tools that allow you to develop online training materials without additional third-party software” (examples of Learning Management systems include Schoology and Google Classroom.)

Closed domain—It is a term most often associated with LMSs. A closed domain allows teachers and students within a network to communicate with each other. Users who are not on that network may or may not be allowed to communicate for security and privacy reasons. **Check with your child’s teacher because if the domain is closed, they will not receive communication from anyone outside of the network at that email address.

ACCESS (started in 2005)

“The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) has continually faced the challenge of providing high school students in rural areas with an adequate education designed to equip them for the rigors of college and the global workforce.

Many of these schools were also unable to provide a comprehensive curriculum that could offer the courses necessary for an advanced high school diploma.

By blending traditional classroom teaching with the Internet and videoconferencing technology, ACCESS gives students, particularly those in underserved districts, academic opportunities they would not have otherwise. ACCESS allows students to take AP courses, earn advanced diplomas, learn foreign languages, and take electives that their local school does not offer.”

Hyperlink—a link from a hypertext file or document to another location or file, typically activated by clicking on a highlighted word or image on the screen ( If a word is hyperlinked, it is usually underlined or the font is a different color. For example – Please visit www.bplonline.org/. Clicking that link will take users to the library website.

Learning Options

Remote—off-campus via Learning Management System (LMS)

Blended/ Hybrid—a combination of traditional and remote models

Virtual Schools—K-12 pathway of learning; teachers are usually employed through outside vendor; it is not a temporary option To learn more, visit https://alva.k12.com/

Traditional—face-to-face on campus instruction with a regular schedule

Tips for Remote Learning
(Fabiano, 2020)

Encourage responsible digital activity
Limit distractions
Make space for learning
Maintain breaks such as snack times and recess
Allow them time to interact with friends (video chats, phone calls, etc.)
Mix screen time with “old-school” methods and mediums (develop fine motor skills – cutting, tying shoes, holding pencils)
Keep in touch with other parents; Utilize your village
Don’t underestimate the power of a schedule
Don’t let your children treat this time as vacation
Schedule time for fun

Resources

City of Birmingham Division of Youth Services (DYS)—the weekly newsletter is filled with resources to support families (to subscribe email dys@birminghamal.gov or call 205-320-0879.

The Alabama Virtual Library (AVL)—The Alabama Virtual Library provides all students, teachers and residents of the State of Alabama with 24/7 online access to premier library and information resources free of charge. – https://www.avl.lib.al.us/

Birmingham Public Library—The Birmingham Public Library offers a plethora of resources and services to residents of Birmingham. The Jefferson County Cooperative allows patrons to benefit from services of neighboring libraries. www.bplonline.org/ (Downloadable books, online programming, curbside pickup and technology classes)

The Alabama Homework Hotline—Homework Alabama can be accessed from virtually any computer or mobile device with internet connection while in the state of Alabama.

https://aplsws1.apls.state.al.us/aplsnew/homework/

Crayola is providing weekly at home learning projects to support families – https://created.crayola.com/at-home-learning-home/family-projects

APTV—https://aptv.org/education/parents/

Now, as schools across the state begin to open for the 2020-2021 school year, whether in-person or virtually, Alabama Public Television will continue to serve Alabama’s pre-K-12th grade students, teachers, and families with high-quality broadcast programs and digital resources. Broadcast programming for pre-K through fifth-grade students will be offered daily on APT’s main channel and on PBS Kids. Programs may include Literacy, STEM, Social & Emotional Learning, Social Studies, Art, and more. To view the broadcast schedule, please visit https://aptv.org/education/education-broadcast-schedule/.

A five-hour learning block designed for students in grades 6-12 will be available from 11 AM-4 PM Monday through Friday on APT’s WORLD channel. The block includes content in social studies, science/engineering and English Language Arts.

APT’s new website, Learn at Home with Alabama Public Television, includes a variety of activities, downloadable materials and digital resources that complement our broadcast schedules and extend learning opportunities. Live streams of the main channel, WORLD and PBS Kids broadcast channels will be available on our website. Teachers and families can access a wide variety of digital resources from APT and PBS LearningMedia, including archives of APT’s award-winning Learning Adventures, curated resources on pertinent topics and digital resources aligned with the standards identified as “critical“ for each grade level by the Alabama State Department of Education.

https://aptv.org/education/education-broadcast-schedule/ Literacy, STEM, Social & Emotional Learning, Social Studies & Arts (summer) K-3, 4-8, 9 – 12 and by subject areas (There are also programs specific to Alabama history.)

Stair of Birmingham—text messages
Text SUMMER to 205-649-5638 to receive weekly Reading activities (K-3)

https://www.stairbirmingham.org/covid19

Alabama Distance Learning Resources for Parents, Teachers, and Students—https://www.ebscoed.com/ –

Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students—(free wifi for students- https://abcstudents.org/

McWane Science Center—https://www.mcwane.org/learn/kids-family/at-home-experiments/

https://www.mcwane.org/learn/sci-cafe-online/

At-Home Study Kits

Support student learning by having an at-home study kit. Kits should vary by grade span. Choose the most appropriate materials to support your students.