While SVCUE is sharing these resources as recommended tools, please consult your district's technology team before implementing. While we believe all the tools below are compliant with student data privacy laws, your district should also have cleared the tools before allowing use with students
Staying connected to your students
Google Classroom
(Free with GSuite)
Google Classroom is a free "light" version of a LMS (Learning Management System) that can be used for sharing assignments with students, providing updates, and much more. Your district must have Google Suite enabled for teachers and students to use. Classroom is available on any web browser and has iOS and Android apps. More information and signing into Classroom at this link.
Seesaw
(Free - some paid features for districts)
Seesaw is another version of a LMS, generally used in lower elementary. It allows teachers to share activities and communicate with families, and for students to share their learning. Seesaw is available on any web browser and has iOS and Android apps. More information, including a full guide on getting started with Seesaw for remote learning is available at this link.
Zoom
(Free 40-minute limit - time limit lifted for COVID-19 closures)
Zoom is a videoconferencing application (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) that allows you to connect with multiple people at one time, including by phone. The company is lifting the 40-minute limit on calls for schools affected by closures. You can sign up at this link.
Canvas
(generally paid)
Canvas is a full LMS that is used is many SVCUE members' districts. Resources for using Canvas for Distance Learning are available at this link and include Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced tutorials.
Google Classroom
(Free with GSuite)
Google Classroom is a free "light" version of a LMS (Learning Management System) that can be used for sharing assignments with students, providing updates, and much more. Your district must have Google Suite enabled for teachers and students to use. Classroom is available on any web browser and has iOS and Android apps. More information and signing into Classroom at this link.
Seesaw
(Free - some paid features for districts)
Seesaw is another version of a LMS, generally used in lower elementary. It allows teachers to share activities and communicate with families, and for students to share their learning. Seesaw is available on any web browser and has iOS and Android apps. More information, including a full guide on getting started with Seesaw for remote learning is available at this link.
Zoom
(Free 40-minute limit - time limit lifted for COVID-19 closures)
Zoom is a videoconferencing application (PC, Mac, Android, iOS) that allows you to connect with multiple people at one time, including by phone. The company is lifting the 40-minute limit on calls for schools affected by closures. You can sign up at this link.
Canvas
(generally paid)
Canvas is a full LMS that is used is many SVCUE members' districts. Resources for using Canvas for Distance Learning are available at this link and include Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced tutorials.
Content-Specific Online Programs for Schools/Teachers
Newsela
(Free for 19-20 school year; ELA, Social Studies, Science)
Newsela has leveled reading texts about current events that include activities and quizzes. Teachers can select readings for the class or individual students/groups and can track progress. More information, including the form for signing up for a free account can be found at this link.
Listenwise
(Free until May 31 or beyond; ELA, Social Studies, Science)
Listenwise provides podcasts/audio for students to practice listening comprehension through auto-scored quizzes. More information, including the form for signing up for a free account can be found at this link.
Gizmos
(Free for 19-20 school year; Math, Science - 3rd-12th grade)
Gizmos has engaging online activities that teachers can assign to the class to support learning concepts in math and science. Sign up for your free account at this link.
Newsela
(Free for 19-20 school year; ELA, Social Studies, Science)
Newsela has leveled reading texts about current events that include activities and quizzes. Teachers can select readings for the class or individual students/groups and can track progress. More information, including the form for signing up for a free account can be found at this link.
Listenwise
(Free until May 31 or beyond; ELA, Social Studies, Science)
Listenwise provides podcasts/audio for students to practice listening comprehension through auto-scored quizzes. More information, including the form for signing up for a free account can be found at this link.
Gizmos
(Free for 19-20 school year; Math, Science - 3rd-12th grade)
Gizmos has engaging online activities that teachers can assign to the class to support learning concepts in math and science. Sign up for your free account at this link.
Content-Specific Online Programs for Parents (also available for Schools/Teachers)
GoNoodle
(Free; Movement, Exercise, Mindfulness)
GoNoodle has a lot of content to bring movement into the classroom or into homes. GoNoodle is available on any web browser and has iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Roku apps. You can sign up or send families to sign up at this link.
DreamBox Learning
(free 90-day trial for parents; Math)
DreamBox Learning has adaptive math content for students in grades K-8. For schools who have paid accounts, teachers can track student progress. Parents can sign up for their free trial at this link.
GoNoodle
(Free; Movement, Exercise, Mindfulness)
GoNoodle has a lot of content to bring movement into the classroom or into homes. GoNoodle is available on any web browser and has iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Roku apps. You can sign up or send families to sign up at this link.
DreamBox Learning
(free 90-day trial for parents; Math)
DreamBox Learning has adaptive math content for students in grades K-8. For schools who have paid accounts, teachers can track student progress. Parents can sign up for their free trial at this link.
School At-Home/Distance/Remote Learning Plans
For schools constructing their At-Home Learning Plans, here are a few resources to support:
Santa Clara County Office of Education: Extended School Closure Planning Resources
San Mateo County Office of Education: At-Home Learning Readiness Resources & Best Practices for Extended Closure
Sacred Heart Preparatory (Atherton): Flexible Plan for Instructional Continuity
Notre Dame (San Jose): Emergency Flexible Learning Plan
For schools constructing their At-Home Learning Plans, here are a few resources to support:
Santa Clara County Office of Education: Extended School Closure Planning Resources
San Mateo County Office of Education: At-Home Learning Readiness Resources & Best Practices for Extended Closure
Sacred Heart Preparatory (Atherton): Flexible Plan for Instructional Continuity
Notre Dame (San Jose): Emergency Flexible Learning Plan