Virtual Learning

Helpful Hints

Note: All live Google Meets will be

recorded and posted on our Google
Classroom.
Have a PLACE

Prepared
Login On Time
Active Participation
Camera
Environment
 Prepared

Have paper, pencils, and other

Have a charged or plugged in
materials at your workplace.
device.
 Prepare some more!

Keep water or another beverage Use the bathroom before you attend
nearby to stay hydrated. a live Google Meet.
 Login On Time

Double check that you are Better yet, login early!

going to the correct meeting at
the right time.
 Active Participation

Actively listen.
Respond when appropriate.
 Camera

On when possible.
Your teachers and classmates
want to get to know you.
 Environment

Keep work area distraction free.

Use a desk or table.
No extra devices around or on.
Stick to it!
The first few months of online learning can be challenging for families. “Hang in there” and maintain regular contact
with your teacher. As you become accustomed to the technology and establish a routine, it will get easier and you’ll
begin to reap the rewards of learning at home.

Know your computer.

Take time to get familiar with our education management system AKA Google Classroom. It’s important to know how
to access and use the online resources, including the curriculum, virtual classroom, grade book, and
communications.
Get others involved.
Virtual school is not a self-study program for children! You are a middle schooler and may need some parent
or another adult involvement that might be in the form of supervision, support, encouragement, and assistance
with time management.

Expect challenging schoolwork.

Our online curriculum is just as rigorous as that of in-school classes. You should be prepared to work hard and
to be held accountable for the quality of your schoolwork. Learning self-motivation is key for student success.
 Don’t overdose on flexibility.
While having a more flexible schedule is one of the wonderful qualities of virtual school, that shouldn’t
necessarily mean doing “whatever you want, whenever you want.” We all need some structure, and the
framework to pacing is built in to Google Classroom. You will also have deadlines that must be met, so keep
track! If you have a project to complete, pay attention to reminders and assistance with planning those long-term
projects.

Set a good pace.

With virtual school, you can advance through their lessons at a pace that works for you as they become
available. For more challenging subjects, students can take extra time to absorb new information, if needed.
You do need to make sure you are on track for deadlines and for completing the assessments on time.
Ask your teacher!
Last year we launched the new 8th grade science curriculum. We are using that same curriculum this year, so
when you have a question or problem, emailing the teacher is the best way to resolve it. I encourage students to
reach out by themselves—and develop social and communication skills as you learn.

Teacher Availability.
During spring remote learning we had set office hours. Virtual learning does not have formal office hours;
however, there will be Google Meets on the days organized in the block schedule (shown on the next slide).
Class will meet using the Google Meet link located in the Google Classroom. Attendance will be taken at the
beginning of the schedule class time. The length of instructional time will vary depending on the lesson.
Some days we might be meeting close to the full 2 hours other days not as long.

You can contact me via email at wilsone@slcs.us If you email during our scheduled time, I will reply by the
end of the school day. Emails sent outside of our scheduled class time will be returned within 24-48 hours.