TECHNOLOGY
The Technology Department works behind the scenes as well as one-on-one with students to keep all of Whitko’s systems and devices running smoothly, livestream events, and enhance campus safety and security.
Because it is a value for our students to use technology as a part of their academic experience, we offer 1:1 devices for all students at their age appropriate learning level. Students are encouraged to help one another trouble shoot technical issues and have the opportunity to join a student tech team at the elementary level, or may apply for an internship with the Technology Department while in high school.
Our team of professionals are always available to lend a hand and if your student has a question about their device, please be sure to check out our helpful information and forms, call our hotline, or contact us using the information below.
TECH SUPPORT HOTLINE
HELPFUL INFORMATION & FORMS
E-learning days are scheduled throughout the school year as well as used in the event that school needs to be canceled. At that time an unscheduled E-learning day will occur. Simply put, an e-learning day at Whitko means that students get to work from home. Whitko administrators will determine dates that best fit the school schedule and add them into the school calendar to help assist with snow days, cancelations, and teacher professional development. These e-learning days help keep our students on track to fulfill the annual attendance requirement.
Scheduled E-Learning Day: Students will complete e-learning at home while teachers participate in professional development activities. Teachers should have students download any needed materials for e-learning before they leave school the day prior to the e-learning day to ensure students can complete their work with or without internet access.
Unscheduled E-Learning Day: In the event that school needs to be canceled, an unscheduled e-learning day will occur. On unscheduled e-learning days, teachers must have all lessons uploaded to Google Classroom by 10:00 am. Teachers will be available for students who need assistance throughout the day via email, messaging, or phone calls.
E-Learning Day Procedures: Teachers will upload an attendance Google Form to Google Classroom each e-learning day. In order to be marked as in attendance for that day, the student must complete the attendance form. Following each e-learning day, teachers will mark attendance in PowerSchool, reflecting the information collected on the attendance Google Form. Teachers should follow the IDOE Guidelines for the minimum student commitment for each e-learning day:
Pre-K: 30 minutes
Grades 1-2: 45 minutes
Grades 3-4: 60 minutes
Grades 5-6: 90 minutes
Grades 7-12: 30 minutes per teacher (3 hours max in a day)
The instructional design of e-learning content should follow the NIET Instructional Design for Virtual Learning.
- Technology is now part of our ever changing world, every student’s future will include digital exchange using 21st Century Skills: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. This is a chance for low stakes practice using those skills.
- Face-to-face courses in college require work to be submitted electronically.
- Employers feel that new hires/applicants do not have adequate computer skills. Most companies require online applications.
- Whitko uses e-learning days to make up weather related cancellations. The winter months are critical learning time before high stakes exams in the spring.
Google Classroom is a suite of online tools that allows teachers to post assignments, and students to submit and share work.
Students with a school device have been instructed on how to create a bookmark for Google Classroom when they access the internet using Google Chrome. Google Classroom can also be accessed on a personal device by visiting https://classroom.google.com. Student iPads have a Google Classroom App.
We understand that internet access can be a challenge. A limited number of Wi-Fi hot spots are available from the school and are distributed on a first-come basis for use at home. As another option, our school Wi-Fi is always available. Even outside of the school it can be accessed for free! Simply park in front of any of our buildings and connect to the school Wi-Fi to access your account.
If you need to work offline because you don’t have Wi-Fi in your home, we understand! You are not alone, and many of our Whitko families are in similar situations. Our Technology department has provided this helpful document so your students can work on their e-learning offline (without internet).
