TECHNOLOGY

child using 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

Open for all Whitko families, call anytime (260) 723-0585 to leave a message.
TECH HOTLINE (260) 723-0585

E-LEARNING / VIRTUAL LEARNING

Whitko elearning and virtual learning graphic
The first 3 three days called off will continue to be eLearning (not live lessons). Any days called after the first 3 days turn into virtual (live lessons). More information is provided below.

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 elearning day will occur. Simply put, an elearning 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 elearning days help keep our students on track to fulfill the annual attendance requirement. 

Scheduled eLearning Day: Students will complete elearning at home while teachers participate in professional development activities. Teachers should have students download any needed materials for elearning before they leave school the day prior to the elearning day to ensure students can complete their work with or without internet access. 

Unscheduled eLearning Day: In the event that school needs to be canceled, an unscheduled elearning day will occur. On unscheduled elearning 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. 

eLearning Day Procedures: Teachers will upload an attendance Google Form to Google Classroom each elearning day. In order to be marked as in attendance for that day, the student must complete the attendance form. Following each elearning 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 elearning 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 elearning content should follow the NIET Instructional Design for Virtual Learning. 

Why have eLearning Days?
  • 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.
How much work should students receive?
Students should receive no more than five hours of work for the day. This work may be paper/pencil, digital, or a combination of both. This work will be posted on Google Classroom by each teacher.  If you find your child working longer than this please stop them and inform their teacher so adjustments can be made if needed. Each elementary student should receive work for reading, language arts, and math. Each secondary student should receive work for each course in which they are enrolled.
 
Where does my student go to get assignments?
All assignments and instructions will be posted by your child’s teacher(s) in Google Classroom. 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. There may be some additional paperwork that is sent home with primary students in their folders as well. 
 
What if a student is unable to complete the assignment?
Regardless of the reason (forgot device, unclear instructions, dead link, etc.) the student should talk with the teacher the next day they return to school. Parents may call or email the teacher of this class seeking assistance. The teacher will determine remedy or seek further assistance from administration or technology if needed. If any student is frustrated by the difficulty or length of time of any assignment, they should address this with their teacher during the 5 day completion window.
 
Is the eLearning Day mandatory?
Yes, attendance for the “make-up day” will be determined by completion of the assignments. Late or missing work will be be counted the same as any other school day. NOTE: This attendance is official and will be recorded in PowerSchool. Per state law, if Whitko Community Schools e-learning attendance isn’t better than the yearly average, ALL students will be required to attend a full school day at the end of the year to rectify.
 
How do students know what is expected?
Students will receive clear expectations and a means of communicating with their teacher electronically through Google Classroom, there assignments should be clear and something students have done previously during regular class time. If needed, students can find time to ask for assistance during any of the extended days. Teachers will also share their office hours that they are available to assist during the 5 day window of elearning. The goal is for blended learning, where elearning compliments the regular lessons.
 
Please be assured that we will learn and adapt as needed. Please help us improve by completing any surveys that are sent out concerning elearning. Whitko will strive to be fair and consistent in our elearning policies.
Moving to eLearning/virtual learning for the 2026-2027 School Year
 
Transitioning from eLearning to Virtual Learning:
Over the last several years, our district has used eLearning (asynchronous instruction) on days when students could not attend school in person. During asynchronous learning, students complete assignments independently at home, with teachers available to provide support and answer questions throughout the day.
 
Beginning this school year, Whitko Community Schools will transition to Virtual Learning (synchronous instruction) whenever a virtual learning day is called.
 
What does this mean for students and families?
  • Students will follow a scheduled school day and participate in live online instruction with their teachers.
  • Teachers will provide real-time lessons, discussions, and support, allowing students to ask questions, receive immediate feedback, and stay engaged with their classmates.
  • Attendance and participation will be expected just as they are during a regular school day.
  • Students will still complete independent work as assigned, but the majority of instruction will take place through live virtual classrooms.
We believe this transition will provide a more consistent learning experience by maintaining classroom routines, strengthening teacher-student connections, and minimizing learning loss during days when we cannot safely hold school in person.
 
Additional information regarding schedules, expectations, and technology requirements will be shared with families before our first virtual learning day. We appreciate your partnership as we continue to provide the highest quality educational experience for our students, whether they are learning in the classroom or from home.
 
*K-2 students will have a different plan, details will be given at the beginning of the school year.

HELPFUL INFORMATION & FORMS

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.

A Parent’s Guide to Google Classroom using Google Slides 

Google Classroom for Students video tutorial

Acceptable Use Policy Statement – English & Spanish

2024-25 Device Protection Plan

Parent Technology Information

Common Sense Media

NetSmartz

Symbaloo

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).

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