Are your learners experiencing troubles accessing content for remote lessons? In this post, the Kent ISD Remote Learning Implementation Support Team (RLIST) discusses considerations for teachers to improve learner access. For a quick look at digital access considerations, see the accompanying infographic. 

Digital Access List- Remote Learning Resource Infographic

Visibility

Can learners & caregivers view all documents and videos? 

Imagine being a learner in your remote learning classroom: 

“I’m starting to get the hang of remote learning and I am looking forward to getting this week started. Let’s see my next assignment. I just have to click this Google document for my weekly task list. Oh, no! I can’t view the document because I don’t have permission. I had been hoping to get a jump start on it this weekend, and now I will have to wait until Monday.”

Prior to assigning, make sure to test access of documents, videos, or other activities with a student-level account.  This assures district filters are not prohibiting learner access. For example, YouTube videos are often blocked by districts.

Compatibility

Will learner devices be compatible?

There are multiple ways for learners to get access to materials including, but not limited to: phones, tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks. Be sure to consider compatibility when choosing resources and websites for learners.

Keep it simple. Focus efforts on devices the district currently uses. Should compatibility issues arise, create a short and concise learner/caregiver communication with details on how to make different devices work.

Secure Login

Has secure login information been provided and shared?

It may be difficult for learners to manage multiple logins and passwords for the websites they need to access. There are several tools and resources to assist learners with password management. 

Contact your district technology team for help with safe login support that is compatible with your district’s platform. Once a process to provide simple steps for using resources is established, share it with your learners and caregivers.

Copyrights

Has the lesson been checked for copyright limitations?

Copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, or publicly displayed without the permission of the copyright owner.

Verify resources can be shared. If necessary, obtain permission from the author or publisher.

Resource to support copyright.

Accessibility

Have accessibility needs been anticipated?

Accessibility considerations include features such as text-to-speech, captioning, video speed adjustment, possible translation opportunities, and more. More information is available on this accessible materials video overview.

As you continue to develop materials for your learners, consider following the guidance from Kent ISD Special Education Department. Click here to visit the Tele-Learning Basics website to learn more about providing equal access in distance learning. 

Keep Up the Great Work!

Thank you for the time, energy, and effort devoted to remote learning. Kent ISD is here for you. Please reach out if you would like additional information or support.

For more remote learning resources, visit Kent ISD’s Remote Learning web page.

Don’t miss next week’s post on student engagement and feedback!

#DigitalAccess #RemoteLearning #WeLeadLearning #KentISDpd

This blog post was written in collaboration by Kent ISD's staff: Mark Raffler, ELA & SS Educational Consultant, Susan Brummel, School Improvement Consultant, and Kirsten Rice, MTSS Coordinator. It was edited by Amanda Walma, Professional Development Coordinator and Sara Sefcik, PD Hub Intern. The infographic was written by the Kent ISD Ed Tech Team and designed by Amanda Walma.