What is distance learning?

Distance learning is an alternative learning and educational service plan in which the student and teacher are in different locations. The teachers have the option to communicate with you and your child by a phone call, email, Google Classroom, video chat, and/or text.

What is Google Classroom and how does Google Classroom work?

Google Classroom is an online platform where all teachers grades 1st - 12th will post their assignments. Teachers will also communicate with students through Google Classroom, and provide a daily Google Form to take attendance.

What are the hours my child is expected to be learning online?

• TK/Kindergarten: up to 1.5 hours per day.
• 1st - 3rd grades: up to 180 minutes per day.
• 4th - 12th grades: for all courses combined will be a total of 240 minutes daily.

Will my child be expected to participate in video chats?

Kindergarten: No, however school personnel will be calling students three times per week to chat about activities within the packet for support and accountability as well as checking in to see if there is needed support.

1st-12th grades: Teachers may offer Zoom or Google Meet as way to communicate with students, but students will not be required to participate in those platforms. If a teacher has a video chat as part of an assignment, you may request another means of communication to complete the assignment. Teachers may also use Zoom or Google Meet for weekly office hours, but email communication or another means of communication may be used in place of video chat.

What if I don't have Internet connectivity at home?

Students may come to Aldar Academy and remain a parked vehicle to access the guest wifi account. If that is not doable please reach out to see if there is an opportunity to schedule a staff member to come out and work with your child while they remain in their vehicle.

Below is a list of suppliers offering discounted Internet services for qualifying families:

• Internet Essentials by Comcast: https://www.internetessentials.com/
• Access from AT&T: https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/#!/
• Consolidated Communications: https://www.consolidated.com/about-us/locations/california
• T-Mobile: https://www.t-mobile.com/
• Verizon: https://www.verizonwireless.com/

Other area providers:

• Frontier Communications: https://frontier.com/

Does my child have to use a Chromebook? What other devices will work?

Devices you currently have at home that connect to the Internet should be sufficient for student work. For example, your devices can be a Windows PC, Mac, Chromebook, Linux PC, or an iPad.

What if a student forgets the password to their Google account?

Students should reach out to any available staff member or Mr. Daniel to have their password reset.
 

Are the cameras and microphones on the assigned computers disabled?

No. The cameras and microphones have not been disabled. Students can use the camera and microphone if they choose to do so. It is not mandatory to participate in video conferences.