As schools have settled into the rhythm of distance learning, we have continued to see incredible stories of how educators are supporting students and maintaining continuity in their learning experiences. Many schools that transitioned to remote, online learning for the first time were able to do so because they had the right resources and technology in place. Sycamore Education’s all-inclusive online school management system is designed to support administrators in the day-to-day operations of their school, as well as make it easier for teachers and students to communicate and continue learning — even when they’re not together in the same classroom.
While it may require some adjustments for teachers and students, distance learning can be an effective way to help students finish the school year strong. With the right resources, tools, and daily routine, students can easily adapt to this modified educational approach.
How Can Sycamore Education Help?
Fortunately, with Sycamore’s comprehensive and easy-to-use school management system, Sycamore School, there are a multitude of resources available to assist teachers, students and parents with distance learning. With over 300 features and integrations — including the ability to integrate with Google at the highest level of any school information system — Sycamore allows teachers to continue to teach, grade, collaborate, and communicate with their students in an effective and efficient manner.
Convenience of Drop Box Assignments
Daily assignments are arguably the most paramount when it comes to creativity, knowledge, and routine within a classroom — and perhaps even more so when that classroom is virtual. From the beginning of the school year, students are instructed to pass their assignments forward each day, or drop them in the assignment basket in the classroom. With distance learning, students are forced to be a little more disciplined when it comes to turning in their assignments, but it’s still possible for teachers to reinforce that important routine of handing in class work each day.
When teachers create an assignment in Sycamore, they’ll notice a “Use Dropbox” checkbox. Once that checkbox is selected, the assignment officially becomes a dropbox assignment, and students can then log in and upload their work to that dropbox. After students have uploaded their work, teachers can view and grade the assignments as well as add helpful comments and feedback.
Sycamore School also gives families the option to upload dropbox assignments for their younger students, since some schools do not require those in lower grade levels to log into the school management system.
Online Tests Made Easy
Asking students to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter is critical to the learning process. Tests allow teachers to evaluate whether the educational goals are being met, and show how a student is progressing. Regular testing helps students demonstrate whether or not they understood and mastered the material they were taught during class. In addition, tests help teachers see what students picked up well, and what they struggled with.
Distance learning makes it a bit more challenging to administer tests, but an online school management system makes it easier. From right within Sycamore School, teachers are able to create online tests for their students, with the ability to choose from a variety of test formats including multiple choice, true/false, short answer, and essay. Once a test has been created, students simply log in and enter their classroom(s) to complete the test. If the teacher makes a test reviewable and chooses to display answers, students will be able to review their test upon completion. Students will see which questions they answered incorrectly and what the correct answers to those questions are.
Distance learning and social distancing doesn’t mean an end to education — it means we get to find new ways to reach our educational goals!
To learn more about the abundance of tools and resources Sycamore School provides to assist schools in the distance learning process, make sure to schedule a demo and start your free trial today.
This article originally appeared on Sycamore School.
