Learning and Technology COVID-19 Resources

To support the recent increase in online learning the following online tools and resources are provided to help educators and parents ensure safety, accessibility, and digital responsibility. These resources are part of the Department's Continuity of Learning Initiative. 

Connectivity 

 

Get Connected: Several companies are offering free internet access for a limited time to help promote connectivity for online learning. Each offer has various requirements this list is offered as resource to help find the offer that best meets your needs. You can also find upgrades to schools and other news regarding connectivity throughout the Covid-19 pandemic here.  

• NetworkMaine, MDOE Upgrading PreK-12 Schools to Gigabit Speeds NetworkMaine a unit of the University of Maine System responsible for the design and operation of Maine’s research and education network (MaineREN) that delivers high-speed Internet and technology services to support education, research, public service, government and economic development throughout the state, announced December 30, 2020 a partnership with the Maine Department of Education to upgrade network connections at preK-12 schools through the Maine School and Library Network (MSLN) project. Internet connections at an estimated 301 preK-12 schools have or will receive upgrades as part of the project.  Follow this link for a coverage map of schools receiving upgrades. 
• Charter Expands Broadband Access (PDF) Charter has offered free Spectrum broadband and WiFi access for 60 days once again beginning on September 21, 2020  to households with K-12/college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.
• Comcast Internet Essentials -  Individuals that sign up for Comcast's Internet Essentials will receive two free months of Internet service. There is no contract term or credit check. 
• Keep America Connected Pledge: In an effort to keep America connected the FCC has asked internet and phone providers to take a pledge to ensure  Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity. Maine internet and telephone providers have taken a pledge including:  AT&T, Comcast, Consolidated Communications, FirstLight, GWI, TDS Telecom, TMobile, TracFone Wireless, US Cellular, Verizon. Contact your Internet or telephone provider to understand the specific benefits they are offering.
• AT&T: AT&T is offering the “Access Program” which provides low-cost home internet to qualifying households for $5-10 a month, no deposit or installation fee. AT&T is expanding eligibility based on income and to households participating in National School Lunch Program/Head Start.

Study from your Car Initiative Connectivity Map  The Maine Department of Education and Network Maine are partnering to encourage schools in Maine to open guest networks so more people can have access to reliable high-speed internet. Maine DOE and school districts know that thousands of Maine children and families don't have reliable high-speed internet. More and more schools districts, University of Maine locations, and public libraries are opening guest networks to accommodate the needs in their communities. To locate the nearest open guest network, view this map to locate an open wireless network in your area.

Internet Explained - From the Maine Office of the Public Advocate this web page contains information on the types of connectivity available, Provider choices (sorted by County), includes expected or typical pricing, and speed of the service.

FCC just Released - Deadline extensions for various parts of the E-rate Program to better support schools, districts and providers.

Complete Guide to Internet Service -  For those who are looking to get connected, stay connected, or look for resources to support your family online please refer to this complete guide.

Rural Internet Resources- Guide for getting the best rural internet resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online Safety

 

• Online Safety Discussion - For educators and parents/guardians. This guide provides resources and a case study to learn within an online community about online safety. 
• Overview of Internet Safety - A general overview to get started with understanding Internet Safety.
• When is a photo or video an education record? - FERPA (Family Education and Privacy Rights Act )– Guidance from U.S. Department of Education on when a photo or video is/is not an education record.
• Parental/Guardian Controls - A resource from Common Sense Media. This guide to parental controls walks the reader through common parent/guardian concerns revealing the best parental control application for your family. This resource includes parental control application features, price points, and security levels. This easy to follow guide will walk you through a list of questions, and based on the answers, will suggest two to three parental control applications that meet your needs. 
• Zoom Security Tips - Tips for hosting secure Zoom meetings, limiting access and controlling participant comment, controlling inappropriate video and other content. 
• COOPTA- Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning for Education Agencies. An overview of COOP Planning including teaching and learning action items from Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools.
• Cyber Safety K-12 Fact Sheet - Cyber Safety Considerations for K-12 Schools and Districts from Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools.
• FERPA & Virtual Learning - Information from the U.S. Department of Educations's Webinar on FERPA and Virtual Learning During COVID-19.

 

Parent Resources

 

• Remote Learning Resources Primary Grades - Credit:  Maine Curriculum Leaders Association
• Remote Learning Resources Upper Elementary Grades - Credit:  Maine Curriculum Leaders Association
• Internet Explained - From the Maine Office of the Public Advocate this web page contains information on the types of connectivity available, Provider choices (sorted by County), includes expected or typical pricing, and speed of the service.
• Parental/Guardian Controls - A resource from Common Sense Media. This guide to parental controls walks the reader through common parent/guardian concerns revealing the best parental control application for your family. This resource includes parental control application features, price points, and security levels. This easy to follow guide will walk you through a list of questions, and based on the answers, will suggest two to three parental control applications that meet your needs. 
• Vroom - Vroom provides science-based tips and tools to inspire families to turn shared, everyday moments into Brain Building Moments®.
• Social Media Concerns: Information and a forum for guardians to discuss concerns and misunderstandings.
• Cyber Bullying Discussion: Includes case study and tip sheet to help educators and guardians discuss cyber bullying.
• Cyber Bullying Resource Sheet: For guardians to learn more about cyber bullying.
• Cyberbullying in School: Prevention and Support.: Guide that can be used by educators, parents, and students.
• COVID-19 Resources for Parents: Offers guidance from the US DOE, COVID-19 Information in Other Languages, Telecommuting Technology and Tips, Schooling at Home, Coping Tips and Other Useful Information.
• International Society for Technology in Education Parent Resources - activities and information for parents from a leader in technology in education.
• Ideas & Tips for Parents: Lessons, ideas and tips to help you guide children who are making the shift to online learning.
• SafeYouTube - a safe link generator to ensure children can watch videos in a safe and friendly way. 

Teacher Resources

 

• Remote Learning Resources Primary Grades - Credit:  Maine Curriculum Leaders Association
• Remote Learning Resources Upper Elementary Grades - Credit:  Maine Curriculum Leaders Association
• 21Things4Teachers - This site for educators, makes connections between technology tools and best practice instructional strategies. The information and activities allows you to choose a specific snippit of technology and teaching that you want to implement and within ten minutes learn best practices associated with the implementation.
• Online Assignments: Best Practices - A resource from Understood.org, backed by research, vetted by experts, and reviewed by classroom teachers.
• NEA's Communicate with Technology- Feedback, Google, and Web2.0 Thinking
• Learning Resources - ISTE and EdSurge, two trusted education organizations, have assembled a curated list of free products offered by companies and organizations to support learning during extended school closures. a full-feature search directory is available. Resources include interactive activities, TV programming, open access to YouTube channels, and more. 
• Zoom Security Tips - Tips for hosting secure Zoom meetings, limiting access and controlling participant comment, controlling inappropriate video and other content.
• Google's Teach from Home Hub - A hub of information to help teachers during the cornovirus (COVID-19) crisis. This resource includes tips on asynchronous teaching to use if your internet signal is not strong, and creating lessons that are accessible. It also includes tips on keeping in touch with your students and your teacher community. This resource also has resources that you can distribute to your families.
• Zoom Tips for Educators: Quick tips and settings for Educators using Zoom.
• Infographic- This simple visual provides a quick reference on key considerations for evaluating apps for teaching and learning.
• Digital Resource Guide - This easy to read guide developed by students at Queens College, New York provides a detail on nine digital categories including comics, interactive posters, infographics, podcasts, presentation tools, social media, storytelling, timelines, and virtual field trips and provides ideas on how each category can be incorporated in the classroom. Each category includes a description of what it is, why you would use it and how you would use it. This resource includes tools for each resource and video tutorials.
• Teachers & Leaders Learning Keeps Going: Find Guidance, best practices and strategies from experts in the field to assist you in online learning.
• Webinars For Educators: Online learning experts answer your questions about navigating online learning during school closures. Watch live or view a recording.
• SafeYouTube - a safe link generator to ensure children can watch videos in a safe and friendly way. 
• Zoom Tips & Tricks - A guide to help teachers use Zoom with students as part of a synchronous classroom.
• FERPA & Virtual Learning - Information from the U.S. Department of Educations's Webinar on FERPA and Virtual Learning During COVID-19.

Digital Citizenship