5 Websites & Apps Wichita Parents Will Need for School on Monday, March 30th

As our learning environment changes for the time being, we are incredibly lucky to have access to so many programs that allow learning, collaborating, and connecting to happen from anywhere in the world. The list of resources for distance learning are really extensive, but you are certain to see these big ones floating around.

Your district and teacher will have more information in the coming weeks. Give yourself, your students, and their teachers time to adjust to this new way of learning. For now…get excited about a new adventure for your students!  

USD 259 Portal

What is it?

This is the centralized location for all the apps your students have access to. These may change over the coming weeks, but many of these programs will be used :Lexia, Dreambox, Khan Academy, Xello, Journeys, iReady, etc. Students already have access to these programs and use them frequently. 

Your students will use their school ID and password to login.  

  • Elementary 
    Username: 6 Digit ID 
    Password: 4 Digit Month/Day Birthday  (June 3 = 0603)
  • 6th – 12th:
    Username: 6 Digit ID 
    Password: Whatever your student has currently set it 

Google Classroom

What is it?  

Google Classroom combines Google Drive, Including Google Docs, Sheets and Slides for virtual assignments. Teachers can assign work, post informational videos, and update students.   Students are usually added through their district portal. Google Classroom can be downloaded on mobile apps.  Teachers can give feedback on all assignments and see them in real time.  

Tutorials

Wichita Public Schools Login

Parent’s Guide to Google Classroom 

Student’s Guide to Google Classroom

Awesome Features  

  • Teachers can see work that is happening, even if it isn’t submitted. 
  • Teachers can differentiate assignments. 
  • It is a centralized hub for all of the class communication. 

Drawbacks  

  • It can be overwhelming to follow the posts.  Make sure to check the “Calendar” and the “To Do” section to keep up. 

SeeSaw

What is it?

Seesaw is a engaging and collaborative online tool that allows students to demonstrate and share their learning with their peers, teacher and family. Students can use a variety of tools to show what they know in a way that works for them. They can draw, take a picture, record voice, make a video or collage and more. As students complete and turn in their work, teachers can give them real feedback by typing/drawing a message or recording voice feedback.

image courtesy of techcrunch.com

Tutorials

Seesaw for Parents

Awesome Features

  • Seesaw gives students a voice and choice by choosing how they complete or show their learning.
  • Teachers can record directions and post videos of what they are expected to do.
  • Students who struggle with writing can record their responses. 

Drawbacks

  • Students always find it easier to work on Seesaw if they have a tablet or a touchscreen computer because drawing on the mouse pad can be a challenge. 

Zoom

What is it?  

Zoom is an online video conferencing tool that allows real-time meetings, collaboration, and group messaging. 

Tutorials 

Zoom Tutorial and Support Page

Awesome Features  

  • Teachers and students can interact in real time. 
  • Screen sharing allows explicit teaching and direction. 

Drawbacks 

  • You need a good Wi-Fi connection for quality conversations. 
  • Too many people in the same group could get confusing. 

Flipgrid  

What is it?

Flipgrid is a program that allows students to share and interact with their classmates and teacher through short video responses.  

image courtesy of flipgrid.com

Tutorials 

Parent Help for Flipgrid

Student Help for Flipgrid

Awesome Features  

  • Teachers and students can have real interactions. 
  • Students are practice speaking and listening skills.  
  • Students can share documents and pictures with their voice. 

Drawbacks  

  • Feedback is usually delayed.  But this can also be a positive because it allows students to respond when they are able. 
  • Some students can be nervous about talking on videos that others will see. Check out this section to work through Camera Shyness. 
Jenny Farha
Jenny is an Oklahoma City native who has now lived in Wichita for over half her life. She met her husband when they were 12 and 13 at church camp and became college sweethearts. They live in Crown Heights and have 3 rascals… Georgia(11), Olivia(7), and James(3). Jenny loves her job in USD 259 as a Gifted Education Teacher. She has a heart for beautiful things, children’s literature, and anything creative. You might find her on a typical Friday at any of the amazing spots along Douglas Avenue pretending everybody knows her name.