ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
ONLINE LEARNING
We are prepared to cater to the needs of our students through face-to-face, blended, or online classes. Considering the Covid-19 pandemic, we are currently conducting full online classes using a learning management system to support our synchronous and asynchronous modes of teaching. While we are fully online, we will still have students utilize physical books and other supplies. These will help manage their screen time and practice essential motor skills such as writing.
FEATURES:
SCHOOLOGY
Considering the requirements related to our school philosophy and community, GCF-ICS chose Schoology as its learning management system. It is a system based in the US but is used both world-wide and locally. Here are some of the key features of this LMS:
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION
- Fast communication between teachers and students
- Audio and video can be used for lessons
- Lessons can be uploaded as documents, presentations, pictures, or videos
- Video conferencing for live classes
- Assessments and assignments can be given online
- Parents can view their child’s activities and progress
CLASSROOM PRODUCTIVITY
- Can be accessed using a mobile app
- Calendar to manage assignments and activities
- Communication between students, teachers, and parents through the platform’s messaging service
BIGBLUEBUTTON
To increase the safety of students during online classes, synchronous sessions are conducted using BigBlueButton.
Some key features of this web conferencing software are:
- Real-time sharing of audio, video, and screen
- Public and private chat
- Interactive multi-user whiteboard
- Upload of PDF and MS Office documents
- Shared notes between participants
- Breakout rooms
- Recording and playback capabilities
SUPPORTED DEVICES
- Mobile devices
- Windows computers
- Mac computers
- Chromebooks
Apple iOS devices with one of the last 3 major iOS versions supported
Android devices with one of the last 5 major Android versions supported.
1.4 GHz Intel Pentium or faster
Microsoft Windows 7 or higher
2 GB RAM or higher
1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo or faster
Mac OS 10.9 or higher
2 GB RAM or faster
Device must support latest version of Chrome OS
Device must support latest version of Google Chrome
INTERNET
- At least 5 Mbps download (For Schoology)
- At least 1 Mbps download (For Conferences)
SUPPORTED BROWSERS
- Google Chrome
- Firefox
- MS Internet Explorer 11+ (for Win7 and Win8)
- MS Edge (for Win10 or higher)
- Safari 10 and 11
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- JavaScript must be enabled on preferred browser
- Cookies are recommended
- Working headphones or earphones, microphone, and webcam.