Hello Bishop Families!
This is an invaluable resource as we continue with our first week of
the Phase III APS Remote Learning Plan. Thank you to Dr. Susan Bisson, APS Director of
Digital Learning, and her team for this FAQ
I hope this message finds you well. Happy Wednesday
Mark
Arlington Public Schools
Remote Learning: Frequently Asked Questions for Families
May 6, 2020 (last updated May 6, 2020)
Digital Learning at the APS
Website: http://www.arlington.k12.ma.us/departments/digitallearning/
Table of Contents
Google Classroom
Helpful videos
How do I get started with Google Classroom?
How does my child log into Google Classroom?
How does my child join a Classroom?
Google Hangouts Meet
What are the expected behaviors in Google Hangouts Meet?
Can my student participate in a Google Hangout Meet without a computer?
Can students initiate Meets?
Can students record Meets?
Can people calling from a telephone mute or unmute themselves?
Can students have private chats within Meets?
Are meetings recorded?
Troubleshooting and General Distance Learning Questions
What is my child’s Spyponder username?
Where can I get help logging onto a Spyponders account?
I can’t access my child’s Classroom/scheduled Google Meet. What should I do?
Google Classroom
• Helpful videos
These brief videos are helpful in getting to know how Google Classroom works.
Basic introduction to Google Classroom for students
Overview of Google Classroom for parents
• How do I get started with Google Classroom?
If your child has never used their Spyponders account they will need to activate it for
the first time by logging in. If you are logging in for the first time, please review the
instructions here. This account gives your child access to the APS G Suite for Education
(Google) environment.
After your child’s account is set up, you should attempt logging into your
student’s Google Classroom using whatever device your family has been using to
access APS remote learning enrichment activities.
By April 13, 2020, you should have received information from your child’s teacher,
including class codes, which will be used to join grade level Google Classrooms for
grades K-12.
• How does my child log into Google Classroom?
Students will need their Spyponders username and password to log in. If you are
logging in for the first time, please review the instructions here.
If you are already logged onto a computer: from any browser, go
to classroom.google.com.
• How does my child join a Classroom?
Your teacher will send you a code. When you go to Google Classroom click the + icon
at the top right of the screen and select Join Class. Then enter the code you were
provided.
Google Hangouts Meet
• What are the expected behaviors in Google Hangouts Meet?
When students participate in Google Hangouts Meet, they are expected to follow the
district’s Expectations of Students and Families for Appropriate Virtual Technology
Use.
Please read and become familiar with it. Some key components are:
You are not allowed to screenshot, take pictures or audio/video record virtual sessions
or share/distribute materials outside of class. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to record
without others’ knowledge.
Try to participate in a quiet, distraction-free area. Additionally, please ensure
household members are dressed appropriately.
If parents/guardians are participating, we remind them not to share any personal
information learned about other students with others to ensure this is a safe space for
open discussion and to protect student confidentiality.
Don’t forget that the Responsible Use Policy still applies, as well as the Student
Handbook.
• Can my student participate in a Google Hangout Meet without a
computer?
Yes, there is a Google Hangouts Meet app that works on smartphones and tablets. It is
also possible to participate (audio only) by calling in on a telephone line. Ask your
child’s teacher if you need more information about participating by phone.
• Can students initiate Meets?
No.
• Can students record Meets?
No.
• Can people calling from a telephone mute or unmute themselves?
Yes. Pressing *6 mutes and unmutes phone-in audio.
• Can students have private chats within Meets?
No. There is a chat feature but all comments are seen by all participants and teachers.
• Are meetings recorded?
No one is permitted to record meetings in which students are participating. The
District strictly prohibits screenshots, pictures, audio/video recording and distribution
of any virtual educational experience in order to protect student privacy, proactively
prevent potential cyberbullying, prevent the distribution of copyrighted materials and
comply with Massachusetts law.
Troubleshooting and General Distance
Learning Questions
• What is my child’s Spyponder username?
All students have a username using the format of first initial, last name, year-of-
graduation all lowercase @ spyponders.com.
For example, third grader Jane Smith would be [email protected]
Grade K 1 2 3 4 5
Year of Graduation 2032 2031 2030 2029 2028 2027
• Where can I get help logging onto a Spyponders account?
If your child does not remember his or her password, please request a password reset
using this form. If your student is unable to log in to the Chromebook for another
reason, please use this form and let us know what is happening. Please be as specific
as possible.
• I can’t access my child’s Classroom/scheduled Google Meet. What
should I do?
If you are having trouble with any Google application, try the following steps:
• Close the tab you are using and try again.
• Close other tabs to reduce the demand on the device.
• Log out of other Google accounts on that device and log in to the Spyponder
account again.
If the problem continues, email your child’s teacher (K-5) or have your student email
their teacher to explain that you were unable to access the materials (6-12).
