NEW! Assignment submission via Infinite Campus

Today, I spent some time checking out the assignment submission feature that’s now available in our current version of Infinite Campus (v. E1226.2).  For those who want the full details, here’s the official documentation from Infinite Campus on both  Student Assignment Submission  & Student Work Product

From the teacher view…

Step 1) Enable File Submission

When adding an assignment, select ENABLE STUDENT SUBMISSION, then select either EDITOR  (allowing kids to type in their own responses) or FILE ATTACHMENTS (which allows students to submit actual Office, PDF, or picture files)

Step 2) Attach Resources to the Assignment

After entering assignment information (such as Description, References, etc), click on ATTACH RESOURCES.  This allows you to post documents with the assignment, this could include Office files, pdf files, or even pictures.  It could be used to share the grading rubrics, example projects, lists of web sites/resources.

Step 3) How students submit files

Students then visit the Campus portal, click on the assignment –  and there’s now an option for students either type in an answer and/or attach files (depending on the options that the teacher has selected)

Step 4) Files can be submitted until assignment is marked by teacher as TURNED IN

Students have the ability to upload new versions of the documents until the teacher marks them as TURNED IN.  Once marked as TURNED IN, then the files/answers can not be edited.

Step 5)Teachers can view student submitted work

For the teacher to view and grade the student work…   Open the specific assignment and on the right side of the screen (as seen below), you should see a date/time when the files were submitted, you can also click on this link to show you more details.

Step 6) Teachers can grade and provide feedback on the submitted work

On the next screen, the teacher can..  A) open and review the student work  B) provide feedback that will be directly available to the student (typed in ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK area   and  C) Assign a grade directly into the grade book.

Changes to Facebook access.

Previous Policy:  
Facebook was blocked for all users throughout the entire day.  If a staff member wanted access, they would make the request to their supervisor, who would then send the request to the director of technology, who would open access for the specific individual.

New Policy: 

We are making two changes…

1) Access to Facebook will be opened outside of school hours.
Facebook will continue to be blocked on the district’s wired network (desktop computers) as well as the district wireless laptop carts that are used by students, but only Monday thru Friday 7:30am to 4pm.  Outside of these times, access to Facebook will be open for all users.

2) Access to Facebook will be opened for staff only on the WDM-STAFF wireless network.  This wireless network is specifically used by staff and administrators only.

Does this mean that students can access Facebook during school time?  No, it will be blocked during school hours on the networks that are used by students.

Why the change?

1) Facebook is predominantly a social site, however, its usage has grown as a communication tool.  For example, all of our schools as well as the district are now using Facebook as a communication tool with the broader community.

2) The number of requests to open up access far outweigh the concerns to have it blocked.

3) We are offering classes to parents and community members regarding Facebook.  These classes are taught during the evenings and weekends.

 

4) Commonly used websites, such as the Des Moines Register, have integrated Facebook into their site.  If you want read the comments and/or participate in the dialogue, you must have access to Facebook.

 

Q. What about other social media sites – are they impacted by this change?

Twitter was already completely open to staff and students.

Pinterest was already completely open to staff and students.

YouTube was also already completely open to all staff and students.

 

At this time, Facebook is the only social media site that is restricted during school hours.