Douglas High School

Where decisions are made in the best interest of our Students.

Free internet access

A number of internet service giants have offered free or discounted access during the outbreak. Many are also waiving late fees so customers don’t need to temporarily suspend service. Call a local service provider for more information.

• Comcast is offering 2 free months for new customers and a discounted rate ($9.95/month) to qualified low income households after that. https://apply.internetessentials.com/

• All Xfinity WiFi hotspots are also now free for everybody - https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19#thingstoknow&all_AmIeligibleforIE

• Cox has adopted the same policy -- first 2 months free and then $9.95/month afterwards - https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/connect2compete/covid-19-response.html

• Charter Communications (Spectrum) has pledged 2 months free for new customers with a student -- K-12 or college -- in their household - https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more

How to get a free tablet or computer

While many school districts have shifted lectures over to Zoom, Google Hangouts, WebEx or other video conferencing tools, students need a way to access them. These options are also typically available through mobile apps -- both on iOS and Android. Here are the local resources we’ve compiled so far.

• On a local, case-by-case basis -- call or text us at +1 855.264.2051

• In Tempe, AZ - https://www.azfamily.com/news/continuing_coverage/coronavirus_coverage/tempe-elementary-school-district-distributing-laptops-and-meals-to-students/article_021757de-69e7-11ea-8ccd-7f495aa319e7.html

• In Broward County, FL - https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/education-on-6/broward-schools-pass-out-thousands-of-laptops-to-students-for-distant-learning/2208904/

• In Houston, TX - https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2020/03/19/local-charity-gives-away-400-free-laptops-for-students-during-coronavirus-crisis/

Technological support resources for distance learning

In addition to tech titans Google and YouTube, organizations like UNESCO have collected resources of all types, in support of remote education. These links include options for teachers, students and parents.

• Teach From Home, a resource by Google, outlines how teachers can conduct classes remotely -- including this handy toolkit - https://teachfromhome.google/intl/en/

• YouTube also has a list of educational channels for children of all ages, with different interests - https://learnathome.withyoutube.com/

• UNESCO has an amazing resource with links to video software (Zoom, Skype), MOOCs (Coursera, EdX) and other tools like ClassDojo or Edmodo for distance learning - https://en.unesco.org/themes/education-emergencies/coronavirus-school-closures/solutions

• National School Choice Week has also put together an impressive directory of platforms focused on specific subjects like math and social studies - https://schoolchoiceweek.com/keep-learning/

Offline materials (mailed and printed)

In some cases, access to a laptop, tablet or phone isn’t possible. Even if it is, offline activities are extremely healthy for children -- dedicated time away from screens is more important than ever.

• See the ‘Recommended workbooks and offline learning programs’ section for more

• UNESCO’s directory has platforms that can be used offline too - https://en.unesco.org/themes/education-emergencies/coronavirus-school-closures/solutions

Taken from schoolclosures.org