What is BatesConnect?
BatesConnect is an online platform that connects K-12 teachers in Maine with educational activities or tools created by Bates College students. Learning tools are typically created by Bates students as part of their coursework and take a wide variety of forms. Most BatesConnect learning modules are relatively short: 5-15 minute learning modules that K-12 teachers can incorporate into their own instruction on a topic. The BatesConnect website lists learning tools according to academic field and anticipated K-12 grade level, and teachers from all disciplines are able to peruse the site and select resources to augment their curriculum.
How does BatesConnect work?
Bates College faculty members include an assignment in their course that invites their students to use course-based knowledge and skills to develop a learning activity or resource aimed at a segment of the K-12 population. Students submit their learning tools to their Bates professor via a simple Google Form that allows attachments. In addition to being evaluated by the faculty member, submitted learning tools are also reviewed for possible inclusion on BatesConnect; if approved, learning tools are activated on BatesConnect, which is searchable by K-12 teachers.
What kinds of student work are well-suited to the BatesConnect platform?
Bates students can create a range of learning tools. In non-pandemic times, some will involve in-person visits by Bates students to particular local classrooms—for example, to make a presentation, perform a skit, or demonstrate an experiment. Other learning tools involve online delivery and access that K-12 teachers can use at any time with their students. These may be narrated powerpoint presentations, short videos, or documents containing information, activities, and links for learning about a particular topic. Teachers can search for both in-person and online resources on BatesConnect, either submitting a request for an in-person activity or downloading an online activity of interest. Students may find these resources of interest as they develop their learning tools:
- Elements to Include in your BatesConnect Learning Tool
- Steps for Developing a Learning Activity for K-12 Students
- Tips for Creating a Short Video
- Learning Activity Template
- Adding Audio/Narration to Your PowerPoint (Note: Phone audio is usually better than computer audio, so record your audio on your phone, then add it to your slides as explained here.)
- Use your Phone to Create a Stop Motion Animation Video
- Use your Phone to Create a Whiteboard Animation Video
What role does the Bates faculty member play?
The faculty member works in consultation with staff at the Bates Harward Center for Community Partnerships to develop a course assignment that is designed both to help their Bates students achieve desired learning outcomes and to align with one or more of Maine’s K-12 learning standards. The faculty member evaluates their students’ work as always, with students uploading their work to their course’s BatesConnect Google Form, which their faculty member shares with them and has full access to. The faculty member has authority to flag any student work they deem unworthy of being added to BatesConnect, and that work will not be added to the site.
Who determines which student resources will be included on BatesConnect?
While every student in a course may develop resources for BatesConnect, faculty and Harward Center staff ultimately decide which tools merit inclusion on the site. Faculty are in the best position to determine the quality and accuracy of student work; Harward Center staff will ensure that resources are suitably aligned with K-12 learning standards and local needs. Students reserve the right not to give permission for their work to be shared on the platform.
Who has access to student work products?
BatesConnect is a resource designed for K-12 educators in Maine, including public school staff, preschool and after-school program staff, and public library staff. As a publicly-available online resource, any member of the public may access the site.
How are student permissions solicited and granted?
Students complete a Student Profile, Permissions, and Submission Form where they grant or deny permission for their learning resource to be uploaded to BatesConnect and determine how long it can remain on the site.
How should student-created learning tools be submitted?
Students submit their work via an online Student Profile, Permission, and Submission Form, which their Bates College professor shares with them.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact us and someone from the Harward Center for Community Partnerships will be in touch shortly.