Our district has selected Schoology and Microsoft Teams as the primary platforms for distance education. Schoology provides a robust learning management system (LMS) that allows teachers to design lessons, distribute content, assign and grade work, and track student progress. It also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365 tools, making it ideal for streamlining assignments and assessments (Sun & Chen, 2016). Microsoft Teams serves as the central hub for communication and collaboration, offering video conferencing, chat, and file sharing. This dual-platform approach provides both structure and flexibility, ensuring that teachers, students, and parents remain connected.

Instruction will include a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Synchronous learning, delivered through Teams, allows for real-time class meetings, discussions, and support. Asynchronous learning, facilitated through Schoology, gives students the opportunity to review materials, complete assignments, and re-watch lessons at their own pace. This balance increases accessibility and accommodates diverse learning styles (Hrastinski, 2019).

Best practices for implementation include:

• Consistent structure: Lessons and assignments will be organized by week or unit in Schoology.
• Timely feedback: Teachers will provide prompt, constructive feedback on student work to promote growth.
• Active engagement: Students will be expected to participate in discussions, group work, and collaborative activities.
• Clear communication: Teachers will maintain weekly communication with both parents and students regarding progress and expectations.

This platform combination was selected because it supports academic rigor, equitable access, and strong home–school connections. Research demonstrates that blended synchronous/asynchronous environments improve student engagement and achievement, particularly when paired with intentional teacher feedback and parental support (Bond, 2020; Martin & Bolliger, 2018).