Demme Learning Digital Toolbox: A Comprehensive Guide

Demme Learning provides a unique approach to education, emphasizing mastery and understanding. The Demme Learning Digital Toolbox is designed to provide homeschool instructors, parents, and students with the resources they need to effectively implement the Demme Learning curriculum. This article explores the features of the Demme Learning Digital Toolbox, including the Early Access platform, key areas of the dashboard, and supplemental digital tools.

Early Access Platform

The Early Access platform at new.demmelearning.com offers a preview of the new Demme Learning experience. This platform is designed to perform smoothly on mobile devices, making it accessible for homeschool instructors and parents using phones or tablets. Users can still opt to use the original Digital Toolbox at any time.

Online Resources Page

Before logging in, users first land on the Online Resources page, which serves as a course catalog. Clicking on a course tile allows users to preview the lesson count and course type. The filter menu on the left helps narrow down results.

Instructor Dashboard

Once logged in, instructors can access the Instructor Dashboard, which provides the tools and resources needed to manage students’ learning experiences.

Overview Tab

The Overview tab provides quick access to the most-used areas of the Early Access dashboard:

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Library: Explore lesson videos and printable materials for available levels and programs.
Digital Tools: Access interactive tools such as Virtual Manipulatives, the Worksheet Generator, and graph paper.
Blog: Stay informed with updates, instructional tips, and news from Demme Learning.
Store: Browse and purchase curriculum products, manipulative sets, or digital add-ons.
Support: Quickly access help articles, how-to guides, and FAQs.

The Overview tab serves as a central launch point for accessing various resources.

Library

The Library is the central hub for accessing the core instructional content for the curriculum. Users can narrow down content using the Categories filter in the top right corner and change the arrangement of course tiles using the Sort by menu. The Library contains all curriculum levels tied to the user's account.

Students Tab

The Students tab allows instructors to manage all student accounts in one place, acting as a class roster. It provides a searchable list of students, making it easy to manage multiple learners. Students will only see what the instructor assigns to them.

Digital Tools Tab

The Digital Tools tab provides quick access to supplemental resources designed to enhance instruction, reinforce concepts, and improve student engagement. This tab functions like a utility drawer, offering various tools:

Virtual Manipulatives: Access interactive versions of the Math-U-See block system, fraction overlays, and algebra/decimal inserts. These manipulatives can model counting, operations, decimals, integers, and expressions from Primer through Algebra 1.
Worksheet Generator: Create custom supplemental practice worksheets for Alpha through Pre-Algebra and both AIM programs. Users can choose the lesson and number of problems and format the layout based on their needs.
Online Drill Tool: Build fact fluency through timed drills.
Errors/Corrections (Errata Search): Search for known corrections in Math-U-See print or digital materials.

Course Pages

Each course in the Early Access platform (e.g., Alpha, Beta, or AIM: Addition and Subtraction) has its dedicated page. This page is the primary access point for teaching the course if it’s already in the user's library.

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Information Tab

The Information tab gives an overview of the course structure and intended audience. This helps users understand the scope and objectives of the course.

Sample Tab

The Sample tab allows users to preview a lesson before committing to purchase or full access. This feature acts like a demo room, allowing users to assess the course content.

Account Management

In the upper right corner of the Early Access dashboard, users can find their account name and role (e.g., “Instructor Account”). Clicking this opens a dropdown menu with key options for managing personal settings. The “Using Your Account” section is a helpful starting point for new users or those seeking a refresher.

Submit Feedback

Users can click Submit Feedback to send input directly to the Demme Learning team. Every piece of feedback is reviewed to improve the platform. A teal Feedback tab is also available on the right edge of the screen for convenient access.

Region Preferences

The Region Preferences feature allows homeschool users to customize lesson instructions, student solutions, and test solutions based on localized formatting, terminology, and regional conventions. This feature is available only to Homeschool Parent / Instructor accounts.

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Customization

When a user changes their region setting, the instructional materials automatically reload with the updated regional conventions. This helps provide a more comfortable and familiar learning experience. The preference is saved for future visits.

Important Considerations

Notify Students: When changing the region preference, instructors should inform their students.
Understand Changes: Changing the region only affects text-based materials (like lessons and solutions). Video content remains the same across all regions.
Choose the Right Region: Select the region that matches instructional needs or personal preferences.
Match Printed Materials: Ensure the Region Preference selected in the Digital Toolbox matches the printed materials (like the Instruction Manual, student workbook, or test booklet) the student is using. Mismatched settings may show differences in spelling and units of measurement.
Unaffected Elements: Student progress and activity are not affected by the region preference.
Availability: Localized materials are available for select regions based on what has been developed.

Redeeming an Online Instruction with Video Code

To redeem an Online Instruction with Video code:

Follow the prompts to checkout.
Enter the access code in the "Discount or Access Code" field during checkout, typing the code exactly as it appears, including dashes.
Due to system limitations, a billing address is required, even if the total is zero. If you don’t have a billing address, use: 207 Bucky Drive, Lititz, PA 17543.
If only the Online Instruction with Video is in the cart and the access code has been applied, the balance will be zero, and no payment method is required.
If purchased directly on store.demmelearning.com, the Online Instruction with Video should be automatically added to the account.

Math-U-See Levels

The Digital Toolbox provides convenient access to instruction videos and online resources for various Math-U-See levels. The user-friendly interface makes it easy for students and instructors to stream instruction videos and monitor progress. The instruction videos available are:

Primer
Alpha
Beta
Gamma
Delta
Epsilon
Zeta
Pre-Algebra
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
PreCalculus

For each level, users can access instruction videos, the online Instruction Manual, lesson solutions, and Math-U-See virtual manipulatives.

Additional Resources

The Digital Toolbox also offers resources such as:

Math-U-See Accelerated Individualized Mastery (AIM) for Multiplication with a Bridge to Division Online Instruction with Video.
Unlimited digital access to Stewardship Instruction Videos, Instruction Manual, Stewardship Biblical Studies, and lesson solutions, along with access to the Stewardship Calculators.

Implementing Demme Learning in a Homeschool Group Setting

A well-structured syllabus is crucial for effectively implementing the Demme Learning approach in a homeschool group setting.

Syllabus Creation

Understand Key Features: Familiarize yourself with the key features and benefits of each program and how they align with educational standards.
Plan for Assessments: Incorporate formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and mastery. Utilize Demme Learning’s assessment tools and strategies. Involve parents in this part of the process as much as possible. Invite them to review assessments and make yourself available for questions about the student’s score.
Adapt to Learning Preferences: While Demme Learning provides a structured framework, allow flexibility to cater to diverse learners in the group.

Classroom Management

Establish Expectations: Begin by establishing clear expectations for student behavior and participation. Clearly communicate these expectations in your syllabus and at the start of your homeschool group class.
Share the Syllabus: Distribute the syllabus to parents and students, providing a clear roadmap for the year.
Address Questions: Maintain open communication channels to address any questions or concerns from parents and students throughout the year.
Foster Dialogue: Create opportunities for ongoing dialogue and feedback, recognizing that the educational journey involves students, parents, and instructors.

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