Technology Newsletter
February 2023
In this issue:
- Link to previous Tech Newsletter issues
- January Clever engagement winner
- How to add Spanish translation to Edge browser
- Google Search ~ are your passwords in jeopardy?
- Playlist of PowerPoint tips
- NEW - Search Coach in Teams
- *February Challenge*
- What's New in Teams
- Why do we need to talk to students about artifical intelligence
- Khan Academy - list of free curriculum resources
- Create, share, collaborate on YouTube playlists
- Do you use or play movies in your classroom?
- Schoology tips to save you time
- Microsoft cheat sheets
- Minnesota Department of Education Assessment Update
January Clever Engagement Winner!
January was Marshall High Schools turn for top Clever user. And the winner is: Shelby Thor, Science teacher. Thank you Shelby for your dedication to using Clever in your classroom!
Clicking on Google Search Results Could Cost You All Your Passwords...
Don't immediately click on the first link shown on Google results pages: they could be fake phishing pages that collect your private data. Read more here.
*NEW* Search Coach in Microsoft Teams
Search Coach is a simple, free and powerful tab app in Microsoft Teams for Education that helps educators and students develop information literacy skills by forming effective queries and identifying reliable resources, along with the ability to fact check their resources. Search Coach empowers students to practice important concepts in a secure, advertisement-free, and educational environment. Learn more here on how you can use Search Coach!
Sample lesson plans covering various topics and Search Coach features are available for educators and for different grade levels. These lessons are designed to highlight the different tools and features of Search Coach and provide opportunities for learners to practice using these tools. Lesson plans can be used as whole-class lessons, small-group lessons, or frameworks for independent assignments.
February Challenge ~ Teams Search Coach
Complete the Microsoft Training module on Search Coach for your chance to win an awesome prize! The module took me about 15-20 minutes to complete. Access the training module here.
Upon completion either print your certificate or screenshot the certificate or badge and send to me to be entered into the drawing.
Khan Academy ~ free curriculum resources for your classroom/content area.
Do you use movies in your classroom?
If you do, I would like to remind you that our district subscribes annually to provide movie licensing for classroom use (Swank Movie Licensing). The primary points when using movies in your classroom to ensure you are working within our licensing structure are:
- The movie must be one covered in our Swank library (I can assist you with this)
- The movie must be for educational purposes
- The movie must be obtained legally - e.g. a DVD from your home collection that you purchased is considered legal, a movie from your personal streaming service is not legal as it violates your Terms of Service with your provider.
Please contact Karen with questions or if you would like assistance.
Minnesota Department of Education Assessment Update
As we enter March MCA testing a recent reminder caught my attention:
Cell Phone and Device Policy
MDE has received several reports of students having accessed their cell phones during testing. Students must NOT use or access cell phones, wearable technology, or any other devices at any time during a testing session, including during breaks or when they finish testing for the day. “Wearable” technology is defined as devices that may be worn on a student’s body that can electronically send, receive, or capture information (for example, smartwatches, fitness trackers, Bluetooth headphones). District and School Assessment Coordinators must develop and train staff on school-specific cell phone/device policies and procedures. Test Monitors and Test Administrators, in turn, must understand how to implement these policies and procedures prior to test administration. As technology continues to change, districts will need to discuss the types of technology students have and the plans for ensuring students do not access them during testing.
Refer to pages 186–187 of the Procedures Manual for additional information.