LCS Tech and Media Updates
October 2020
"I never lose. I either win or learn."
LCS Learning Hub
There teachers can find instructional resources, videos/tutorials, lesson plan templates, teacher expectations, daily schedules and more.
The Instructional Resources page is constantly being updated, so teachers should check that frequently for new info and resources.
To access LCS Learning Hub, teachers will log into their Canvas account and look for it in their Dashboard.
THE EDUCATOR HIVE: Professional Learning Opportunities
To find content-specific PD, from the The Educator Hive page, teacher should click "NCDPI Professional Learning" and follow the instructions to sign up to receive emails from the content areas that interest them. Then check their email inbox for regular updates from these departments with face-to-face and virtual PD opportunities.
To access the Educator Hive - visit www.lexcs.org ->>Employees ->> Employee Resources
Apple Professional Learning
Click on the schedule below for more information:
LCS Technology Knowledgebase
To access the Technology Knowledgebase page - visit www.lexcs.org ->>Teaching and Learning -->>Resources
Managing Apps & Other Content
Teacher Apps & Content
All apps and content provided by LCS can be found on the "Teacher" app on the teacher's iPad (see graphic) under My Resources. Teachers can also add and manage their own content on their iPads and Macbooks. To accomplish this, teachers can log into iCloud using their LEXCS account and then into Media & Purchases using a personal Apple ID.A video and PDF with instructions are posted in LCS Learning Hub->>Instructional Resources->>MacBook & iPad section. Look for: Downloading...on Teacher iPad Using 2 Accounts.
Student Apps
If teachers have an app they would like pushed out to student iPads, they should enter a Tech Request with the exact name of the app, a link to it from within the App Store, grade level of the students, and general information on student usage. The tech department will examine the security, privacy, and data access the app requires as well as its compliance with state and federal laws. Teachers will be notified via their submitted Tech Request when the app has been approved.
Hardware and Software Update
Apple TVs
EVERY CLASSROOM should now have an Apple TV installed, which will allow your Apple devices to be mirrored to your panel or projector screen. This will be the method all teachers now use to interact with the panel or board in their classrooms. Teachers will be able to enter any classroom at any school and connect their Apple devices to an Apple TV and present or share content and information. For more information on connecting to your Apple TV, reference the video in the Learning Hub or contact your Media Coordinator.
Win 7 End of Life
For classrooms that still have a Windows 7 desktop in a podium, please note that Win 7 is no longer supported after January 14, 2021. Therefore, those machines will be removed after that date. Teachers should begin to transition to their Apple TV, Macbook and iPad as their primary teaching tools. Reach out to the school Media Coordinator with questions or for support.
Mobile Learning
As part of our growth in digital teaching and learning, we are working toward the goal of flexible, mobile learning environments in the classroom. For this reason, we have replaced more than half of the ceiling projectors with mobile LED panels.
Decisions on placement was based on type, age and warranty of the equipment. For the classrooms that did not receive one, know that we are continuing to modernize our classrooms with these mobile panels over the next few years. All newly purchased panels should be in classrooms now.
ALL CLASSROOMS will also be provided with a small mobile podium to allow for more flexibility in your classroom. Teachers can place their Macbook and iPad on it and teach from anywhere in the room. Many of the podiums are backordered and will be assembled and delivered to classrooms as they come in.
iPads for K-5 and Future Plans
To better support our K-3 teachers during the initial implementation of Plan B, which is students transitioning back to school campuses at 50% capacity, the devices designated for grades 6-8 will be temporarily assigned to students in grades K-3 for the remainder of this semester. If secondary students return in January, the devices will be returned to grades 6-8 students. Grade 4-5 students will receive their iPads as planned.
Teachers will enter Tech Requests for iPads in need of support as they would for other devices. Your media coordinators will have spares to loan a student if theirs is taken for repairs.
Future plans include providing iPads in the fall of 2021 as follows: 1:1 for grades 3 and 9-12; 1:3 ratio for 1st Grade; and 1:2 ratio for 2nd Grade.
Google Enterprise Upgrade
One exciting new feature is the ability to set up Google Meets Breakout Rooms!! Instructions can be found on LCS Learning Hub->>Google->>Creating Breakout Rooms.
Please be sure to reach out to your Media Coordinator any time support is needed with new digital resources and tools.
**Note: Google Enterprise has released a statement explaining that third-party extensions that users have added to their Google accounts may not be compatible with the new Enterprise version. If teachers have trouble, they should remove the third-party extensions.
GoOpenNC - Open Ed Resources
GoOpenNC can be found on the district site->>Teaching & Learning->>Instructional Technology & Support page.
Bisynchronous Instruction (BSI)
BSI has begun in some of our classrooms with a few of our students who have already returned. As K-5 teachers are gearing up for the first large wave of students to re-enter school buildings on October 21, the media team, tech team, and some classroom teachers have been testing equipment, connections, and processes that will ensure the best experience for our teachers, classroom students, and remote students.We have a process teachers can use to support BSI, and training has begun.
Our K-5 teachers and i3 Tech Leadership have been trained and can support their colleagues across the district. There is also a video and PDF guide posted in LCS Learning Hub->>Instructional Resources.
Teachers are certainly not required to use this method. They may choose to only teach from a single device and have no need to navigate between the Macbook and iPad. However, if there is a desire to use both devices for live instruction when there are students in the classroom and at home, please reach out to school MCs or i3 peers for assistance.
Please note that during bisynchronous instruction, teachers will not be able to play a video to both groups while providing live instruction through Google Meets. Videos or video clips should be provided ahead of time, or teaches may stop the Google Meets session and allow students time to watch the video clip. They can then resume class. If teachers attempt to use videos during their BSI time, they will likely experience lags, loss of connection, and possibly affect the stability of connections of their colleagues.
This is not a perfect fit, and we know nothing can replace face-to-face interactions with our students, but we want all students to have a sense of connectedness and belonging while we get through these challenges. We recognize how difficult these changes have been and thank our amazing staff for its perseverance!
Technology Support
Instructional Technology Support
If teachers need instructional technology support, they should reach out to the following:
- School Media Coordinators
- i3 - Technology Leadership Team
- Ms. Maghan Spencer
- Mrs. Celia Gossett
Technical Assistance
We have a fantastic team of 4 technicians that do the work of 10! They are here for YOU, so please do not hesitate to enter a Tech Request if you need technical assistance of any kind. Not only does this ensure you receive timely support, but it also helps us identify larger issues that may be occurring across the district with hardware or software.
Remote Instruction Help Ticket
After Hours
Parents and students who need support after hours should use the Parent/Student Remote Learning Toolbox and choose Help Desk to submit a ticket. We will return their call at a time that is convenient for them!
During School Hours
During school hours, students (parents) can contact their teachers, followed by the school office. There are 3 Tiers of Remote Learning Support for students and parents. The school office response team will contact the tech team when additional help is needed. The techs keep their "Help Line" phone with them at all times!
THANK YOU!
We know it has been incredibly difficult. You have risen to the challenge time and again, and we cannot express how grateful we are to have such dedicated staff to care for and support our students and one another. Thank you for all you do each and every minute of every day to keep moving LCS forward!