Tech Talk
Volume 2, Issue 8: Is it March 2021?
One Year Later
Here we are in March 2021 and maybe it's my optimistic nature, but I feel like we're starting to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. For me, the lack of that light was the most difficult thing for so long. There was never a real timeline. All we had was uncertainty. Now, I feel hope.
The other thing I feel hope about is getting our content filtering to work correctly with our Google Chromebooks. Please read below to see the latest updates on that.
iBoss and Chromebooks
Since January we've noticed an increase in tickets describing slower speeds on chromebooks. These incidents coincided with the implementation of iBoss on faculty Chromebooks; however, due to the inconsistencies, we were unsure if the filter was the culprit. After much investigation and testing we believe we've isolated the problem and we're prepared to deploy the solution.
Action Needed By Staff:
1. Since all faculty and staff Chromebooks have the "old" content filtering settings on them right now, we must clear them out. In order to do that, all Chromebooks must be turned on and connected to the network (at home or at school). After the computer checks in the old settings will be wiped out. This needs to be done before the end of the day Tuesday 3/2 or by 9:00 AM on Wednesday 3/3 .
2. Once all the settings are cleared, we will send out new and improved settings. The new settings will be effective by Wednesday 3/3 in the afternoon. At that time, you will need to restart your computer one more time and you'll be good to go. You may see an error pop up. Just reset and it will go away.
We believe this solution will drastically improve performance on the Chromebooks. It has been successful in other districts. Once we know it works, we will begin moving on to staff PCs and then student devices.
Hacking Learning 2.0 w/Melanie Kitchen
Professional Development Opportunities
Think Tech (Elementary Focus)
- What: Think Tech is a revolutionary tool that will provide you with the opportunity to elicit any type of student feedback or response from your students in a quick and easy way. This can be used for assessment, exit tickets, warm-ups, practice, engagement, etc. "Truly a must see!"
- Who: We currently have ThinkTech in the IEC, MS, and HS. We plan to expand to the PEC next year. All are welcome but this session will focus on elementary usage.
- When: 3/09/2021 @ 4:00-5:00PM
- How: Please sign up in PDP by 3/8 @12PM
- Where: Zoom
https://lew-port.zoom.us/j/92009055989?pwd=RXVhVnpJSXhCU0x5REh0Wm1ZZFJhUT09 Meeting ID: 920 0905 5989 Passcode: Think
Think Tech (Secondary Focus)
- What: Think Tech is a revolutionary tool that will provide you with the opportunity to elicit any type of student feedback or response from your students in a quick and easy way. This can be used for assessment, exit tickets, warm-ups, practice, engagement, etc. "Truly a must see!"
- Who: We currently have ThinkTech in the IEC, MS, and HS. All are welcome but this session will focus on secondary usage.
- When: 3/11/2021 @ 3:15-4:15PM
- How: Please sign up in PDP by 3/10 @12PM
- Where: Zoom
- https://lew-port.zoom.us/j/93824716785?pwd=aHBTVnNQaHYvMVRWM1crMVdwVEdhZz09 Meeting ID: 938 2471 6785 Passcode: Think
Kami
- What: Kami is an extremely versatile tool that can be used for creating assignments, providing feedback, editing PDF docs, and more. This PD can be tailored to your needs but it can both introduce new features and expand on those you are familiar with.
- Who: All are welcome, the district has a full subscription to the service.
- When: 3/16/2021 @ 4:00-4:30PM
- How: Please sign up in PDP by 3/15 @12PM
- Where: Join Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87145220569
Gizmos (virtual)
- What:Expanding the Gizmos Experience helps teachers develop a deeper understanding of how to integrate Gizmos into their curriculum, and effective uses of whole group and small group instruction. The course shows teachers how to get the most from the Gizmo Lesson Materials by making these intentional instructional decisions.
In the workshop, the instructor models best practices for using Gizmos in a whole class setting as well as a small group setting. Teachers work individually or in small groups to integrate best teaching practices with Gizmos into their curriculum.
- Who: Science, Math, STEM, Technology teachers
- When: 3/18/2021 @ 3:30-5:30PM
- How: Please sign up in PDP by 3/15 @12PM
- Where: Web conference access: http://explorelearning.adobeconnect.com/explore29
Click on Guest and log in by typing your name in the Guest Box.
If your teachers are using Chromebooks, please have them select
to enter through browser.
Nicholas Hill
Lewiston-Porter Central Schools
For immediate technology needs please call (716) 821-7171
On campus technicians: Ken Bass (Monday & Tuesday); Jeff Murphey (Wednesday-Friday)
Email: nhill@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com/technology_services
Phone: (716) 286-7295
Facebook: Facebook.com/LewistonPorterCentralSchools/
Twitter: @lewportcsd