Tech Talk
Lewiston-Porter Teacher Edition Issue #5
Video Conferencing Update
Zoom has taken significant steps to address these issues and make the platform more secure of educational entities. They've also offered extensive resources to educators to help them create secure meetings (see issue #4). Therefore, we will continue to make zoom available to our faculty and students.
Moving forward, our parents will be provided a video conference consent form. The form outlines the safety precautions that we're taking when setting up our meetings as well as the expectations for students and parents/guardians. I've shared this form with all parents but I think it is a good idea for you to discuss with your peer coordinators ways to ensure parents have all read it.
Ideally we would want parents to sign and return the form. Given the situation, we're only asking parents to read it and call us if they have questions or concerns. Parents are directed to contact me or the building principal if they wish to restrict their child from video conferencing. If a parent expresses concern to you, you may direct them accordingly. We will discuss options with them such as having their child(ren) join without video and/or audio so they can watch and listen but maintain an higher level of privacy.
IT Support
1. If a student reports a problem, you can try to help them directly or refer them to your building's technology liaisons. *If the student is having Chromebook trouble, you should refer them to the troubleshooting form on our website. It is found in the Quick Links for the HS, MS, and IEC.
2. The tech liaisons will work with the student to solve the issue. If the issue requires more attention, they will submit a ticket and/or contact me directly.
3. If a device needs to be repaired/exchanged, the tech liaison will contact me and I will make arrangements for an exchange with the family. There are repair services available; however, the turn-around time is still a bit of an unknown. Exchanges will always occur at district office. Days and times vary based on availability.
Note: While we do have the ability to provide loaner devices, we will discourage students from turning in devices for non-critical issues. Some examples of this include but are not limited to: the battery not holding a charge, the mouse not working, broken hinge, small cracks, etc. As long as the device operates, even if they need to keep it plugged in or use an external mouse, we suggest they keep their device. The loaners are functional but they are older. In most cases students will have better experience with their assigned device when possible.
Ed Puzzle
Ed Puzzle is an incredible tool for a flipped classroom/distance learning. In short, it is way to provide video lessons with embedded learning checks along the way. You can add questions, voice-over and more. This is something the district is considering moving forward with in the future. Please give it a try!
Here are some free online PD to get you started. Here is a playlist of Ed Puzzle video clips and "how to" videos.
Family Survey
Pass/Fail Setup in Google Classroom
PD Opportunities
Aimsweb Plus Reports Virtual Webinar
Review of AIMSWEB PLUS REPORTS for Data Based Decision Making
Wednesday, Apr 22, 2020 9:00 am | 1 hour 30 minutes | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Meeting number: 474 069 112
Password: PdrMF4AD4q2
https://e1b.webex.com/e1b/j.php?MTID=m393aea0e738475a7060a2943dcdc10c5
Join by phone
+1-415-655-0003 US Toll
Access code: 474 069 112
To Register:
https://www.mylearningplan.com/WebReg/ActivityProfile.asp?D=19584&I=3460356
Understanding Sensory Needs With Debbie Schutt!
Does your child throw themselves on the floor, scream uncontrollably for no apparent reason, hit, kick, bite, and/or scratch, bang their head, have difficulty controlling their emotions, experience a lot of anxiety, have behavioral challenges at school, get easily overwhelmed, throw items or damage property?
April 21 @ 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Join from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/203623301
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3122Access Code: 203-623-301
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/203623301
Nicholas Hill
Lewiston-Porter Central Schools
For immediate technology needs please call (716) 821-7171
On campus technicians: Ken Bass (Monday & Tuesday); Jeff Murphy (Wednesday-Friday)
Tech Integrator: Melanie Kitchen (Mondays & Tuesdays)
Email: nhill@lew-port.com
Website: www.lew-port.com/technology_services
Phone: (716) 286-7295
Facebook: Facebook.com/LewistonPorterCentralSchools/
Twitter: @lewportcsd