Coyote Computer Chat
Technology Updates for Carver Elementary School Families
How To Switch Between Google Accounts
Many households have one main device, such as a laptop, PC, iPad, or Chromebook for the family members to share. How does each member share this single device without sharing the separate settings of each account?
The First to Fifth Grade students have a Google For Education (GAFE) account assigned by the school district. Students in kindergarten will be assigned their own account in first grade. All of the students use these accounts to access the Chromebooks in the Technology Lab class and any devices used in other classes.
If your student uses this account at home, please follow the directions.
Switching between multiple accounts begins with knowing which icon to click.
Before you begin click on the lower icon and sign out of all accounts.
CLICK on the (top) CHROME PROFILE icon and click on MANAGE PEOPLE.
Click on ADD PERSON and complete the log-on steps using the primary (default) account. If this device belongs to the adults in the household use that one. If the device will be used primarily by the student then log in with the student account.
Please note the adults should sign out via this icon before allowing the student to log-on to keep the student from accidental access to the primary account.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the second account.
If household members or two students are using the same device. This tip will help students manage their accounts. Please remember all of our elementary students should have adult supervision when using a device that accesses the Internet. Digital Safety is important. Limited screen time with a timer.
Note-
In Chrome, the settings, passwords, themes, bookmarks, extensions, and apps can sync to a device. This allows a student to use their account in school and then later at home.
Also Chrome profiles must be set up for each device, individually.
Digital Safety Tools
Digital Safety and protecting our Digital Footprints are important topics. Just like adults, children have to protect their Digital Footprint. How do we make sure students are protected in school and at home? One way is by being informed. Common Sense Media has a lot of resources about how to handle the risks of using devices.
The link (icon) below will bring you directly to the parent page. It explores the topics of Digital Safety and Use by age group, There are safety articles, and videos you can share with your child. Use these tools to discuss the digital use rules of your home. Put your cursor on the title “Parents Need to Know” and you will find more resources. You will find the Ultimate Resource for many current fads such as Tik Tok, Fornite, SnapChat, and YouTube Kids. Use this information to help protect your child and keep them Digitally Safe.
Coding
Coding is when programmers give instructions to a computer to have that computer complete a task. Computer languages are used to help the computer understand the instructions. Some of these languages are Java, Python, and C. For many of the instruction we use in class, we use the blocks format (Java is simplified into direct word directions). Blocks format allows students to understand the simple commands they are giving a computer without getting tangled in the semantics of the language format.
The blocks are used in a drag-and-drop format. Students connect the blocks together and in an order that allow the programs to run (work). This visual style of programming teaches fundamental logic concepts without typing or syntax getting in the way. As students in elementary progress through this process, they can transition into the traditional programming languages.
Changes in technology are moving at an incredible pace. Our students will be working and living in a world with technology that has not even been thought of at this time. Jobs that will need this technology or support this technology have not yet been created. Our job is to help students be prepared for the unknown. Coding build skills such as perseverance, problem solving, and organization, as well as academic skills.
In the computer lab, we use programs such as Code.org, Scratch, Scratch Jr., Code & Go Mice, Ozobot Bits, and WeDo 2.0 Legos. The software, apps, or online platforms allow students to test and practice code. The robots allow the students to apply coding to a real object and work on getting that robot to do what they want.
If you use Scratch or Scratch Jr, I suggest you download the App version instead of using the online versions. They are available on Google Play and the Apple Store. If you do allow your child to use the online platform, please protect their online footprint by not having your student use their Google account to log in. Instead, create a separate username by using a compound word with a number such as bumblebee123 or racecar321. Scratch (online) uses a global museum of created projects and using an incognito username protects your student's identity.
For Students- Use Google Slides to Record Your Imagination, Inventions, and Adventures
One great idea if your child is attending Carver Schools throughout their academic journey is to create a slide show each year. Add images of work, awards, field trips, concerts, and note their favorites. By the time they are ready to graduate just download and transfer their slides or print them out for a wonderful record of their growth.
Answer to the "What? You have a project due tomorrow!" dilemma.
Don't run out for expensive material or poster board. Have your child log into his/her account and create a slide show about the subject. Your student can open the presentation on their device at school or share it directly with their teacher. It will save time, money, and stress!
An App for Everyone
Google Keep- not just for kids!
If you are searching for your favorite recipes, holiday gifts, or your student is researching penguins, you can easily add the links you want to save to Keep by adding the extension (Save to Keep). Simply click on the icon and the web page adds to your Keep App. You can access your Keep Information on any device you can access your Google account.
You can organize Keep with labels and colors. You can move your notes around to fit your organizational style. Notes can be typed, written, and drawn. You can record voice, take photos, or add videos. However you want to record your notes, you will find Keep to be an amazing overlooked tool.
Use this Google Link and the videos below to help assist you to better understand this application.