iTech Update
December 16, 2020 | Volume 7, Issue 6
Cyber Attacks on the Rise
We have several layers of cybersecurity controls to help prevent these sorts of issues, including a firewall, event detection software, and a programs like Avast and MalwareBytes you may have noticed on your computer.
Any defense starts with diligent end users though--please help by paying attention to warnings in Gmail, and using the "Report spam" button at the top of your inbox if an email looks suspicious. If in doubt, you can always delete the message, check with the tech department, or confirm with a phone call.
Online, avoid unknown sites, or ones with a lot of ads ("clickbait" type sites), and downloading files from sites you're not sure about.
Blended Learning Framework--Learning Design
As your students are online on Wednesdays or more, you've probably noticed your lessons need to look differently for that environment. In the framework, we relied heavily on the PEBC teaching framework, as well as work from Catlin Tucker, and the Christensen Institute. Utilizing a workshop model, along with models like "Station Rotation," "Flipped Classroom" or a playlist model, can allow for students to complete individual assignments, in conjunction with viewing video or text content, interacting with peers, or conferencing with a teacher. Read more at Catlin Tucker's blog, or View the entire Blended Learning Framework here.
Help us by Updating Chromebooks
We could use your (and your students') help. We currently have many Chromebooks in the district that are 2 versions or more behind on Chrome updates. This could cause issues with the functionality of the Chromebooks and their compatibility with critical applications, such as iStation, i-Ready, Study Sync, Zoom, etc. Once the Chromebooks are more than 2 versions behind, they no longer automatically update.
Whenever possible, please have your students check for updates on their Chromebooks. It might be best to have them check for updates before a break or the end of the day, since the updates can take a little time (Note that students will still be signed in until devices are restarted).
The video below gives more direction, or go to Settings-->About Chrome OS-->Check for Updates. You can also go through Chrome-->Help-->About Google Chrome-->Check for Updates.
After a Chromebook is up to date, shutting the device down will check for updates automatically, so having students shutting down each day will ensure updates happen more regularly.
Thanks for your help!
Follow Up Schoology PD
Some of these sessions were their Master Instructor courses, and are meant to be the next step after the Getting Started Course that everyone took. There are also many examples and templates that we think you'll find helpful as a next step in your usage of Schoology, as well as specific sessions on Grade Syncing to Skyward, and using the Google Assignment app.
- Grade Syncing to Skyward (12 min.)
- Google Assignment App How To (1 hour)
- Master Instructor for K-2, 3-5, Special Education, 6-12 (2-1 hour videos)
Interactive Learning Journals for K-2 Students with Seesaw
Thank you!
Have a great and well deserved holiday break!
Seth
SD271 Technology Department
Email: techrepair@cdaschools.org
Website: my.cdaschools.org
Phone: (208) 664-8241