Tech this out!
#closure2020 edition volume 6 (April 30)
In this newsletter:
There are definite successes to share and lessons to learn.
We are now DL Toddlers :). Your goal... don't pitch a fit until the weekend!
That's right, I just might be talking to you!
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Keeping Track of Weekly Participation
If you are not familiar with Google Sheets, now it a great time to learn a few tricks that might make things a little quicker when you enter your weekly participation. Check out this video.
And really, if you see the potential a spreadsheet might have in your world, check out this Google Sheet from a TST from last fall... go ahead! Click the link, (here is it is again) it will make a copy and instructions are in each tab. Self paced learning! It is what we are about right now!
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This weeks edition of Tech News/Tips
Can I share a few friendly reminders? I can, and I'm gonna! Watch me!
Inquiring minds solve mysteries
When someone says "It doesn't work" that doesn't really give us much to work with, and we really do want to help. We just need more information!
Here are a couple follow up questions:
- At what point do you run into trouble?
- What happens before it doesn't work?
- Can you send me a picture of your screen?
- Let me test it on my device (sign in as a student to check if it works for you)
You would be surprised how many issues become clear by asking even one of these questions
Ticket Tidbits
There are some details that help---
- The asset tag (ipad) or serial number (chromebook), if possible
- parent contact info
- Are they using a hotspot or their own network?
- explaining the trouble as specifically as possible
Hotspot HInts
- There are daily data limits. Do school work first. Videos and music streaming burn a lot of data.
- Limit the number of devices on the hotspot. The more devices are on a hotspot, the more quickly the data runs out. These are for school work specifically.
We can do a lot of things, but not all the things
As nice, smart and good looking as our team is, they do not explain assignments or help with homework. There just isn't enough time.
When you share the link to the Distance Learning Help Desk with families, please make this clear.
Share the link to the page, rather than just specific info (for example, please don't just give the phone number-- they may find the answer on the page without needing to call-- and that means their problem is solved sooner!)
So, remind families and students when you share the DL HelpDesk link-- questions about assignments and other class functions need to go to you as the teacher.
We wouldn't mention it if it hadn't happened.... :)
And finally---- Mentioning Meet---
Please keep a couple things in mind
- Streaming Video--- playing a video over video conferencing is inefficient and creates many obstacles. Consider sharing a link to a video before the Meet time so students can watch before or after the video conference
- Time on video conferences-- Expecting students to be on a video conference for several hours a day is going to impact how much data is available on the hotspot for the rest of the day. (Also, if you are uploading your own videos, consider not uploading at the highest resolution possible.)
I know Google Meets are going better with each session. The learning curve for a lot of this is steep, but it is only going to get easier. You guys are doing awesome and the connections with the students who are able to join are probably a bright spot for everyone involved!
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Mission Control Blast Off!
There's a lot going on at Mission Control--- All the TST slides and recordings are posted there, as well as an early bird link to register for next week's exciting TST line up!
But what I really want to highlight this week is the Social and Emotional Learning resources. The recording on the blast off page is so helpful because Dave Castellano, Lucero Benitez, and Annette Preciado not only share useful information, but they also take you on a tour of the resources they have curated for you and for your students. Teacher resources are on Mission Control.
You also may not realize this, but they have also created the Counselor's Corner site for families and students (as well as staff). They have put the best of the best there for you. Feel free to share it with with families, and make sure to take care of yourself, too!
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Help! The YouTube video is blocked!
When you are on the YouTube page and view a video, you can look right below it---see that pretty blue stripe--- to see if it is allowed already, then click allow if necessary. Done and done! Click the image to the left if you need to see what you are looking for.
Just one time, but they do need to use their @hsdschools.org account and do it. (TK-1 teachers, I emailed last Thursday a way to make this easier if your students don't use their Google accounts)
Here are two images you can send to students to help...
SIGN IN TO YOUTUBE IN SAFARI image. ---> English and Spanish
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Epic Books
Kahoot
Interested in the premium Kahoot features? If you don't already have it, click the button below then sign into Kahoot with your Google button to be added in!
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Tech Support for Families
Here is what you will find at the Help Desk Page
- A TECH NEWSLETTER for families that I am updating. There is an English version and a Spanish version.
- A way to submit a STUDENT SUPPORT REQUEST via Google Form (that is on the right--oops, LEFT-- side)
- And a number to call to leave a message if the issue is urgent.
Check it out, and share it with families who encounter trouble.
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Liz Hoppe, technology resource specialist
Email: lhoppe@hueneme.org
Website: www.hueneme.org
Location: The Hueneme Tech Lab
Phone: 805-488-3588 9832
Twitter: @hoppeteacher