Tech Team Update
February 2020
New Start
~Dr. Michelle Brenner
From the Desk of Dr. Brenner...
From the Desk of Ben Williams...
Cleaning a Chromebook is ok! Clorox wipes are fine, just make sure that it's damp but not dripping and try not to use it on the screen if possible. Use very light pressure, especially around the keys and screen. Drying with a microfiber towel works great.
From the Desk of Charles Noga...
From the Desk of Reggie Bridges...
As of last month, Microsoft has discontinued support for Windows 7. This means that Windows 7 will no longer get regular patches on updates. This will make it less secure and stable as software fixes and patches will no longer be available. We have already updated most PCs in the district to Windows 10, however, there are still a few computers that need to be updated.
The tech department is currently working to standardize our PC fleet. Please put in a work order if notice you are running Windows 7 so we can update your PC.
Check out this link for more info!
From the Desk of Michael Gones...
SMART Technologies has been busy this year sending out improvements to the SMART IQ Panels and the SMART Learning Suite that goes along with them. I’ve assembled some great information you might find helpful.
The SMART Learning Suite is what connects teachers to students, from the SMART Notebooks you have or create, to student interaction at the SMART panel or from their own device. Here is our page covering all the great features available to you and your students. We’ve got quick videos, step-by-step guides, and in-depth online training to demonstrate basically everything.
If you're not able to view the link above, please sign in with your Branson Gmail account.
From the Desk of Dustin Snavely...
As some of you may know, we are in the process of upgrading our phone system from our current NBX / 3COM phones to Grandstream. This is a big project and we have decided to break it up by building. We will be starting with Cedar Ridge Primary and more than likely finish the rest of the Cedar Ridge campus before moving on. Our target date is to have CRP finished by March 13th. We’ll continue to update you on this process as we get closer to roll out.
We have also began piloting a new visitor management system (HallPass) at the high school. This is yet another step the district is taking towards ensuring a safe learning environment for students and faculty. You can read more about HallPass here.From the Desk of Brandon Shields...
Helpdesk Updates:
- In the month of January we have closed out 397 Tickets.
- We recently fixed a major issue with Canvas of Students not being able to Open LTI's and also new students were not being created in Canvas.
- Please remember that if a student uses canvas on a personal device make sure they know to use an incognito window.
- Clever will be upgrading to Portal 3 Soon.
From the Desk of Christian Plaster...
Hello, I am new to the technology department. You may see me in the buildings more in the coming weeks delivering upgraded PCs for those of you with Windows 7. Note: If you are on Windows 7 and you have not been in communication with Reggie, be sure to let us know you need the upgrade.
If your projector is giving any overheating or lamp needs replacement warnings, fill out a ticket to let us know so that we can be sure and have the parts in stock and reduce downtime for you.
The same goes for any low toner notifications.
I look forward to working with all of you and am excited to be a part of this team.
From the Desk of Michelle Youngblood...
Common Questions
- Login for tickets: This is your Novell login (not e-mail), the same username and password you use when you first login to a computer
- Radio repair: If you have an issue with your radio, please take it to your building secretary for her to place a ticket. Our repair vendor comes on Tuesdays to pick up and drop off repairs
- General questions: Please place a ticket at our helpdesk, if you are unsure about your issue feel free to call me at 9800
Branson Technology Department
Back Row (L to R): Dr. Michelle Brenner, Reggie Bridges, Charles Noga, Dusting Snavely, Christian Plaster Front Row (L to R): Michelle Youngblood, Ben Williams, Brandon Shields, Michael Gones
Website: https://sites.google.com/branson.k12.mo.us/technology/home
Phone: 9800