April 2022 Technology Newsletter
By: Michael Kealy
Thank You
Thank you for all your encouragement and support for the Technology Department and I as we have worked to provide and support new tools such as one-to-one Chromebooks, zSpace Virtual Reality computers, associated software, while maintaining a secure and robust network.
My journey in Beacon has been an exciting one! I have enjoyed getting to know you and the technological wants and needs you have in order to create the best learning experiences for students. With your enthusiasm and passion for doing new things, I have no doubt the innovative use of technology will continue in Beacon long after I am gone.
Thanks again!
Best wishes,
Mike
Phishing Assessment
A reminder that you should never click on links/objects in an email from an unknown sender. If you receive a suspicious email with links/objects from an unknown sender please forward it to the help desk for further evaluation.
If you click on links/objects in an email which is a part of this assessment program you will receive the message below:
Google Updates
Warning banners alert users of suspicious Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides files on web
Quick summary
Previously, Google announced warning banners for potentially malicious or dangerous files in Google Drive. Google is extending these warnings at the file-level — going forward, if you open a Google Docs, Sheets, or Slides file on the web, you’ll see these warnings.
Getting started
- End users: There is no end user setting for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about how Drive protects your privacy.
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 27, 2022
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers
Resources
Enhanced menus in Google Docs improves findability of key features on desktop
What’s changing
Google is updating the menus in Google Docs to make it easier to locate the most commonly-used features. In this update you’ll notice:
- Shortened menus for better navigation
- Reorganization for more intuitive feature location
- Prominent icons for faster recognition
Who’s impacted
End users
Why it’s important
The new design improves findability of key features, making it quicker and easier to use Docs. Note that existing functionality isn't changing with this launch.
For features that have been reorganized, we hope that their new menu location will be more intuitive and make it easier and faster to navigate the product. In particular, Apps Script-related functionality is now grouped under the new “Extensions” menu. This includes access to the Apps Script IDE as well as management of add-ons.
Getting started
- End users: This feature will be available by default. Visit the Help Center to learn more about using Google Docs
Rollout pace
- Rapid Release and Scheduled Release domains: Extended rollout with anticipated completion by end of May
Availability
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers Available to users with personal Google Accounts
Resources
Set up host controls and assign co-hosts ahead of meetings in Google Calendar
Quick summary
In addition to setting up Google Meet breakout rooms in advance in Google Calendar, meeting organizers can also:
- Turn meeting safety features on or off, such as chat lock, present lock, and more.
- Designate co-hosts before the meeting.
We hope that by allowing meeting hosts to pre-configure additional settings and assign co-hosts, meetings can flow more smoothly.
Getting started
- End users: To configure host control and co-host options when scheduling a meeting in Google Calendar, select “Add Google Meet video conferencing” > “Video call options” (gear icon) > Host controls or Co-hosts.
Rollout pace
- Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: Gradual rollout (up to 15 days for feature visibility) starting on April 20, 2022
Availability
Moderation Settings
- Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers.
- Available to users with a personal Google account
Co-host settings
- Available to Google Workspace Essentials, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Business Standard, Business Plus, Education Fundamentals, Education Standard, Education Plus, and Teaching and Learning Upgrade customers
- Not available to Google Workspace Business Starter, Frontline, and Nonprofits, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers
Resources
Dr. Michael Kealy EdD
Beacon City School District
Email: kealy.m@beaconk12.org
Website: https://www.beaconk12.org/domain/24
Location: 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY, USA
Phone: 845-838-6900
Twitter: @techkealy