JFD Technology
Tech Tips
Volume 4
Awesome Tech Tips!
In addition, a handout has been created to teach you how to create a substitute folder on your desktop which is done through the All Users desktop folders. This handout can be found on the Dobie Technology website.
In addition, we have chosen to highlight the use of technology in the ELA classroom for our Focus on Technology video.
Web 2.0 Tool- Dropbox and Drop it to Me
Dropbox and Drop it to Me
Dropbox is a cloud based storage system that allows users to save and access files anywhere and share them easily. Dropbox can be a single user tool or it can be a tool that is shared with others. Dropbox is one of the better tools that can be used with students because there are several different sites that work with the tool that increases its value. Drop it to Me is an example of one of those tools. Drop it to Me is a site that allows for other users to drop items in your Dropbox by simply uploading a file.
The use of Dropbox and Drop it to Me is a great way to collect documents from students. Rather than have students print items out or save items on flash drives students can submit their final assignments through the use of Drop it to Me. Teachers will then be able to access the documents anywhere!
1:1 is coming to Dobie
At the start of the 2014-2015 school year, Dobie High School 9th grade teachers and students will participate in a 1:1 roll out. Currently at Beverly Hills and Thompson Intermediates all students are participating in a new 1:1 program. The vision of PISD is to continue the 1:1 integration program with students through their high school experience to ensure they are learning and thriving using tools that they will have access to in their future.
Why has Dobie been chosen for the 1:1 program?
Three years ago San Jacinto Intermediate became the districts first 1:1 campus. All 7th and 8th graders were provided netbooks that they had access to 24/7. These students have now moved on to Sam Rayburn High School where they no longer have access to the devices. After interviewing students, many students felt that they had gone back in time with their education and found it frustrating that they did not have access to these devices any longer. After much discussion with the students, the district felt it was important to continue this program with students as they move on through their high school years. As a result, Sam Rayburn and Dobie High Schools will become pilot campuses for the 1:1 program at the high school level since our feeder campuses currently now have students that are participating in 1:1 programs.
To learn more about the 1:1 program, you can visit the Dobie Technology website.
Copy Room Release
To learn more about how to send copies through the release station, a video has been provided below.
Netbook Cart Procedures
Due to the increase in the number of carts, Matt and Bobby can no longer deliver carts to classrooms. Faculty and staff should still signup for the carts through Eduphoria Facilities and Events. Shown below are the procedures when checking out a cart. Please ensure that the key for the carts is attached to the cart when it is returned. More information can be found about the carts on the Dobie Technology website.
- Carts will be housed in the library workroom. All carts will need to be returned to the library workroom by 3:00 pm.
- Plug the cart in to the assigned location in the workroom.
- A classroom door should always be locked if the teacher is not in the classroom to prevent any damage and theft from occurring.
- Before returning the cart, ensure that all computers are powered off, plugged in and stored in their assigned docking bay.
- Always plug the computer into the wall outlet. DO NOT PLUG A CART INTO A POWER STRIP OR SURGE PROTECTOR.
- Assign each student a computer number. This will help with identifying damage to computers.
- A cart can be checked out for no more than two days in a week.
Benefits of using student logins and the web portal:
- Each individual student has access to their own network folder that they can save material in.
- Students can access their network folders 24/7 through the district web portal.
- Teachers can set up course share folders that allow for students to view shared files from a teacher. In addition students can submit work and teachers can grade the work electronically.
- The web portal provides a single sign-on for many district applications that are used by students such as Edmodo and Edgenuity.
- More privileges can be granted and/or restricted with individual users.
Benefits of teachers/staff using the web portal:
- District software programs are available with single sign on (Lawson is not available through the portal).
- Third party apps, such as Edmodo and Edgenuity, can become single sign on through the Password Lockbox Manager.
- Eventually, everyone will have access to their (H) Drive through the portal with more space.
- Course share folders can be created to allow students to submit work.
Happy Holidays!
JFD Technology
- Bobby Blackwell- Technology Services
- Matt Park- Technology Services/ Instructional Technology
- Rebekka Gabino- Instructional Technology
- Jorly Thomas- Admin for Technology Services
- Dr. Melissa Allen- Admin for Instructional Technology
Website: jfdtechnology.weebly.com
Location: 10220 Blackhawk Boulevard, Houston, TX, United States
Twitter: @jfdtech