Computer Chronicles
Version 8.1, October Update
1000 lbs. of Chromebooks and other news
As you can imagine, 1000 lbs. of Chromebooks is a lot of Chromebooks - 250 to be exact. So this has taken some time to get done. I'm about 1/2 through the process and you can expect to see Cart #2 in the MHS and Carts 1 thru 6 at the ES to begin being converted over to the new Chromebooks.
Let me apologize in advance for taking these carts out of service while I make the changes. But I promise you, you will love the replacement models. They are tougher than our current ones and should be able to withstand the rigors of the classroom.
Once the carts have been upgraded, those of you with Charging Pillars will begin to see them populated as well.
We’ve also upgraded the district’s wireless network to accommodate our growing wireless needs. Every classroom received a new access point with faster speeds for better access to G Suite for Education and other district online resources. With the faster speeds also comes the ability to have more devices connected, making for a better experience throughout the district. This was the second largest technology upgrade for our district since the initial wireless installation over 5 years ago.
A good analogy to describe the update is to think of us previously accessing our WiFi like driving a car on a single lane local road with a 25 MPH speed limit. The upgrade is like we are driving on the GSP (without all the traffic) - more lanes and a higher speed limit. Big difference.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please let me know.
Michael
New USB-C Charging
One major change with the new Chromebooks is that they use USB-C charging.
USB-C is an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power. The new Chromebooks have 2 USB-C ports. One for power and one for data.
It is extremely important that you only use the USB-C charger in the power plug. Plugging the power into the data port could result in damage to the Chromebook.
Please be extremely vigilant when plugging these in. The power plug has a small light next to it, is marked with an electric plug icon and is on the same side as the audio input.
Papier Chrome Extension
This is a wonderful extension that I use every day.
Did you know that the average person has about 60,000 thoughts a day? And that we spend about 7 hours looking at screens? Now with the Papier extension for Chrome, just open a new tab and trap your best thoughts. They'll be backed up directly to Chrome: no accounts, no syncing.
Simple, clean, and distraction-free, Papier declutters your thoughts so you can focus on the content. Let nothing get in the way of your notes.
Distinguish yourself as an educator
If you're an educator who knows how to use Google tools in the classroom, this certification proves your proficiency.
Designed for educators and classroom teachers who wish to demonstrate proficiency in using Google for Education tools. The Level 1 status indicates that an educator is able to successfully implement Google Apps for Education into their teaching practice in order to enhance teaching and learning.
Magni Momenti Notitia
- Visit the updated Information Technology page on the new site. I'd love your feedback.
- "Think before you click."
- If you have a technical issue, please submit a help desk ticket here: https://sapublicschools.freshdesk.com/helpdesk (Be sure to use the Google button to login.)
- What kinds of tests do they give witches? Hex-aminations :)
Stuff I have been reading:
- Educational Gaming Startup Kahoot Raises $15M in Second Funding Round of the Year
- Two-Thirds of Phishing Emails in Ed Use 'Attached Invoice' Ploy
- Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul Allen dies at 65
- 15 best Android apps of 2018!
- How campuses can play better defense against expanding cyberthreats
- How Personal Technology Like the Apple Watch Can Improve Your Health
- A new snakebot proves that climbing ladders won’t save you from killer robots
Technology is a tool, not a learning outcome.
Michael Elson
Book some time: https://melson.youcanbook.me/
Email: melson@sapublicschools.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/sapublicschools.com/tech-t-days/home
Phone: 732.387.3559
Twitter: @mjelson