Tech Department Newsletter
February/March 2019
The Technology Department is here to support and help!
IssueTrak - Use this link for all Technology Support Requests
"Good" IssueTrak tickets have specifics and detail:
a) What is the problem? - be specific
b) What have you tried to do already? What was the result? - be specific
c) Is there a best time to get your device? - let us know, we will try and accommodate.
Digital Citizenship for Students
Student Digital Citizenship is about students learning and understanding safe, respectful, and responsible use of the Internet and devices. This includes password protection, social media use, cyber-bullying prevention, and understanding internet information fake or real.
You can have your students take the free course for learning about safe Internet use. It is game-based learning about essential elements for Internet Use - Password safety, Fake or Real, Sharing information, and Be Kind.
Play it here:
Google's Be Internet Awesome is free tool for families and students. https://beinternetawesome.withgoogle.com/en_us/
Taking Care of Chromebooks
Our Chromebook fleet is getting old. How can we extend and maximize the life of our CB's??
CB's are designed to be inexpensive and affordable internet-accessibility tools. The units that we buy are <$350. While the units that we buy are designed for the rugged student population, there are really some things that you won't get for the price we are paying.
Follow these tips to help maximize our Chromebooks!
1) Students should handle with care - elementary students should have a two-hand carry policy. Broken screens and cracked cases from dropped devices are generally not worth the cost of repair.
2) Charging ports and cables break easily. The charging ports are often broken by the repeated use of plugging in/out. Did you know that CB's have a battery life of 8+ hrs? They only need to be plugged back in at the end of the day, or maybe every other day. Consider their total usage and plug them in when needed (rather than between periods).
3) Establish classroom rules/best practices for CB use. This can include rules about how to carry, no food/drinks, wash hands before using, etc... students that respect their devices will care for them better and they will last longer.
Google Classroom Gradebook/Aeries Sync Issue
Check out the Newsletter from our Tech Tosa - Peter Vallejo!
App Alert! Language Translation
The Microsoft Translator app is one of the newest and leading apps for language translation in your pocket. You can carry on a fully translated conversation with multiple people using their own devices. Try it out!
For iTunes
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-translator/id1018949559?mt=8
For Android and tablet
Cord Safety - Be Safe! Cover your cords.
Laptop, Projector, Document Cameras and Chromebook Replacements
Many of you have inquired about when replacement and new equipment is available for you. We will be pushing out as much new and replacement technology that our budget and your school budget can handle (not as much as we would like). Of course, it will be prioritized on a needs basis, and we will be working with your administrators to determine high priority needs.
If your equipment in your classroom needs a fix or you have trouble operating a device, use IssueTrak (see what makes a good IssueTrak up top).
If you feel that you need NEW or Replacement equipment, you need to talk to your administrator for approval.
Google Classroom - Verification and Many Updates This Year!
Are you planning on using Google Classroom this year? All teachers must be "verified" before using Google Classroom. Plan ahead and get verification by opening Classroom and choosing "Teacher". Many of you with existing accounts should be already verified.
Google Classroom has announced many changes to their App this year. Stay tuned for exciting changes!
Public Records - Email, documents, texting and more
Happy Lunar New Year!
It's the Year of the Pig! Happy Lunar New Year to all of our school community.
Technology Department
Paul Rose, Network System Admin
Steve Mei, Network System Admin
Audrey Gross, Student Information Systems
Barbara Dunn, Cathy Zen, Yann LeRoy, Computer Operations
Email: gko@cv.k12.ca.us
Location: 4400 Alma Avenue, Castro Valley, CA, USA
Phone: 510-537-3000 1249