Instructional Technology News
Middle School August 2015
Welcome Back!
There are so many great changes taking place in our district this year, and the Instructional Technology department is no exception! Please feel free to contact your facilitator with all of your instructional technology needs!
What's New?
Encore Login Manager
We will be adding a new login screen to the browser window that will allow students and staff to access ALL their tools with ONE login! The tools will show up as app icons on the screen. This will include such tools as Think Through Math, iStation, Google, etc. Students will even be able to access this through the web at home! Be looking for more information as this tool becomes available soon!
Airserver Connect App
Student and teacher iPads will now need the Airserver Connect app to make Airserver work with your computer.
Gaggle is Gone, Google Classroom is Here!
Gaggle has gone away. If you have created any presentations using Gaggle Tube, be sure to check them before using again with your class.
Google Classroom is now available for all students and teachers in place of Gaggle. This can be accessed through MISD Google Apps using the @mesquiteisd.org (NOT @mesquiteisdstu.org, anymore). Set up a class and give your students the access code to get started! Contact your Instructional Technology Facilitator if you would like help!
Digital Citizenship Lessons
Please be talking to your students all year about digital citizenship! Our precious children are online a LOT and need protection! There are lessons on digital citizenship in Eduphoria under grade levels under the Technology section.
Microsoft Office Tools Gone
Microsoft Office Tools are no longer licensed on STUDENT computers (including the new computer labs). Google Apps is a GREAT tool that can be used in place of Microsoft Office. Contact your facilitator with questions about Google Apps.
Reminders
Cart and Safe Keys
Do you have a cart or safe in your room that holds technology devices? If so, did you realize that hanging the key on a hook in your room doesn't really keep those devices safe? Also, keys have been known to disappear from teacher desks. Please treat your cart/safe key as you would a key to your home or classroom - with you at all times!
1:1 iPad Classrooms
1:1 Weebly Site (you can find the oath, iPad camp, and management tips here)
Keychain Password Instructions
Work Orders
For work orders, email helpdesk@mesquiteisd.org or call 7777 from your district phone. The help desk will need your contact info as well as a description of the problem and district eTag and device name (ex: BERR-iMAC-####).