Wavelengths
Tech Integration Newsletter
Volume 12 | Issue 27 | November, 2018
Bright Bytes Technology & Learning Survey is OPEN
Our district is again partnering with BrightBytes, an educational research and analytics organization, to learn more about our schools’ technology use for student learning. This will be done through a comprehensive framework called CASE that looks at the Classroom factors, Access to technology, teacher and student Skills and Environmental factors. Take it now! Look for the icon on your computer to take the survey or go directly to this link: https://bbyt.es/V774C
When should I take the survey?
Collection of surveys begins November 1st and closes November 21st
Who takes the survey? All surveys are anonymous
* All Students 3rd-12th grade
* All Certified staff in buildings
* Parents **NEW 2018-19** as many as possible
IMS Director's Update
According to TechTarget.com, "Phishing is a form of fraud in which an attacker masquerades as a reputable entity or person in email or other communication channels."
Here in OPS, we have had an increase in phishing attempts in Office 365 over the past few months. We have a service called Advanced Threat Protection, however, some of these phishing attempts get through. You can often identify that an email message isn't really being sent by the person or company they identify as by expanding the name of the email address. When the full email address is displayed, it won't be an ops.org address or the email address of the person/company you think it is.
If you suspect someone other than the person sending you the message is asking for personal information or asking for you to purchase something, you can report it by replicating the image you see below. Select the email, then report the email by selecting the arrow next to Junk and choosing one of the following options.
Important: When a message is marked as a phishing scam, Office 365 displays a warning at the top of the page, but any links in the message can still be opened. When in doubt, do not click the links. Report the issue to the Help Desk by forwarding the message to helpdeskrequests@ops.org.
OPS Celebrates Microsoft's Annual Skype-a-Thon
Tuesday, November 13th, Omaha Public Schools will once again celebrate Microsoft's Annual Skype-a-Thon event. Skype-a-Thon creates awareness about the value of connecting your students beyond their classroom walls with virtual field trips, guest speakers, lessons, and connections with other classes.
See the line up of OPS speakers listed below and fill out the linked Microsoft Form for further information. If you can't join on that specific day there are hundreds of other opportunities available at skypeintheclassroom.com.
OPS Skype-a-Thon Classroom Sign Up Form- Due by 4:00 PM Friday, November 9th
Elementary Teacher Spotlight - Katie Steele and Hour of Code
Katie Steele, librarian at Saddlebrook Elementary School creates magic in her classroom by using www.code.org with her students. Check out this Spotlight Sway to see Katie in action.
You too can introduce your students to the value of computer science through coding. Sign up to do an Hour of Code during the week of December 3rd – December 9th. Even if you’ve never tried coding yourself, you can learn the basics alongside your students through tutorials and activities available on their site.
Mobile Learning Unit
Our OPS Technology Bus has been out and about over the last couple months driving change in our schools and community! From exploring translator tools, filling out student FAFSA applications, and supporting iPad roll-outs, we are finding new ways each week to support you and your families.
Interested in having the MLU make a visit to your school?
Contact Rebecca Chambers at rebecca.chambers@ops.org
Tech Tip: Why Use Microsoft OneDrive?
Microsoft OneDrive is unlimited, cloud-based storage to help you organize your content. Files can be managed, saved, and accessed across any device. You can edit, collaborate, and share any file. The search feature in OneDrive easily allows you to find files in its folder based system.
Click below to learn how to...
What does it mean to be Future Ready?
What is the Future Ready Framework and what does it mean for me? Check out these online resources to begin! Dig in to learn about the framework, gears, and supporting research surrounding Future Ready Schools. https://futureready.org/
Watch for more Future Ready information, resources, and other opportunities in upcoming Wavelengths Newsletters!
Family Engagement Resources from Common Sense Education
Any questions regarding digital citizenship or Common Sense Education should be directed to Keegan Korf at keegan.korf@ops.org.
Technology Training Team
Debra Bordenkecher:
Technology Trainer, Classified/Certified Staff/TAC
Rebecca Chambers:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Mobile Learning Unit Lead Teacher
Melissa Cleaver:Instructional Technology Trainer, Project Coordinator
Eileen Heller:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Elementary Lead Teacher
Keegan Korf:
Common Sense Media, Digital Citizenship Lead Teacher
Kelly Means:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Project Coordinator
Amy Vester:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Secondary Lead Teacher
McKenzie White:
Instructional Technology Trainer, Library Lead Teacher
Email: techtrainers@ops.org
Website: http://techhub.ops.org/
Location: Omaha Public Schools, NE, United States
Phone: (531)299-9624
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Opstechtrainers
Twitter: @OPStechtrainers