March 2019 Technology Newsletter
By: Michael Kealy
Reminder: Password Changes Coming
Reminder From January Newsletter
It seems Cybersecurity and Safety continue to be at the forefront of everyone's minds including NYSED. After sharing with you that I met with the FBI last month the Technology Dept. and I also met to discuss best practices in determining how we could better protect the districts users. As a result the department will be adjusting our current I.T. policies in the coming months to prohibit users from using the same password over and over again while adding password complexity requirements.
While we understand that this may be frustrating to some, it is one of the easiest ways to ensure the districts data remains secure. In many reported circumstances users have not even realized that their user credentials and/or password(s) have been compromised until it is too late. By keeping our scheduled password resets, prohibiting users from reusing passwords, and requiring more complex passwords we can better prevent unauthorized access to district data.
Google: Did You Know?
What's New In Google Classroom
- Changes to private comment notifications—You can now turn private comment notifications on or off. You’ll also receive them separately from other work notifications.
- Stream notifications—If you’re using the Classwork page, choose a collapsed or expanded view for Classwork notifications on the stream, with an option to hide them entirely.
- Stream organization—Move any post to the top of the stream in classes that use Classwork.
Do you Remember? Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego? #TBT
The world's greatest super thief has struck again! Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Google have created an interactive quiz that takes your students across the globe to find clues and solve the mystery of the Crown Jewels caper. Click Here to begin.
Google Sites
Microsoft Movie Maker
Microsoft suggests that Windows 10 users use their Photos app to enhance and edit photos and videos.
Another alternative is to use YouTube Studio Editor to trim videos or cut out sections. Click here for more information.
Please submit a help ticket if you need assistance using one of the new tools.
Did You Know: Adobe Flash Is Going Away in 2020
If the website(s) you use contain Adobe Flash please begin thinking about alternatives. Adobe has said they will end support for this product on 12/31/2020.
Public Service Announcement: Computer Virus Scam In Dutchess County
Reminder: You Asked! We Listened... TEQ Online Professional Development Has Returned
Just before the holidays I shared that the district had renewed TEQ Online Professional Development.
A reminder, Teq is an approved NYS CTLE PD Provider, so any qualified courses that you complete can be used towards your state-mandated professional learning hours. Just be sure to take the quiz after completing a course to receive your certificate of completion!
Accessing the platform is easy! We have enabled Google Single Sign On so you don't have to remember any passwords. A welcome email was recently sent to all teachers. You can access the program by logging in (http://opd.teq.com/) and selecting “Login with your Google Account”.
Reminder: Discovery Education Streaming
A few reminders about Discovery Education Streaming Plus:
Did you know...
Discovery Ed has a built in professional development tool for teachers
Discovery Ed is more than just a video streaming service
Discovery Ed has a library of still images to use in lessons
Discovery Ed has lesson plans and activities
Teachers can search lesson plans, activites, and videos by topics or standards
CLICK HERE to check out my presentation from the March 8th PD Day.
Michael Kealy
Beacon City School District
Email: kealy.m@beaconk12.org
Website: https://www.beaconk12.org/domain/24
Location: 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY, USA
Phone: 845-838-6900
Twitter: @techkealy