Computer Chronicles
Version 10.5, May-June 2022
Highlights
As we head into the final weeks of school, just a few reminders:
- If you have been issued a Chromebook or other device you are welcome to keep it over the summer. Please fill out the online form here so we know who has what. If you are not keeping a device with you, please be sure it is secured in your classroom.
- If you have any equipment not working, please submit a ticket now. Do not wait until September.
- If you are changing classrooms, your computer DOES NOT move with you. It is assigned to the classroom.
- Over the summer we will be upgrading many computers with some new hardware. Nothing on your current computer will be saved so be sure what you want to keep is on your Google Drive.
Applied Digital Skills
Did you know Google offers hundreds of free project-based online video curriculum that teaches practical digital skills for real-life application?
Digital skills allow for easier communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking through technology and play an important role in preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
In a project-based curriculum, students are given meaningful challenges to help them solve real-world problems. Applied Digital Skills has easy-to-follow instructional videos that guide students to create their own project from scratch using applications like Google Docs or Google Sheets.
Each lesson also comes with helpful resources, like lesson plans, which include tips and questions to guide the class as they work.
Plus, when you connect your Applied Digital Skills account with Google Classroom, you can import classes, track student progress, and create assignments.
You can get started using Applied Digital Skills by clicking the link below:
https://applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com/c/en/curriculum.html
Google Classroom Cleanup
There are three easy steps:
- Unenroll students
- Archive Classroom
- Go home for the summer
To Unenroll students:
- Open the course and go to the "People" tab.
- Check the box at the top of the "Students" section to select all the students in the class.
- Click the "Actions" button.
- Choose "Remove" from the drop-down menu.
To Archive your classes:
- Go to the home page of Classroom
- Click the three-dots menu in the top right corner of the "card" for the class you wish to archive.
- Then click "Archive" from the drop-down menu.
- You will now get a pop-up window asking you to verify that you want to archive the class. Click "Archive" again to verify.
You can always un-Archive and all assignments from archived classes are still available to copy for use next year.
Final step, go home and enjoy the summer knowing that your Google Classroom is clean and ready for next year.
Classroom Practice Sets
If they get stuck and need support, students will see automated hints and video suggestions, along with real time feedback on their answers. Assignments can be completed with a variety of tools for annotation, such as a mouse, stylus, touchpad, or math keyboard depending on how students work best.
Every student learns in their own way, though practice and specific feedback helps us all learn more effectively. In large classes, it can be challenging for teachers to support their students' individual journeys.
With practice sets, educators can more easily get insight into which concepts need more instruction time and who could use extra support, giving them quick performance insights to shape future lesson plans.
Video intro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-UgPQ6OvAk
Pro Tech Tip
Close a Google Chrome tab quickly with CTRL + W
Magni Momenti Notitia
- "Think before you click."
- Got a tech problem? Please submit a help desk ticket here. Be sure to use the Google button to login.
- Visit the Information Technology page on the district website for the latest news.
- Why is Yoda such a good gardener? He has a green thumb!
Stuff I have been reading/watching:
- Chinese Hackers Begin Exploiting Latest Microsoft Office Zero-Day Vulnerability
- 2022 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report
- FTC to Crack Down on Companies that Illegally Surveil Children Learning Online
- How to Ensure That the Smart Home Doesn’t Jeopardize Data Privacy?
- Scam targeting North Country school families
- School Board hacked after emails of contractors compromised
"Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind."
- Marcus Tullius Cicer
Conceived, written and produced by
Michael Elson 💻
District Technology Coordinator
Join Technology Updates on Remind: https://www.remind.com/join/elson or text @elson to the number 81010
Email: melson@sapublicschools.com
Website: http://www.sapublicschools.com/departments/information_technology
Location: 32 08’59.96″ N, 110 50’09.03″W
Phone: 732.387.3559
Twitter: @sapublicschool1