ITC Newsletter
May 2016
Phone System Replacement
The primary advantages to a full system replacement include:
- Modernization of a system that is past industry standard 'end-of-life'.
- Centrally and locally managed phone system back-end.
- Full MESD/CTA system support.
- Full server redundancy to ensure maximum possible up-time.
- Enhanced and expanded features for all phones.
Here are some key highlights that should answer most of your immediate questions:
- Your extension number will remain the same as it is now.
- You will need to re-record your voicemail greeting and password when you get back from break.
- All of the existing features on our current phones will be duplicated in the new system.
- Any saved voicemails will go away and will not be transferred to the new system.
- Documentation and short training videos will be available on the Help Desk site.
- Phones will be replaced during the summer after most of the staff have gone to summer break.
- District office, building offices, and other departments that are staffed through or most of the summer will be scheduled for replacement to ensure the least possible interruption and down time.
Elementary Chromebooks Are Coming!
Chromebook devices are easy to use, boot up in less than 10 seconds to the login screen, and the batteries last all day long before needing to be charged. The mobility of the carts will cut down on the transition time to the computer lab, turning each classroom into a connected technology space when the cart is in use. The additional advantages of the carts will be during testing season, greatly easing the tight testing schedule in a single lab. Chromebooks work almost flawlessly with EPLA21, OAKS, and the SBA.
Scheduling of the carts will be managed by each individual building. Carts will be delivered to the buildings during the summer and fully ready for use on the first day of school.
ERATE Network & Wireless Project Update
Our application to USAC for phase II of the project has been submitted and now we are waiting for their approval. We are hoping that approval comes in time to begin phase II at the rest of the schools this summer and be completed before the next school year begins. Once complete we will have the fastest wireless access points on the market in every classroom and a wired/wireless network infrastructure that is no more than 2 years old district-wide.
MHCRC Grant Update
We hope to be back on track and have more solid information to share with everyone on this in September. Stay tuned!
Tech Tip with Dennis Beaman
Faster and less obtrusive communication using Gmail Hangouts.
Need to get a message or question to another person in the district, but don’t want to interrupt a class? Just use the Hangouts option in Gmail. It’s in the lower-left corner of the gmail window. You can search for that staff person, and send them a quick message. The message will appear in that person’s gmail window, waiting for their response. No need to pick up the phone, or send an email. It’s very quick, and reliable, and even works when someone is outside of the district.
Spotlight Story: Google Classroom
“Time to turn the cube and think about how technology can help provide ways for students to access content, It also provides for alternative ways to assess students.” ~Anne Haverkamp, Centennial High School.
Anne was a senior English teacher that piloted a paperless classroom last year with the use of google classroom. Anne says it was wonderful, the kids were so completely engaged in it, they were able to use pod cast and verbal blogs. She was able to stay in contact with each student as they were writing. She said it was so nice to see what they kids were doing and be able to ask questions as they go. She says it allows the students to be more creative and expressive. She really liked the fact she did not have to keep track of papers,” kids could not use the excuse I turned it in and you lost it.” She was able to grade papers anywhere and not have to worry about a broken back carrying them all around.
Ann says “you can’t be afraid of technology we just need to jump in and use it because it’s the only way to learn it.” Students use technology all the time so they are less resistant in learning. We just need more technology in the hands of teachers and staff.
MacBook Pro Upgrade Schedule
The upgrade includes a new Solid State Hard Drive and Memory upgrade to 8GB. Batteries will be upgraded on a needs basis. These upgrades provide a substantial increase in speed and operation of the device.
Important Summer Printing Information
Free Online Technology Tools
High School Level
CodeHS is designed to help high school students learn the basics of computer programming. However, the tool would also be good to use in middle school. Start by signing up for an account, create a class, and get started. Students sign up for the class with a class code or through an email invite from the teacher. The course is self-paced and takes students through with step by step tutorials, examples, and help along the way.
https://codehs.com/
Middle School Level
Create your own Android app using Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech video with this easy to follow tutorial. The Course In a Box includes several modules taking you step by step through the app building process. Videos and practice exercises guide you through the app creation process while building up in complexity. Final lessons teach skills such as apps that communicate with the web and apps with user-generated data.
http://www.appinventor.org/
Elementary Level
Learn how to write code and then create a game at Bee A Coder. Start by clicking Beginner to learn the basics and to participate in three lessons teaching how to write code in three different formats - HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. View videos and follow prompts to complete activities for each lesson. Activities track progress as you move through each segment of the learning activity.
http://www.beeacoder.com/
Archived Newsletters
March 2016 - https://www.smore.com/ngc02
April 2016 - https://www.smore.com/e7a3c
Instructional Technology Center
Executive Supervisor I.T. & Assessment
Email: frank_decker@csd28j.org
Website: itc.csd28j.org
Location: 18009 Southeast Brooklyn Street, Portland, OR, United States
Phone: 503-762-33200