Tech Talk
The DPS Ed Tech Newsletter
Volume 3, Issue 3 (18-19)
In this edition...
National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Schoology Corner
What's a Gaggle?
Update to Authorization of Student Google Accounts
This is a great time to consider what your school is doing to encourage good cybersecurity and digital citizenship.
Need help? Here are some ideas!
- Adopt digital citizenship curriculum.
There are plenty of free resources out there to utilize with students, or to share with parents and community. Here are just a few:
Common Sense Media
Be Internet Awesome by Google
Netsmartz
Cyberwise
- Participate in National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Find information, resources, toolkits, and other events to celebrate this month at the National Cyber Security Alliance official site.
- Schedule a professional development, student assembly, or parent program.
Ed Tech will help you get your staff, students, and even parents up to speed. Check out our Digital Citizenship page for information on organizing an assembly or parent program, and check out our Professional Development menu for staff options. We're happy to help provide an option that works best for you and your school or team.
Schoology Corner
What's a Gaggle?
Did you know that DPS provisions a Google account to every one of our more than 90,000 students? Google accounts provide students with email along with Google Suite tools, allowing them to learn, create, and collaborate. Parents and teachers may wonder how the district makes sure these accounts are used appropriately. Your students may also have received notifications warning them of inappropriate content in their accounts. Where do these come from?
Meet Gaggle. This important service works together with DPS to monitor students' digital citizenship in the realm of Google, as well as to protect them from inappropriate or dangerous content. ALL DPS-provisioned student accounts are filtered by Gaggle, 24/7, and any concerns are reported to Educational Technology, Student Safety, and school administration.
If you would like to learn more about Gaggle and how the process works, we have an informative new Schoology course (course code: J6NP9-8DDPF) that you can take. You can also direct any questions about Gaggle to Kellie Riley on the Educational Technology team.
Update to Authorization of Student Google Accounts
DPS has removed the option for families to opt out of Google accounts from all registration materials. These accounts are now considered essential to how DPS delivers services. You will no longer see the “Opt Out” option under “Student Email” in the “Authorizations” tab on Infinite Campus.
Schools may still revoke students’ access to Google for disciplinary or other concerns by using the “Revoke” option. All principals, secretaries, and STRs have been notified of this change. Please ensure that the affected members of your staff are aware.
If you need support with professional learning or have questions, please contact the Educational Technology team at edtech@dpsk12.org.
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About Your Ed Tech Team
Email: edtech@dpsk12.org
Website: http://etls.dpsk12.org/
Location: 1617 S Acoma St, Denver, CO, United States
Phone: 720-423-1991