Welcome Back!
Tech EA Update 2017-2018
2017-18 is Here!
Introductions!
Student Password Info
Each school year, student computer passwords (Kinder-5th) will be reset to Bisd1234. At the first login to a computer, students will be prompted to create a new password for the year. This password will need to be created before accessing district resources. The new password must have at least 8 characters, with one capital letter, one lowercase letter, and one number. Passwords for new K-5 students will be Bisd1234
Usernames for students are staying the same this year as they were last year (bisd+lunch number). A roster report will be available that can assist you in looking up student usernames, if needed.
The password reset does not affect the password for student Google accounts. The password for student Google accounts will remain their birthdate at this time.
Student Password Recommendations
K-2nd
- Each teacher can choose a class password and login as each student for the first time to set the student’s account to that password.
- Class passwords could be a sight word and a number (Happy2016) or perhaps the teacher's last name and a number (Smith2016).
- Passwords must include one uppercase, one lowercase, and one number.
- Passwords must be at least 8 characters long.
- Once selected, teachers should make a list of students’ passwords to be shared with other teachers who may need them (EA, librarian, teammates, GT teacher, etc).
- These passwords will need to be set prior to students using computers (classroom, lab, library etc).
3rd-5th
- Each student should choose their own password.
- After a discussion about password security/complexity, have each student write down what they would like their password to be. This a natural place to discuss digital citizenship with the students.
- Teachers should review each student’s choice, and approve or suggest changes.
- Passwords must include one uppercase, one lowercase, and one number.
- Passwords must be at least 8 characters long.
- Passwords should be no longer than 11 characters.
- Passwords should include words that are easy to remember/spell.
- Once selected, teachers should make a list of students’ passwords to be shared with other teachers who may need them (EA, librarian, teammates, GT teacher, etc).
- These passwords will need to be set prior to students using computers (classroom, lab, library etc).
New Birdville Resource Portal
The new single sign-on portal is COMING SOON! Our new single sign-on portal will be accessible at my.birdvilleschools.net. This portal will allow you to sign in once using your network credentials and access many online resources without having to login to those individual applications - less passwords to remember! We will have several programs in the portal available for use in the next few weeks, with even more being added throughout the year.
For now, the BISD Resource page is still active and will be in use until the new portal is ready. You should be able to access the portal now, but may not see many (or any) resource buttons yet. We will let everyone know when it is up and rolling.
Reminders for the Year
Don't forget to like our Facebook Page/Follow Us on Twitter Tons of great ideas and resources are shared daily by folks across the district!
Digital Learning News Reminder - Each Tuesday our department publishes a newsletter detailing the latest digital happenings in our district and outlines great resources that can be used across the content areas. Mark Thomas sends it out through his office so be on the lookout!
New Hire Smore - This is the Smore that was sent to all the new hires to BISD. It took them through 6 activities that introduced them to our department and gave them an idea about what we can do for them. Also, they were introduced to important digital resources including our use of Google Suite, social media info, Project Innovate, the Digital Learning Platform and more. This may come in handy for you all if you are asked questions as the year gets going.
BISD Helpdesk/Knowledge Base - The Helpdesk site is not only a great place to find information when problems pop up, but it is also a growing repository of training articles and how-to documents. You may want to check out the KB for help before turning in tickets or picking up the phone. You may just find your answer!
Grade Level Symbaloos - Found on the right hand side of the current digital resource page, the grade level symbaloos were created to help bridge the gap when state and district funded resources were not available to use in the computer lab and classroom. The symbaloos contain web links to activities directly tied to core content standards for each six weeks. They were updated last year and will continue to be updated by your elementary DLS. The symbaloos are a great resource to utilize in the lab, and even more effective when planning for their use after collaborating with the grade level teachers. Let us know if you would like to talk more about using the symbaloo resources in your lab.
Think Through Math (TTM) - This year the state did not provide funding for the use of Think Through Math. This resource will be removed for the current resources page and will not appear in the new BISD Portal. Other math resources such as Timez Attack, XtraMath, Sumdog, and the online portions of GoMath will still be available for use.