Accessibility Tip: Captions

If you are showing videos in class, or uploading material to YouTube, make sure that you are utilising the captions feature.  The video to the right shows how to enable auto-transcription of audio for your own videos, which can save you a lot of time (although it's a good idea to check the transcription for errors).

When showing videos, you can simply press C on your keyboard or click the captions button on the video to turn them on.

Captions help not only those with hearing loss, but also ML students who are acquiring language. 

Robot Spotlight - Code&Go Mouse

The Code&Go Mouse is a great first coding device for primary students that does not require any additional technology.  It uses physical buttons to code a sequence of movements into the mouse that will help it to navigate a maze.  Our kits come with challenge cards of varying difficulty, or students/teachers can simply create their own.

If students have explored Code.org, this translates many of the concepts of computational thinking to the real world: decomposition, algorithmic thinking, abstraction, and pattern recognition.

If you are interested in checking out a set of mice, or any other robot devices, please put in a Helpdesk ticket.

Newline Boards Tip: Extract Text From Images

When using the Newline Whiteboard, there is a new feature that allows you to extract text from images in order to manipulate it, edit it, or just make it more visible for students.

After adding your image (either from an image search, or uploading your own from Google Drive), use the lasso tool to select the image, and then click the "extract text" button from the toolbar (second from the right).  The text will then appear in its own text box.

Google: Look Beyond the Summary

Did you know that the AI generated summary from Google is wrong 10% of the time?  This means that, every day, Google is showing inaccurate information millions of times.

When students are searching, the AI Overview is a good starting place, but they should always follow up by checking a source to verify the facts.

It's Tax Season - Beware of Scams!

Every year around Tax Season, cyber criminals try to prey upon people's anxiety with the filing process.  Here are three common scams and how to avoid them:

1. IRS Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as the IRS, contacting you by phone, email, text message, or even social media. They often claim you owe back taxes, penalties, or fees and threaten arrest, wage garnishment, or license suspension if you don’t pay immediately.

These fraudsters may ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid debit cards.

How to avoid this scam:

• Remember: The IRS does not call, text, or email you demanding immediate payment

• The IRS will never ask for payment over the phone or request gift cards

• Don’t click links or open attachments claiming to be from the IRS

• If unsure, go directly to IRS.gov rather than using contact info you’re given

2. Tax Refund Scams

This scam involves messages claiming there’s an issue with your tax refund or that you’re eligible for a larger refund. Victims are directed to click a link or provide personal information to “release” the refund.

In reality, the goal is identity theft.

How to avoid this scam:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited refund notifications

• Verify your tax refund status only through official IRS tools

• Never share personal or banking information in response to unexpected messages

• Watch for spelling errors, generic greetings, or urgent language

3. Phishing Emails and Text Messages

Phishing scams send emails or texts designed to look like legitimate tax agencies, payroll departments, or software providers. These often contain links or attachments that install malware or steal login credentials.

How to avoid this scam:

• Don’t click links from unknown or unexpected senders

• Look closely at email addresses

• Neither your bank nor the IRS will never ask for sensitive information via text or email

• Report phishing emails using the Report button in Outlook.