January 2018

Reaching 1:1, then what?

In 2014, the community’s investment in the Auburn School District technology levy launched our journey to one-to-one access to technology for students in grades 2-12. We’ve almost reached this milestone! Since fall, more than 8,100 Chromebooks computers have been in the hands of secondary students, making the trip between school and home each day. This month, we complete the installation of Chromebook carts in all grade 2 – 5 general education classrooms. Our last four elementary schools without Chromebooks at grade 1 will receive them as well. Technology pilots are underway in elementary Structured Learning Centers (SLC) to determine the best devices to be deployed in these settings before the end of this school year. With access for all students, we are tasked next with the strategy outlined in our new district strategic plan, to "Leverage 1:1 technology to empower students in communication, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity and digital citizenship." The real excitement starts now!

Our spring #techconnect workshop is a big part of supporting each other in engaging, educating, and empowering students with technology. Save the date of Saturday, March 31, and follow the links below to provide input as a participant or potential presenter. (What's #techconnect?)

Tech Tips

Staff Self-Password Reset Web Interface

Staff and secondary students are now able to reset their own passwords. The Password Reset website consists of a two-step process that requires enrollment into the system first and then provides the ability to reset individual passwords after providing information to verify your identity. The pictured Password Reset webpage tile is available from both the staff and student Symbaloo pages. For step by step instructions check out this tip sheet.

Google Updates/Information

Google Menus

Changes have been made to simplify and increase the consistency in the menus for Docs and Slides. This will make editing your items easier. Here are some of the changes:

"Lists" has been renamed "Bullets and Numbering"
"Show spelling suggestions" has been renamed "Spelling"
"Document outline" has been renamed "Show document online"

Footers in Google Websites

You can easily add a footer to your Google website that will be consistent across all your pages. To add a footer simply scroll to the bottom of your page and click "Add Footer"

To hide the footer on a single page, click the eye icon in the bottom left corner of the text box. You can then create a custom footer for only that page by adding a new section at the bottom of the page.

Check out our example at the bottom of the Tech Tips Newsletter.

Virus Scanning in Google

Google users can upload any type of file. Google drives automatically scans the file (64 MB or smaller) for viruses before they are downloaded or shared. If a virus is detected, users will receive a warning and can only continue downloading after acknowledging the risk of doing so. Be aware that the infected file can still be shared with others via email or by changing the owner of the file, but the infected file will not be converted to a Google Doc, Sheet or Slide.

Which Drive are you using?

"C" drive is the drive located directly on the computer. Files on this drive remain on the computer and are lost if the computer is infected with a virus or the computer dies. This is the least desirable drive for storing your files.

"T" drive is located on the server. Limited files on this drive are meant for sharing between staff and team members. These files are backed up nightly and replicated offsite. If you delete a file from the T drive and notify DOT within 14 days, the file can be recovered.

"U" drive is located on the server. Limited files on this drive can only be accessed by you. These files are backed up nightly and replicated offsite. If you delete a file from the T drive and notify DOT within 14 days, the file can be recovered.

Google drive is located in the cloud. It has unlimited storage and is accessible from any device. Google drive files can be shared with anyone within ASD for collaboration purposes.

Instruction

"Clever" QR Technology in the Primary Classroom

Effective this month, all grade 1 classrooms will be 2:1 with Touch 360 Chromebooks to support student learning. Primary learners may now be out of kiosk mode and signing on individually with QR code "badges" to access Google Apps, math and reading programs, and more! Have you reached out to your Building Tech Coordinator to get access to your students' QR codes?

Calling #techconnect 3.0 Participants & Presenters!

It's that time of year again! Our third annual #techconnect event is Saturday, March 31, 2018. Registration will start mid-February and will be capped at 200 participants who will receive clock hours, $150 stipends, and possibly door prizes!

To start the excitement early, we are requesting that all Auburn teachers provide feedback regarding session ideas and offerings. Please take five minutes to complete this survey.

If you are interested in presenting at one of our many sessions please complete this form.

Fake news... data breaches... screen addiction... Interested?

In accordance with 2017's ESSB 5449, this spring we will convene a representative group of educators, students, parents/guardians, and community members with experience or expertise in digital citizenship, media literacy, and internet safety issues to review our policy and procedures in these areas. Mastery of these topics is key to our students' success, safety, and health as engaged and empowered citizens. Interested in participating or know someone who would be an asset to our group? Please email Assistant Superintendent Vicki Bates.

Data Security

Were you affected by the Equifax Credit breach this past summer? Then you understand the importance of protecting your personal information. Educators have the responsibility and are obligated to protect student data in the educational setting. Our data security website helps teachers navigate these responsibilities. Are the tools you are using with students that collect Personally Identifiable Information (PII) on the ASD vetted list? Does the tool require parent permission or contact? Check the "User/Data Agreement Inventory" list.

Shout Out!

In December 2017, Auburn School District received a School of TechXcellence Award from District Administration magazine. TechXcellence was created by District Administration magazine, in conjunction with HP and Intel, to recognize schools that have implemented innovative, effective and replicable technology programs that contribute meaningfully to student or operational success. Auburn School District was recognized for its #techconnect conferences! Kudos to #techconnect presenters and participants past and future! Come join the fun March 31.

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