New and Improved Online Modules!

The Instructional Technology team spent time in the spring updating and adding to the selection of online modules. 

The modules are ready for your summer professional development and can be taken anywhere, anytime, and at your own pace. Explore a range of topics from Google product basics to digital citizenship and SAMR to STEM. 

Each module is worth three clock hours for certificated staff or three inservice hours for classified staff. For certificated staff, the 'Summer Online Modules course' runs through August 31; the Inservice Registration form will be sent to qualifying staff after September 5, 2019.

Please remember to change your network/email password before leaving school for summer break. Make it memorable to ease your transition back to work in the fall.

Staff members are encouraged to enroll in the password self-reset system. Go to the Staff Symbaloo page, where you can enroll in the password reset system by selecting the "Password Reset" button and completing the security questions and alternate contact information. Click here for step-by-step directions.

If your password expires over the summer, and you have not enrolled in the self-reset program, contact the Dept. of Technology to have it reset by calling 253-931-4940.

With completion of the distribution of the touch Chromebooks, teachers are finding unique ways to adjust their instructional practices to continue supporting student learning. Google Cast for Education allows teachers to share their Chromebook screen to another device making it possible for the teacher to teach away from their desk. 

Please connect with your school's Instructional Technology Support Specialist to learn how teachers in your school are using Cast for Education to change the way they teach.

Due to changes with Google's Terms of Service, we are asking all parents to sign a Technology Agreement form. This form will be available online after July 22 and provides consent for students to use Google Additional Services (such as Maps, Chrome Web Store, and YouTube) and any ASD-approved tool that requires permission for under-13s or under-18s.

To help families with this process, DOT has launched a new Data Security for Parents page that outlines the various tools for which they are providing consent, along with information on Chromebooks and VR devices.

For teachers, this means that you are no longer responsible for collecting permission for district approved individual apps or sites — this is now done centrally through Skyward!

Congratulations to the following elementary schools who have been recognized for their robust Computer Science programs:

Building the Future

• Dick Scobee Elementary

Living the Future

• Arthur Jacobsen Elementary

• Lake View Elementary

If you think your school has a solid CS program, work with your principal to complete our School Recognition Application.