Tech Support
Welcome to the HIS Secondary Tech Support
Here you will find information regarding the key apps we are using in order to deliver effective distance learning together with a range of regularly updated tutorial videos, supporting staff, students and parents as we all adapt to these challenging new times. There is also some guidance on the enhanced security features of Zoom.
Key Tools and Apps in Delivering Distance Learning
Seesaw
What is it? A digital portfolio tool
Who uses it? Years 7-9
Why do we use it? Teachers can easily assign activities which students can complete using a range of creative tools. It's also very easy for teachers and peers to feedback on each other's work.
Google Classroom
What is it? A classroom management tool
Who uses it? Mostly Y7-13
Why do we use it? A free tool from Google which allows teachers to quickly share resources, conduct forums and set assignments. Links directly to Google Drive allowing teachers and students to quickly and easily share work.
Google Hangouts
What is it? An instant messaging platform
Who uses it? Mostly Y7-13
Why do we use it? As part of the G-Suite for Education tool kit, Hangouts is great for holding 1 to 1 or small group meetings with students to help answer queries and give feedback
Explain Everything
What is it? A digital creative whiteboard
Who uses it? Years 7-13
Why do we use it? Explain Everything allows teachers and students to quickly create videos to demonstrate concepts and understanding of topics. It's creative tools and editing features make it a highly useful and versatile tool.
Clips
What is it? A simple video creation tool
Who uses it? Years 7-13
Why do we use it? Teachers can easily assign activities which students can complete using a range of creative tools. It's also very easy for teachers and peers to feedback on each other's work.
Google Docs
What is it? Google's word processor
Who uses it? Years 7-13
Why do we use it? Google Docs has most of the features of a premium word processor with the added advantage of live collaboration and connection to Google Drive, allowing you to save and access an unlimited number of files wherever you have an internet connection.
Google Slides
What is it? Google's presentation software
Who uses it? Years 7-13
Why do we use it? Google Slides is a powerful, easy and free way to work and collaborate on professional presentations. Teachers tend to primarily use this to deliver new content and may wish to share their slideshows with students in order to refer back to later.
Zoom
What is it? Video presentation tool
Who uses it? Years 7-13
Why do we use it? With recent security updates together with powerful video conference management tools which enable teachers to easily present and manage attendees, Zoom is a key tool in delivering effective distance learning.
Tech Support and Tutorial Videos
Editing Explain Everything Videos.movEditing Explain Everything Videos
In this tutorial, learn how to use Explain Everything's key editing tools to make sure your videos are clear and easy to understand.
Clips - Adding Subtitles with Live Titles.movAdding Subtitles to Clips Movies
Clips is Apple's easy to use video creation tool. One of the great features of this app is the ability to add subtitles to your videos. Learn how in this short tutorial.
How to Jump CutSpecial Video Effects
Using Jump Cuts
Using Jump Cuts
With a bit of creative thinking, anyone can add 'how did they do that?!' illusions and special effects to their video. Learn how to use jump cuts to create magical transformations in this video with Mr. Luke.
Lesson Overviews on Explain EverythingCreating Overviews with Google Slides Using Explain Everything
Explain Everything provides a quick and easy way for you to import Google Slide presentations in order to make pre-recorded lessons for students that can't attend your lessons live. Find out how with Mr. Luke.
Emphasising key vocab - imovieEmphasising Vocabulary in iMovie
Here Mr. Luke shows us how to add some extra emphasis to vocabulary when we are making videos in iMovie. A handy tip for all subjects!
How to Use Doink's Green Screen App
Doink's Green Screen app is a really fun and creative tool to make your videos really stand out. Ms. Vicky guides you through some of the latest updates on the app in this video.
Sharing choice board with clickable links.movMaking Choice Boards in Seesaw
With the help of Ms. Vicky, use Keynote and Seesaw to make interactive choice boards. There are loads of ways to use these -share a variety of research resources in IPC, create an interactive photo album or design an annotated diagram!
Collaboration Upgrade in Book Creator.movCollaborating in Book Creator
Book Creator is an easy to use tool which helps teachers and students quickly create attractive books and comic strips using a range of creative features. For the next 90 days, Book Creator has also enabled its collaboration feature for free helping everyone easily work together on a project.
Zoom Guidelines - Updated
Why has Zoom recently had a lot of press coverage?
Over the past few weeks, there have been reports citing two issues with Zoom; Zoombombing and data and privacy. Zoombombing is when an uninvited guest joins a video call usually with malice intent. The second issue is around data and privacy.
Zoom has a number of security settings that can prevent Zoombombing. In the cases, in which Zoombombing was reported, these settings were not applied. All settings that would prevent Zoombombings are set by admin control as default. Details about our settings are covered in the response to the next question.
Zoom is a secure platform, but in light of breaches, Zoom announced that it has halted work on any new developments for the next 90 days to focus on enhancing its security.
What precautionary measures have been taken to improve the security of Zoom?
Zoom has various settings that we have set up as default to improve security and safeguard our students.
Anyone that attempts to join a video call session is automatically placed in a Waiting Room which requires the teacher to admit them into the session. This prevents unwanted guests from joining.
A video live session can only be accessed with a school user domain, which prevents a person from an external account from joining.
All video sessions are password protected which is embedded in meeting links that are only shared with students.
