Welcome Back ~ Hope everyone had a wonderful summer and enjoyed the long weekend. There will be several tech updates over the next week so stay tuned. If you have any technology questions, issues or needs, please let me know.
Teacher Laptops: Reminder to back up your files regularly. Do not wait until the end of the year. Your laptop is brand new so setting up good habits now will go a long way.
New items to your Mac teacher laptop:
- No internal CD/DVD drive. We have external drives for you to use/share.
- Increasing the time your computer logs you out. See directions for changing the energy saver settings for help.
- Screen will lock when you close the lid or your computer is idle for a long time. You will need to enter your password to unlock the screen
- iPhoto has been replaced with Photos. Please see me if you need help getting your iPhoto Library into the new Photos app.
Lab Signups: We will continue to use the online google calendar to manage the main and hallway lab schedules. I'm giving first priority to RTI blocks and 5th grade to support their new model. I'll let you know when the sign-up is open for all classrooms.
Main Computer Lab: As you know, the main lab has been updated with brand new mac desktop computers. These computers are being leased. With leased machines, the warranty does not cover accidental damage. It is very important that we do not break anything on this machines as this will void our warranty. For example, breaking the headphone jack would void the warranty. Each computer will be using a brand new headphone extension cables as we have done in the past. These cables should not be removed. Students should use the headphones provided in the computer lab. If there are special circumstances, please see me directly. (I'm still working on getting headphones out.)
Hallway Lab: The desktops from the main lab have been moved to the hallway lab. At this point in time, all computers have working headphone jacks. I am very concerned about the usage of headphones in this lab. I will be outfitting the hallway lab with headphones and extension cables. These should stay plugged in and not removed without teacher assistance. This space needs to be usable and available to all classrooms. I ask that you respect this open classroom - keep noise down to a minimum, leave the space clean and neat for the next class, and use the equipment respectfully. (UPDATED: Headphones are out and working. Do not remove them.)
Printers - All of the printers are up and running in the building. If you have any trouble printing, please let me know. Just a reminder that you are able to print directly to all copiers in the building. This is a cheaper printing solution. Also remember to change your printing options - if you don’t need color printing then PLEASE choose a black and white printer.
Software - Eva is diligently working on getting our curriculum software up and running for the school year. At this point in time, Lexia and Symphony Math are the only curriculum tools piece that are ready for student use. As soon as I hear about other titles (ie. EDM, ATRT…) that are ready, I will let you know. Karyn Saxon will be forwarding information to you regarding Raz-Kids, as she manages that web resource.
Tech Help - All technology requests, should either come to me or be entered in IT Direct. Several of you are familiar with IT Direct and have filled out the online help form. If you need a refresher, here is a link to the Quick Step Guide on how to complete an IT Direct Tech Request. Remember you can still see me directly for tech help.
Username and Passwords
Many staff members have inquired about usernames and passwords for accessing different curriculum tools. Here are two documents that should answer your questions.
Student Usernames/Passwords
Teacher Usernames/Passwords
Student Usernames/Passwords
Teacher Usernames/Passwords