Beware!

In the wake of recent computer security events, this is a reminder of some basic protections for your computer and accounts.

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* Take the time to examine emails, links, attachments, or popups before you click on anything.

* Delete any emails from unknown senders.

* Delete any emails from unknown senders.

* Delete any emails from unknown senders.

* Do not provide personal information in emails, such as your social security number, credit card number, bank account number, or passwords. Ignore these requests even when they come from sources you think you know.

* A shared file will never require you to grant rights/permission to your Google account to open the file. Deny any such request.

* If you get warnings popping up on your computer about a virus quit the browser immediately (command+Q or Alt+F4) or shut down your computer.

* If you are ever uncertain about the authenticity of an email or web site, do not hesitate to contact the FGSD Technology Department for assistance (helpdesk@fgsd.k12.or.us or x4529).

Avoid Falling for Phishing

:: Phishing ::

1. Don’t click links in email messages asking for your password or other sensitive personal information. Simply delete them.

2. Don’t download files from email messages unless you’re expecting them or you’re sure the sender is valid. If you’re not sure, check with the sender.

3. Change passwords and other personal information by going directly to the agency’s website.

4. If you do click links or download files from suspicious messages, call the IT department and change your passwords immediately.

:: social engineering red flags ::

Productivity Through Priority Inbox

Use priority inbox to more effectively organize your messages. Things you read most often and people you contact frequently filter to the top of your list. Stars can help you with immediate needs.

Read more about Priority Inbox here.


Use the Four D Rule for Inbox Zen.

Delete.

Delegate.

Defer.

Deal.

Thanks to Merlin Mann

Calling Long Distance from Your Classroom

The cost of long distance in our classrooms is prohibitive. Here are two alternatives to walking down to the office to find a phone that calls a long distance number, though this will remain an option.

Link right to Calling with Google Voice

Link right to Calling with Google Hangouts

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http://voice.google.com

An explanation of Google Voice can be found here.

What you'll need to set up Google Voice

• 1) Google Account
• 2) Touch-tone phone, with a U.S. number
• 3) Computer, with Internet access

Directions and support from Google can be found here.

Google Voice even has educational uses

• Vocabulary building
• Use the speech-to-text feature to post to social media or your blog
• Kids with dexterity issues can get their thoughts into text through the speech-to-text feature
• Have students practice fluency and compare their recordings over time to see growth
• Audio study guides by teachers or students (check out Brent Coley's studycasts)
• Foreign language practice
• Have students create an audio journal on field trips
• Have students record podcasts since the audio files can be downloaded as mp3s
• Use the custom greetings for groups of students or parents
• Use recordings as reflection on content and concepts
• Make announcements or audio newsletters
• Record your plans for guest teachers

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Google Hangouts is a communication platform. It includes instant messaging, video chat, SMS and VoIP.

http://hangouts.google.com

What you'll need to use Google Hangouts

• 1) Google Account
• 2) Computer, with Internet access
• 3) Headphones with a microphone

Make a call from Hangouts on your computer

1. Open Hangouts at hangouts.google.com
2. Click the phone tab .
• Type a phone number or name in the search box.
• If you are calling a phone number that has an extension, enter the extension using the dial pad .

3. When you've finished the call, close the Hangout window, or click the call end icon .

Google Hangouts has educational uses too

• Bring experts into your classroom through the video feature
• Have students practice speeches on their own, then in smaller groups
• Foreign language practice with students from another country
• Use recordings as reflection on content and concepts
• Make announcements or video newsletters
• Collaborate with kids around the world
• Record your plans for guest teachers and post it for the students too
• Record directions or screencast an example in a hangout; Embed it in a Schoology course

Repair, Replacement, and Refresh for Technology

Every school has a repair and replacement budget based on classroom count. We love principal approval to spend out of this fund. Once this district allocation is spent, you’ll need to use your building dollars to repair and/or replace.

Repair defined: Faulty and failing devices outside of warranty can be repaired through the dollars in this budget if you wish. Some repairs are not covered by warranty (eg: broken screens).

Replacement defined: When it’s more expensive to buy a new device than repair it you can replace it with these funds. You are encouraged to use these funds to replace consumbles for your technology too. This might include projector bulbs.

Refresh defined: The district has a separate fund to refresh the technology in your buildings. This includes teacher and other devices in your building. Our refresh cycle does not currently include SMARTboards, phones, or printers, those will need to come out of your repair and replacement budgets.

We’re here to help! When you want to order replacement equipment or accoutrements, please follow these directions.

1) Get approval from the building administrator for the order and estimated cost.

2) Send a message to Beth <<bbuehler@fgsd.k12.or.us>>, Enrique <<epinon@fgsd.k12.or.us>>, and Corin <<crichards@fgsd.k12.or.us>> stating what you'd like to purchase. If you are not the building administrator, please include them in the message.

3) We'll clarify that the building admin has approved the purchase and that they'd like to use the repair and replacement budget. If you'd like to use a different budget string, you're welcome to do so, we'll simply need to know what that is.

4) Beth will order the item(s).

Coding in the Classroom :: A Workshop for You!

Forest Grove SD in conjunction with Hillsboro School District, is offering enhancements for math and science curriculum through Code.org. This workshop runs two afternoons in December and will cater to K5 teachers. Please feel free to pass this information on to colleagues in other districts. Include the flyer <<https://drive.google.com/a/beaverton.k12.or.us/file/d/0B2qcVeGxJS_lWTVnMTVQWHNTTFE/view>> andvideo <<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNIM1fzJ8u0>> for additional information.

Details

Dates :: December 1 and 2

Time :: 4-7 pm

Location :: Hillsboro School District Board Room :: 3083 NE 49th Place, Hillsboro

Signup now, space is limited :: https://code.org/professional-development-workshops/5064777   

 

12 Suggestions for Teaching Coding by Michelle Vance

1) Produce a slide deck about coding using project examples and videos.

2) Ease students into coding by starting with a beginner's project.

3) Participate in the National Hour of Code event. Find all the information and resources you'll need at the hourofcode.com/us

4) Differentiate lessons using Choice Boards, Tic-Tac-Toe Boards, and Menu Boards to allow students to work at their own ability level and pace.

5) Invite the community to a coding event at your school where parents and others can learn how to code by working with a student. Students can also help plan and publicize the event.

6) Create hallway displays and bulletin boards with completed coding project.

7) Have students write a coding newsletter featuring websites, games, and projects.

8) Try unplugged coding activities from code.org

9) Create a webpage for your classes. Add links to coding sites, articles, tutorials, and videos. Include photo galleries to showcase student coding projects.

10) Students use coding tickets to write coding tidbits to share with classmates.

11) Share and learn coding lessons with another school district.

12) Invite students to teach staff member how to code and integrate projects with classroom lessons.

Guess I'll Have to go Thirsty...

In case you can't fully read this, it's a post of a vending machine with a digital screen. Sean posts, " There was no PD on this touch screen device so I had to go thirsty at lunch."

As I attempt to get teachers to play more in place of traditional professional development, this picture and statement resonated. I'm told, "Corin, we don't have time to play." I hear this even from primary teachers who know that kids learn best when you coach them in an environment where they are able to explore.

There is a place for lecture, but the play in processing the information, collaboration with peers, and personal reflection will help all learners cement and apply the knowledge and skills.

I've seen teachers paralyzed by the fact that there hasn't been training on a device they've received. They'll leave an iPad in the box waiting for someone to ask them to open it so an introduction can be made. A staff member this spring said he was motivated but couldn't use Minecraft in the classroom because there hadn't been an inservice on it.

In the coming months, I'm going to attempt to move my own staff from solely face-to-face delivery to more online professional development in smaller snippets with less documentation and more encouragement to play and collaborate for practice. 

I realize the shift for my staff will also require a shift on the part of educators who are accustomed to stand and deliver staff development to learning anytime, anywhere. I hope it eventually trickles down to students. Really, here's to hoping.