1. Have an idea for a Tech integration class for 2011-2012?
2. Google SafeSearch fixed by higher capacity web filter
3. Who resets that password?
4. Scanning instructions for Konica Minolta copiers
5. Prezi website for creating media-rich presentations
6. Spring computer migration plan
7. Think a website should be letting you in with your bypass?
8. Have a website that should be unblocked?
1. Have an idea for a Tech integration class for 2011-2012?
WSD Tech staff have started planning for the tech integration classes for 2011-2012, and we are looking for ideas! If you have a topic or class idea you’d like to see offered, please let Les Brown know, and he’ll include it in the survey that’ll go out in late April. Course offerings will be based on the interest as expressed in the teacher survey. Teachers who participate in the Technology Committee as well as those who attended the NCCE technology conference will also be helping seed the topics for the survey.
2. Higher capacity web filter fixes forced Google Safe Search
Some teachers reported a problem with Google’s SafeSearch allowing questionable pictures through when students did searches using various keywords. Barracuda, the company that provides the web filtering device we use investigated the problem, and recommended some changes. When these changes weren’t effective at eliminating the problem, they offered to replace the device, for free, under the warranty. All Google (as well as Bing and Yahoo) searchs are once again forced through as “Safe Searches” which limits inappropriate content from being returned in picture or text. To read more about Google’s implementation of SafeSearch, click here.
In addition to fixing the forced SafeSearch, the newer Internet filter has additional capacity for bandwidth, which removes a bottleneck in our network. The newer filter has three times the capacity for network connections, and can handle twice the bandwidth of the old one.
3. Who resets that password?
OK, you’ve tried every password you’ve ever used since “the dog you had when you were seven years old,” and you still can’t get into that website/your computer/your voicemail/your e-mail/WESPaC and you’re wondering whom you should call! Here’s a quick reference:
:: For Computer login problems, contact your building tech person (Sean or Anthony) or Les at ext. 3310
:: For e-mail, contact your building tech person (Sean or Anthony) or Les at ext. 3310
:: For WESPaC, Contact Boo Stevens at ext. 3011
:: For AESOP, Contact Liza Linde in Human Resources at Ext. 3041
:: For Sonitrol, Contact Liza Linde in Human Resources at Ext. 3041
:: For help with voicemail passwords, Contact your building secretary, or Les at Ext. 3310
:: For EDS (OSPI’s Data system), Contact Boo Stevens at ext. 3011
4. Scanning instructions for Konica-Minolta copiers
Anthony Collver has produced a guide on how to use the newer Konica copiers to scan a document to yourself using the feature on the new copy machines. Download these directions from the Tech webpage on the district site. If you need help, please ask Sean or Anthony to help.
5. Prezi website for creating media-rich presentations
Prezi.com is a website useful for creating media-rich presentations with drag and drop ease. The site features a number of very cool features, including the ability easily embed YouTube videos with a thumbnail and to zoom in and out on the entire presentation as if it were a whiteboard.
6. Spring computer migration plan
The district’s technology funds are being used to fund replacement of a number of computer lab computers in various schools later this Spring, and to replace teacher computers at WHS this summer. The Mac computers that are replaced will be migrated into student uses in classrooms, and the PC computers at WHS will be moved into the Library lab. Displaced computers in those areas more than 6 years old will be declared surplus.
7. Think Your Bypass Should Let You Into a Website?
This tip from Sean Elkinton - If you run into a website that you aren’t able to access due to the Barracuda filter, and you’re not sure if you’re logged in, just try the www.YouTube.com site. If that site is working, you can be sure your bypass is on. If you’re not able to access the site after that, read #8 below!
8. Have a suggestion for a website that should be unblocked?
If you find a website that’s useful, but blocked, you can ask Les Brown to unblock it. Note that certain websites like FaceBook and MySpace aren’t going to get unblocked for students.
