In today's Tuesday Tech Tips, read all about keeping your Gmail organized with Snoozing and Google Tasks, checking for signs of cheating with Version History, facilitating difficult classroom conversations with technology, and more! ➡️ ➡️➡️ | 💡 Quick Tip 💡 Do you find the "new message" window in Gmail to feel a little claustrophobic? Do you want it to default to a larger window? This short video will show you how to set this to your default view. Then you can enjoy a nice, roomy, email-writing experience! |
Do you have a tip or idea for the Tuesday Tech Tips? Or a request for a topic or question you'd like to know more about? Please let us know! You can email us at joseph.lombardo@greececsd.org with your submission.
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Pass by Securly has been added to all district Chromebooks in the Apps section in the lower left when no one is signed into the device. This is the same place we use for apps for state testing. The app is there only for the schools who use Pass, and this will allow staff to make any Chromebook a kiosk for Pass by Securly. Schools that use this will receive a separate communication from their building's ITT with more details.
If you click on any of these Apps accessible on the sign in screen and get "stuck" in them, press the power button on the Chromebook for one second, then click "Sign Out."
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Attention K-2 Teachers: We've been working closely with both Google and ClassLink to solve the issue where students access their Chromebooks via a QuickCard, but can't access Google apps without supplying a password one time.
The issue is resolved. Your K-2 students can now access Drive, Docs, etc. without being prompted for a password. Thanks for your patience while our partner vendors worked through this.
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You Snooze, You Don't Lose
Combat Academic Dishonesty with Version History
One tool teachers have to fight this is Version History in Docs. In any Doc, such as one written by a students, go to File --> Version History --> See Version History. If you see that one moment the Doc is blank, and the next an entire page of text appears, that may be a reason to have a conversation with the student to understand how that happened. It's important to remember, there are legitimate reasons that could explain it, but it's probably worth a conversation.
All the edits made to the Doc can be viewed, along with the time they were made, allowing it to be compared with the previous versions. The editor's name also appears next to the specific edit if the document has multiple editors.
For more details on working with Version History in Docs, click HERE.
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Using Tech to Facilitate Difficult Classroom Conversations
Technology can enable middle and high school students to contribute more freely to discussions on challenging topics and events.
This article from Edutopia HERE describes how one teacher used Nearpod, utilizing its ability for students to post anonymously and the teacher to screen and approve posts, to facilitate a challenging discussion in a thoughtful, respectful, and developmentally appropriate manner.
In the end, the teacher "was astounded by how robust and respectful the Nearpod conversations were. Students wrote profound and thoughtful posts, offered multiple responses to each question, and stayed engaged throughout the activity."
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Looking for PL Hours? Be sure to check out the ITT’s page for Recommended PL HERE. You’ll find upcoming webinar and session opportunities, as well as ongoing opportunities for digital tool certifications and self-paced learning. These offerings are updated frequently so bookmark the site and check back often!
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For assistance with these topics, or anything else related to instructional technology, please click HERE to book an appointment with your building's ITT.
