Troy Patterson

Badges for Completion

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Required materials

All Dearborn staff members are required to complete a variety of training. Currently there are three courses that need to be completed: Response to Bullying Behavior, OCR, and Bloodborne Pathogens. We have made this training available via on-line resources. This means that the training is self-paced and available at times that are convenient for each person. There are three courses that need to be completed. We will also issue a badge for each course for visual confirmation of completing the requirements. The badges look like this:

3 Badges

You can find your badges by signing into iLearn then clicking on My Dashboard and choosing Badges.

My badges 2015-01-07 09-43-58

*Please note that it may take up to an hour after you complete a course for your badge to be issued.

Response to Bullying

In order to complete the Response to Bullying course, each person must complete three steps:

  1. Watch the video
  2. Pass the Quiz (note that you must receive a passing score).
  3. Complete the Survey

In order to help you track your progress, we have added a completion block into the course.

Course: Response to Bullying Behavior Training Course 2015-01-07 09-31-21
The Completion block will be on the right hand side. This example shows that only 1 of the 2 required Activities has been completed.

This course completion block should help inform all users as to activities that need to be completed (*Please note that “watching the video” is not included as an activity this year, thus, there will be a total of two things listed under “Activity completion”)

(*Please note that it may take up to 5 minutes for the Activity completion block to update.)

OCR

The OCR Staff Training Course has three components. There is a video, some reference material and a quiz. You must pass the quiz with a perfect score in order to receive your badge.

Bloodborne Pathogen

The Bloodborne Pathogen course also has three components: a video, fact sheets and a quiz. You must score 100% on the quiz to receive your badge.

4T Virtual Conference: Teachers Teaching Teachers about Technology

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Happy New Year! Please mark your calendars for this great opportunity!

Saturday, May 16th at 9am – Monday, May 18th at 10pm

The 4T Virtual Conference is an opportunity for educators from across the globe to connect, network, and learn from each other about issues in technology education. About 700 K-16 teachers from across the globe sign up each year to attend the conference!

The conference is FREE and open to all educators. The sessions target K-12 practicing and preservice teachers. The conference will be held virtually—no plane tickets, no hotel fees. SCECHs are free too!

Our conference is unique–our lead presenters (all K-12 teachers) go through professional development training on how to design and present a dynamic PD webinar session! Thus, you can expect ALL our sessions to be interactive, engaging and educative.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

For more information, go to https://www.smore.com/xnutt-4t-virtual-conference?ref=email

4T Virtual Conference: Teachers Teaching Teachers about Technology

www.4tvirtualcon.com

4T Virtual Conference: Teachers Teaching Teachers about Technology

Merge Cells in Tables

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You can now merge cells in tables in a Google Document. This has always been a feature in Spreadsheets, but it is now available in Docs as well.

This launch adds the ability to merge the cells of a table in Google Docs. Merged table cells can span more than one row and/or column.

To merge table cells, highlight the cells to be merged in your table and select Merge cells from the Table menu (or right click and select Merge cells).

Merged table cells in Word documents can now be imported as well.

Blended Learning Course

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RESA is offering one last opportunity for educators to be involved in developing Blended Learning Skills. The course is free (unless you want SCECH’s- which is $10).

The course starts 1/12/2015 with a mandatory face-to-face session on 1/28/15 (after school). The course duration is approximately 15 weeks.

https://www.solutionwhere.com/WW/Aspx/Public/Search/ShowCourse.aspx?courseNum=46&cId=47&pCId=0

session 310

Mandatory F2F session: 1/28/2015, 4:30-7:00pm

Bond Update

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We have been hard at work implementing the bond. Here is a quick overview of where we are so far.

Switch Upgrade

One phase of the implementation is to upgrade the switches. Switches have been updated in the following buildings:

  • Whitmore Bolles ES
  • Henry Ford ES
  • Edsel Ford HS
  • Lindbergh ES
  • Dearborn HS
  • Snow ES
  • Nowlin ES
  • Fordson HS
  • Berry Career Center
  • Dearborn Heights Campus
  • Haigh ES
  • Long ES
  • McDonald ES
  • Maples ES
  • River Oaks ES
  • Salina Intermediate
  • William Ford ES
  • Salina ES
  • Howard ES
  • Miller ES
  • Becker ES
  • Duvall ES

The rest of the switches are scheduled to be updated prior to the end of the calendar year.

Wireless

Another major component of the bond was this updating and installation of wireless throughout the district. The following buildings have been completed. (*Please note that the new wireless solution uses district credentials to connect to the wireless network. There is also a Guest wireless network so that the community can take advantage of the wireless while in our schools.)

  • Whitmore Bolles ES
  • Henry Ford ES
  • Edsel Ford HS
  • Lindbergh ES
  • Dearborn HS
  • Snow ES
  • Nowlin ES
  • Fordson HS
  • Berry Career Center
  • Dearborn Heights Campus
  • Haigh ES
  • Long ES
  • McDonald ES

The other schools are scheduled and in process of being wired. Since this work varies greatly based upon availability and issues within each building, it is more difficult to establish concrete deadlines. However, we anticipate having all buildings completed by the end of January.

UTM

UTM stands for Unified Threat Management. We have to put safeguards in place to protect our network and our users. This comes in many forms. As you may be aware from the news, this is a complex but crucial part of our network. We need to protect our network for outside threats, malware and more. We also need to protect our students and staff from inappropriate material. We have selected a comprehensive system. We are working on getting this installed and configured. This is currently scheduled to be installed and activated by the end of December.

Data Management

We are also working on upgrading our main servers and back up solutions. This is currently being evaluated. A decision and implementation schedule will be in place by the end of December.

Devices

The Technology Department is updating computers throughout the district. This is a rolling process. We have replace or repurposed all of the eMacs.

Desktop PC’s

The High School computers (mostly from the last bond) have been updated/repurposed as appropriate. We are working with all of the schools to make sure that computers are identified and updated as needed.

PC Laptops

Many schools have received updated PC laptops for students use.

Chromebooks

We will be installing a large number of Chromebooks. Each school will be receiving at least one cart of 30 Chromebooks. Chromebooks allow us to provide computers for students to use. However, this requires a bit of work since they will be used by students and staff. We need to have them connect to the network so that the user can connect. Then the Chromebook needs to “move” into the appropriate area (student or staff) based upon who logged in. We have that system in place, but need to set up each computer. We anticipate starting to release Chromebooks to schools in December. We hope to have this completed by the end of January.

Other

Please note that beyond the Bond implementation, we are also upgrading our copiers as well. This includes an all new print management system that will allow for better reporting back to buildings. This is another large project that will begin installation in December.

Appointment Slots in Google Calendar

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One great feature of Google Calendar is the ability to create Appointment slots. This allows a user to create a block of time and then allow individuals to “sign up” for a appointment during that time frame. For example, if a teacher wants to have students sign up to discuss a project, the teacher can create 10 minutes time slots during an hour long period. Students can then pick a 10 minute “slot”. When the student signs up, it will go on their calendar and the teacher calendar.

This process is very simple and straight forward. We’ve completed a HelpSheet to provide specific instructions.

Here are a couple of other potential uses:

  • Teachers meeting with parents. Post the link on your blog, and parents sign up for a time period.
  • Administrators meeting with teachers. Administrators set up a time frame and email the link to specific teachers.
  • Secretaries meeting with support staff.
  • Media Centers having classes sign up for instruction.

I’m sure that there are more, but the wonderful staff at Dearborn Public Schools will find them.

Enjoy.

SPAM

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Please remember to check your Spam folder in your email occasionally. Sometimes, legitimate email gets “caught” in the Spam filter. This is especially true when a large amount of email is sent out (especially if it includes links). One example would be email that was recently sent from ACT.

Spam is automatically deleted every 30 days. Thus, it is a good idea to check the Spam folder every couple of weeks (hint: a recurring event every 2 weeks on your calendar can be a good reminder).

To check your Spam folder, just click on the Spam tag (probably about 6 tags below the Inbox on the left hand pane of Gmail. I generally scroll through looking at the Sender name.

  • If you identify anything that is NOT Spam, select the message, then click the Not Spam button along the top.
  • I generally click the “Check all” box, and click “Delete Forever” as I finish a screen of Spam. Spam (342) - pattert@dearbornschools.org - Dearborn Public Schools Mail 2014-10-22 16-38-45

New Google Drive

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Google Drive is about to be updated. The new Google Drive will feature the same benefits as the current version, with some additional improvements. You will still be able to share documents (and YOU control whether your documents are shared or not – by default, documents are private only to you), you will still be able to control the permissions of those documents that are shared, you will still be able to open Google Drive documents on just about any device, you will still have an unlimited amount of storage space, and much, much more.

However, Google Drive will pick up some additional features:

  • Faster
  • Works more like you’re used to on your computer.
  • Create, add, or upload a file with a single button.
  • Find and add files shared with you more easily.
  • Single-click a file to select it and double-click a file to open it.
  • Drag-and-drop files and folders just like you do on your desktop.
  • Improved accessibility.

Read this post for more information.

Wireless Update

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We are very excited that the Bond implementation has begun. Switches are being updated and wireless access points are being installed. The wireless system is a new system. Instead of a static access key, individuals can now use their District credentials to access wireless. Here is how it works.

There are actually two wireless networks that we have put in place – DPSWifi and DPSGuestWifi.

  • DPSWifi is designed for staff to join so that they are provided with appropriate privileges.
  • DPSGuestWifi is designed for anyone to use. Specifically, it is for parents and the community. Since we don’t really know who is connecting, this is a much more filtered experience.

District Computers:

On district, school wide, student computers, we establish a set connection to DPSWifi. Students will enter their user name and password, be signed in and ready to go. Students will receive the appropriate permissions and filters. If a teacher signs onto that same computer, the teacher will receive different permissions and filter settings. Remember, by federal law, we have to filter students. We have more leeway with adults. We have made the decision to provide adults with far greater access than students.

Personal Devices:

On a personal device, you can make the choice. If you choose DPSWifi, you will need to enter your District credentials (User name and password). You will also need to accept a certificate (once only). From then on, that device will have the rights of that individual. Thus, this should only be done on a device that is yours.

If one chooses DPSGuestWifi, the user will be presented with a web page to enter some basic information. After entering that information, the user can then use the Internet, but will be filtered. Each time the user connects, the user will need to complete the form.

Basic Steps:

Essentially, on the device that you want to connect (remember district laptops that are designed for student use will not need this step), you will go to your wireless settings. From there, you will select the appropriate SSID (in this case, DPSWifi). You will be asked to accept a certificate (once to keep your credentials). You will be asked to enter your user name and password (this is the same information that you use to sign into a computer). Note that when you change your password, you will need to update this device as well. This is also why you never want to enter this information on a device that you will hand to a student – they would be signed in as you.

We are working very hard to provide all of our users with an appropriate experience. There is still a lot of work yet to be done. However, we are very excited to bring access to all users in all buildings.

Bond Update

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We are hard at work implementing the bond plan. Here is a quick update and some tips:

  • We are rolling out laptops to buildings.
  • Chromebooks will be rolled to each and every building. However, these will not be delivered to buildings until the new wireless system is in place.
  • We are updating edge switches in all of the buildings. So far, we have updated Lowery, McCollough/Unis, and Oakman so far.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks need a solid wireless connection in order to work. Thus, we will be sending out the Chromebooks to buildings after we have the wireless in place. This should reduce frustration of having a computer in front of a user that won’t “work”. Once the new wireless is in place in a building, and we have verified the strength and capacity of the wireless signal, we’ll get the Chromebooks into the hands of users.

Chromebooks work really, really well with Google Apps for Education. Please remember that all students have access to Google Drive (this replaces MicroSoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). There are several advantages to Google Drive. Students do not need to purchase any software. They can just use Google Drive. Google Drive also stays up to date. There are no worries about different file formats or being able to use the same documents from home or school.

Chromebooks are a terrific option for most of the work that staff and students do. These work well for creating documents, creating spreadsheets, creating presentations, for using iLearn, for most web sites, for assessment and more. However, there are a few things that the Chromebooks can’t do.

  • Windows
  • Study Island (Though the company is working on it)
  • Everyday Math

Conversely, here are some popular things that Chromebooks CAN do:

  • Stages
  • READ180
  • MobyMax
  • TumbleBooks
  • iLearn
  • NWEA
  • Statewide assessments

Switches

Switches are needed to make our network work. These are working really well when no body talks or thinks about them. However, they are important. We have started the process of installing and verifying the switches. In order to change out the switches, we must interrupt network access. Thus, we complete this installation after school hours.

 

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