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Technology Newsletter
Lightspeed Filter
A new filter was installed on student devices this summer. Previously iPads and Macbooks had separate filters, now they are on one platform!
If a website you used before is now blocked please submit a helpdesk ticket with the URL.
You can now check ahead of time to see if a website will be open for students.
Managed Apple IDS
There are many benefits to you and your students when signing into your device with a managed apple id.
- Whole device backs up to iCloud.
- Increased iCloud storage. 200 gigs!
- Access to Apple platform collaboration.
- Access to Apple Classroom and Schoolwork.
CLICKVIEW FIELDTRIPS
In addition to the great instructional videos we already had access to in ClickView, we now have access to virtual field trips both live and on demand via Streamable Learning!
See the screenshot below for a sample, and a video for how to access.
Clickview can be found in Clever.
We have previously been on the free version of our Google licensing. Very soon we will have the Education plus version which will give us access to many enhanced tools.
Click the banner above for more information.
GEMINI
Google's Gemini tool is enabled for staff! This means you can now leverage the power of Google AI directly through your UMASD Google account. Please keep in mind that this is the unpaid version of the tool, so the AI will be trained on the data you provide.
What is Gemini?
Gemini is a cutting-edge AI tool that allows you to:
- Research and writing assistance: Gemini can be a powerful tool for students conducting research. It can help them find relevant sources, summarize information for research papers, and even improve their writing by suggesting different phrasings, checking grammar, and ensuring clarity.
- Brainstorming and idea generation: When students face writer's block or need a fresh perspective, Gemini can help them brainstorm new ideas and explore different angles on a topic. This can be particularly useful for creative writing assignments, problem-solving exercises, and group projects.
How to Access Gemini
Simply head over to link to Gemini app and sign in using your UMASD Google account.
Resources
To learn more about Gemini and its capabilities, you can check out these resources:
Security Updates
Web Helpdesk
- .In order to better protect your username and passwords the web help desk has been updated to be more secure. This has caused the helpdesk URL to change.
- We have also tried to simply the helpdesk. No more trying to figure out what category your issue is. Simply select your building and we will route your issue to the right person.
The link above is a great resource for identifying phishing emails.
While we have many protections in place, and our Google licensing will give us even more, occasionally a phising email will make it to your inbox.
The best response when that happens is to report it as spam. This will help the filters work even better.
We are putting pieces in place to ensure your email can’t be used for a phishing campaign. Want to help? Enable MFA on your account today! Click wither the title at the top, or the video thumbnail below for instructions.
Schoology Courses
Other Updates
- Archived courses are now available for teachers to reference, however archived courses are not available to students.
- New integrations are now available in Schoology! Updated Google Docs and Canva apps are examples. See more inside Schoology!
Online Payment
We now have an online payment system that we can use anytime we need to collect money. We have used it for device handout this summer and are thrilled.
Please have your building work with the technology and business departments if you would like to use this new tool!
New Faces
You will see many new faces in the technology department. If there are things that happened on a regular schedule in the past we likely do not know about it.
Please over communicate things you may need throughout the year.
