Web-based applications need distinct logins and logouts and periodic cache clearing

As a district we have moved to web-based tools that use a continuous WiFi or wired connection and an active web session to enter and save data (i.e. PowerTeacher, PowerSchool, STAGES, illuminateEd, Lexia, Seesaw). This is very different than a standard website that serves up static pages for you to read. When using a web app, the server to which you are connected is paying attention to the location from which you have connected and is monitoring that address for activity.

• Always log out of web applications prior to closing the lid on your computer. This lets the servers know you have finished your session. WAIT until you see an acknowledgement that you are logged out before closing the lid.
• If you have changed locations while (walked from one area of the building to another, say), quit any open browsers and log in again in order to establish a new session. When you move, you may disconnect from one wifi hub to another which can cause your web app session to drop.
• It's a good idea to clear the cache on your browser once a month or so. Cached pages may retain old versions of app pages and result in funky display or unexpected errors. 

From: Salisbury University, 2018 Blog Post

Gmail has a new look

You may have noticed that Gmail has a new look. Google let users change to this new look starting early this fall and have now made this look standard for all users. I know change can be hard but there are some nice features to take a look at:

• Postpone or “snooze” emails to a future date or time that’s more convenient. Messages that you snooze will be put in the snooze folder and reappear in your inbox at the time you selected.

• Hover over messages in your inbox and click an icon to quickly archive, delete, mark as read or unread, or snooze messages.

• Quickly respond to emails using Smart Reply — phrases that appear as potential replies based on the message you received. Phrases will appear at the bottom of the email. Such as:

• Remind you to revisit old emails with a suggestion or “nudge” to reply or follow up.

• Change how spacious or compact you want your inbox view. Go to the setting gear and select “Display Density.” There are three different options:

• Use Google Calendar, Keep, and Tasks while in Gmail. These will appear on the right hand side of the screen by default.

• Another “Feature” we have had calls about at the help desk is when Gmail’s new look tries to collapse the left hand side bar. This can be turned off by simply clicking the three lines in the upper left hand corner.

Transcription with Google Voice Typing

Have you ever been in need of transcription software and wondered if the district had anything to offer? Well, Google has a free solution, Google Voice Typing, and it is quite impressive. Voice typing is offered in over 119 languages and dialects but only works in the Chrome Browser. Give it a try:

1. Open a blank Google Doc.

2. Under the “Tools” drop down menu, select “Voice Typing.”

3.  Ensure the Voice Typing button appears

4. Ensure your microphone is turned on and select your language. This is not a translator. You need to select the language you are going to speak.

5. Click the recording button and begin speaking.

Whenever the Voice Typing tool is active, you will see this red circle on the Google Doc windows tab:

6. Watch along as you transcribe and click the recording button to stop.

When to update your computer

A new operating system has been released by Apple called Mojave. Mojave has not been tested by ITD and we request that you do not update at this point.  If you do update it is unknown how this operating system will interact with the district loaded software and servers.

Do not upgrade to Mojave MacOS.  

So, when do I update my computer?

You can run any system updates on your computer as long as it’s not a major upgrade.  These are the updates that Apple names (e.g.: Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra, El Capitan, etc.) These are also the updates that change the version number directly after the 10. The teacher laptops currently have high sierra (10.13.xx). You are free to run any update that keeps your computer at 10.13.

Will I see any other updates I need to run?

Yes, you may see other software that wants to update not just system updates.  This can include Microsoft Office, Java, Flash, Google Chrome, and Firefox. You are free to run these updates but if you ever have any questions please reach out to the helpdesk (994-5040 or helprequest@aaps.k12.mi.us).  

Make the most out of your new laptop.

Here are a few tips and tricks to get the most of out your new teacher laptop.  

1. Menu Bar - If you hold down the Command key, you can use your mouse or trackpad to rearrange the icons of the menu bar at the top of your screen.

2. Dragging Text - You can highlight text on your Mac and then hold down with the trackpad or a mouse to drag that text into another app. If you drag text to the desktop, it'll create a new text clip document.

3. Split Screen - To quickly access the split-screen multitasking mode on your Mac, click and hold the mouse cursor over the green button in the upper left hand corner of any app window.

4. Emoji - To insert an emoji into any document or message, hold down the Control and Command keys and then press the spacebar to bring up an emoji menu interface where you can choose an emoji.

5. Customize your Dock- You can add or remove any application from your dock.  To add an application simple find the program in your application folder and drag and drop it where you want it on the dock.  To remove, grab it from the dock and throw it in the trash.

Creating Tickets with Emails

The helpdesk is designed to triage IT concerns and requests. Use the following email addresses to create helpdesk tickets directly from your email message. You will receive an acknowledgment message and the ticket will be routed directly to the support staff assigned to that product.

	helprequest@aaps.k12.mi.us Use this address for general assistance. Emails sent here are automatically assigned to the sender's building tech.
	illuminatehelp@aaps.k12.mi.us Use this address for Illuminate account and use questions.
	tienethelp@aaps.k12.mi.us Use this address to have students added or for technical assistance with Tienet access and documents.
	nweahelp@aaps.k12.mi.us Email to this address creates a Web Help Desk ticket and assigns it to our NWEA support staff.
	pssupport@aaps.k12.mi.us Email to this address creates a Web Help Desk ticket and assigns it to our PowerSchool support staff.
	scholastichelp@aaps.k12.mi.us Email to this address creates a Web Help Desk ticket and assigns it to our Scholastic support staff.
	stages_help@aaps.k12.mi.us Email to this address creates a Web Help Desk ticket and assigns it to our Stages support staff.
	workorders@aaps.k12.mi.us Email to this address creates a Web Help Desk ticket and assigns it to the Physical Properties department as a work order request.

Changing your Google password

1. Open your Google Account here or with your Gmail open, click on your profile in the upper right hand corner. You might need to sign in.

2. Under "Sign-in & security," select Signing in to Google.

3.  Choose Password. You might need to sign in again.

4. Enter your new password, then select Change Password.

How do students login?

How do students login to:

For information on student access and the default logins for the following programs: illuminateED, Moodle, Google Apps, Powerschool, RI, Destiny, Read180, Holt McDougal Online, Clever, Discovery Ed Streaming, Raz-Kids, Khan Academy, Code.org, Naviance, Typing Club, Dreambox, Lexia, and ConnectEd please use this link How do Students login to...  This document is for internal use only and should not be shared with anyone outside of the district.  

Where can I find the students default Credentials?

In order to share this new password with your students, you will want to access the 'DST Class List with Student Logins' report in PowerTeacher.

1. Login to PowerTeacher
2. Click reports
3. Select the following report from List: DST Class List with Student Logins

*Using the 'printer icon' allows you to print just the students from that class*

Tech Tips for the Start of School

The AAPS Instructional Technology Blog has many useful tips.

Here are a few for the start of school.

How Can I....

Connect to the district wireless network?

http://aapsinstructionaltech.blogspot.com/2015/09/ann-arbor-public-schools-accessible.html

Set up my Projector and Ladibug?

Ladibug resource page: http://aapsinstructionaltech.blogspot.com/p/ladibug-document-camera-resources.html

Projector resource page: http://aapsinstructionaltech.blogspot.com/p/new-epson-projectors.html

Print from the Chromebook?

Each District chromebook has been set to print to a publicly available printer in the school. This is usually the Media Center Black and White Laser Printer.

Set up my illuminate assessments for 2018-2019?

https://aapsinstructionaltech.blogspot.com/2017/09/what-must-be-done-to-use-illuminate-ed.html

Access the district server space?

Blog post: http://aapsinstructionaltech.blogspot.com/2015/09/access-server-space.html

Display an iPad on the projector?

Use Reflector: http://aapsinstructionaltech.blogspot.com/search?q=reflector

Add a Printer?

Handout: https://drive.google.com/a/aaps.k12.mi.us/file/d/0B9xPZ0v3htSpRjJtTUtwdHNmRDA/view?usp=sharing

How do I get technical support?

The ITD Help Desk is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday. The Help Desk is located on the lower level in the Balas Administration building: 2555 South State Street. You may call the help desk at 734-994-5040 or contact your building technical support by putting in a help request. The online help ticketing system is available 24/7 at http://help.aaps.k12.mi.us/. If you aren't sure of your login, give the help desk a call.