Tech Notes
March 2019
You've Been Hacked!
Curious about whether any of your accounts have ever been leaked in a data breach? Here's a good site to use for checking that out: Have I Been Pwned?
(What's "pwned"? It's Internet slang, just read it as "owned".)
If you see any recent breaches, use the same password for every site (please don't), or just haven't changed your password for a while, it may be a good time to do so.
Some useful links:
As always, common sense and vigilance in safe-guarding your digital identity are the best ways to protect yourself and your data. A good password manager tool doesn't hurt, either.
A-V Committee Update
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey. We got a lot of helpful information from it. There is an attachment below with the responses that could be expressed in charts and graphs. The committee went through the short answer responses to identify common themes in the areas of positives, challenges, and wishes for classroom audio-visual.
One way in which we plan to follow-up is by setting up some interviews with PLCs or individual staff to dig a little deeper into the data.
We are hoping to get some pilot equipment set up next month in a few locations to try out. We'll send out additional info about that as it happens.
In related news, one of our summer projects this year will be the replacement cycle for Apple TV devices (this would be happening regardless of A-V committee outcomes, since any decisions reached about future classroom hardware are going to take several years to actually implement on a wide scale). New devices will be the Apple TV 4K model.
Apple Updates
Macbook
To check the version of macOS you are on, you can click the little Apple icon (top left corner) and choose "About This Mac". macOS High Sierra version 10.13.6 is the currently recommended version.
Pilot users of macOS Mojave should be on 10.14.4.
iPad
On an iPad, start with the Settings area. In Settings, go to the section called General and choose About to find the currently installed version. The latest version (as of today) is iOS 12.2.
If you need assistance with an update, please put in a help ticket.
EdCamp Event
From the site:
"Arrive with an idea for a session that you would like to lead or with the anticipation of a full day of learning. A session might explore a technology tool, a discussion about best practices, or a collaborative presentation with multiple facilitators."
Tech Budget Responsibility
Technology Department
- Accidental damage or loss
- Defect, failure, or untraceable damage
- Standard classroom or workspace set-up
- ADA or medical compliance additions to standard classroom set-up
- Enrollment growth (equipment and tech infrastructure)
Technology or Specific Department
- District-wide software
Teaching & Learning/Specific Department
- Specialized classroom equipment (examples - CNC lathe. Printers. Android devices. Robotics.)
Building or Specific Department
- Requests beyond standard classroom or workspace set-up
- Consumable supplies (bulbs, toner, etc)
Building or Staff
- Damage or loss due to negligence or theft
Shakopee Instructional Technology Services
Email: helpdesk@shakopee.k12.mn.us
Website: https://techtools.shakopee.k12.mn.us/
Location: 1200 Shakopee Town Square, Shakopee, MN, USA
Phone: 5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shakopeedlc/
Twitter: @ShakoTechDrozd