Student TechBytes
January 9, 2024
Cybersecurity: Do You Need to Update Your PUSD Password?
Common Sense Media: Artificial Intelligence
Helping Kids Navigate the World of Artificial Intelligence
Ways to explore the latest tech with children and guide them to use new tools responsibly
Artificial intelligence is any computer program that can do tasks that typically require human expertise or skill. AI can be used to power the voice assistants on our phones, the posts we scroll through on social media, the ads we see online, and so much more. From chatbots to image generators, it seems like everyone is playing with artificial intelligence tools these days. Although new programs keep popping up, AI is already a big part of our lives.
As these tools become more widespread, it's important to talk with kids about responsible and appropriate tech use. These tips can help your family explore and learn about AI together.
- Benefits and Risks: Engage children in conversations about how AI tools can aid creativity and learning, while also highlighting potential risks like privacy concerns and the need to differentiate between human interaction and AI.
- Exploration Together: Encourage exploring AI tools alongside children to ensure appropriateness and promote understanding of their utility or possible drawbacks. This includes exploring how AI systems function and their impact on daily life.
- Addressing Biases: Discuss the human influence and biases in AI technology, teaching kids to critically analyze information generated by AI, question its sources, and seek alternative perspectives from reliable sources.
- Avoiding Plagiarism and Cheating: Caution against using AI-generated content for schoolwork without proper attribution or permission, emphasizing the importance of using AI tools as a learning complement rather than a replacement.
- Engagement with Schools: Engage with your child's school to understand their usage of AI tools and inquire about educational resources or classes related to AI that can support your child's learning and future career prospects.
Balance is important—embracing the potential of AI while fostering responsible and informed use among children, encouraging critical thinking, and seeking guidance from educators to leverage AI in constructive ways.
Common Sense Media Reviews: Popular AI Tools
ITS Updates & Information
Chromebooks
Locked Student Chromebooks
We are currently in the process of retrieving lost chromebooks. If your chromebook gets locked, please see your Librarian or Office Manager to get the device unlocked and/or submit a ticket with the device's service tag.
Chromebook Operating System Updates
Please remember to completely shut down your Chromebook at the end of every day! This will ensure your device has received all necessary updates and that you are able to connect to all PUSD applications without issue.
Lost, Stolen, and Damaged Devices
A reminder that Chromebooks are instructional materials, similar to textbooks. We have been receiving a large number of tickets from school sites and from students stating students have lost or damaged their devices. Chromebooks range in cost from $389 to $758. We understand that devices may be misplaced and that accidents happen, but please make every effort to take care of your devices as well as locate lost devices before submitting a ticket for device replacement.
Once a device has been reported lost or stolen, it will be locked and unusable.
How to Check Destiny
Did you know you can see what devices, textbooks, and library books are checked out to you? Check out the video below to see how.
Caregiver How-Tos
- Are you ready to set up your Aeries Parent Portal account and don't know how to get started? Check out our series of how-to videos HERE.
- Are you an Observer in Canvas so you can see your student's assignments and grades? If not, check out this document with linked videos on how to become an observer in Canvas.
Curbside Tech Support
In Person Tech Support
Our Curbside/In Person Tech Support has moved to the Ed Center and is now by appointment only, we cannot accept walk-ins. Without an appointment, we cannot guarantee we will have resources available to provide support.
To book an appointment for device check ins, check outs, and general tech support, please submit a Help Desk ticket and then someone will reach out to you to set up an appointment. Appointments must be created at least 24 hours ahead of time, same day appointments will not be available.
Email: EdTech@pusd.us
Website: pusd.us/its
Location: 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
Phone: 626-396-3699