TechBytes
November 28, 2023
Upcoming Dates
- Tuesday, November 14: Secondary Grade Window is open
- Thursday, November 30: Secondary Grade Window closes
- Friday, December 1: CHKS Survey closes (see info below)
- December 4-8: Computer Science Education Week
- Thursday, December 21: Shift to Google Assignments in Canvas (see info below)
- Sunday, December 31: End of life for Hapara Gmail Viewer (see info below)
- Thursday, February 1: Migration to Windows 11 (see info below)
California Healthy Kids Survey
Deadline: December 1st
The California Healthy Kids Survey has been extended through December 1, 2023 for PUSD families and staff and for students in grades 6, 7, 9, and 11. The survey gathers feedback on elements that affect learning, such as health risks, school connectedness, school climate, and school violence. It is anonymous, confidential, and voluntary but highly encouraged because your voice is valuable! Each school will send families, staff, and participating students a link specifically for their school.
Students and Staff members can access the Survey links from their Clever Dashboard.
ITS Updates
Windows 11 Upgrade
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, an update will be pushed out to all PUSD-managed Windows devices which will upgrade devices from Windows 10 to Windows 11. For more information about the process and new features, please click on the Smore linked below.
Watch out for Phishing emails
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
Hapara Gmail Viewer
Due to upcoming changes to Google, Hāpara will no longer be able to provide the student Gmail viewer in Teacher Dashboard after Dec. 31, 2023.
The current functionality that allows teachers to view student emails will no longer be available. This feature was created a decade ago when schools relied on email to send assignments and feedback to students. When students couldn’t find an email, teachers used the Gmail viewer to retrieve it or check to see if the learner received the emailed assignment. Some schools also employed the Gmail viewer to check for cyberbullying via email, but web filters have improved to the extent that this is no longer efficient.
EdTech Spotlight: Canvas
Canvas Studio is now available! Click on the image for more information and review the training HERE.
Google Apps LTI is migrating to Google Assignment. This change comes with more features, but will require your old Google Apps assignments to be migrated. LEARN MORE
Email: EdTech@pusd.us
Website: pusd.us/its
Location: 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
Phone: 626-396-3699