Tech Bytes
December 8, 2020
Celebrate Computer Science Education Week December 7th-11th!
Planning for the Hour of Code with your classroom that’s gone virtual? Try a CodeByte! CodeBytes are easy-to-digest, 20 minute interactive lessons that will stream during Computer Science Education Week, December 7-11.
Every episode features a new lesson that blends computer science with real-world topics. One day, students will use Dance Party to get creative and express themselves. Another day, they’ll explore environmental sustainability with Artificial Intelligence.
CodeBytes are great for:
- Students with varying access to technology. Participants can tune-in and interact whether they have a laptop, tablet, or smartphone!
- Young students who may not be ready for fully self-led Hour of Code activities.
- Older students who want to engage in a group lesson.
- Parents and caretakers looking to supplement their child’s learning at home.
- Educators looking for a simple, pre-planned way to bring the Hour of Code to their virtual classrooms.
Skype Access
In our continued effort to provide opportunities for all students to connect while keeping them in a safe environment, we will be blocking the Skype platform for all PUSD student accounts. Doing this will also ensure that we are staying compliant with the criteria and expectations outlined on our Acceptable Use Agreement (AUP) for all students.
The platform will not be blocked for staff members, so this will not interfere with teachers who utilize Skype to invite guest speakers to speak to their classes.
Teacher Laptops
To check out a laptop, go to the Help Desk system through this link or via Clever. Enter your PUSD email account, select Staff>Device Checkout>Rostered Teacher Laptop. Once your ticket has been submitted and your account has been verified, you will receive the link to set up an appointment to check out your laptop.
Updates
- Raz Kids Office Hours support on December 10th for teachers who need help setting up Raz Kids or have questions.
- Paper Scheduled Maintenance - On Saturday, December 12th, Paper will undergo routine maintenance. The platform will experience a few minutes of downtime around 8 pm PST. Students in sessions at this time will remain with their tutor, but any message sent during the downtime will not be saved.
- Webex Reactions - The host of the Webex Meeting can disable reactions but it must be done in each meeting. Go to your meeting Preferences and uncheck "Reactions" in the Tools tab.
Need help?
Cyberbullying in Hangouts Chat
Google Hangouts Chat has been turned back on for students. In an effort to keep students safe, if your site is experiencing bullying or any inappropriate behaviors through chat, please email the following people:
Teacher Resources
Teacher TikTok Tips
Aeries Gradebook
- Watch the Secondary Gradebook PD from November 30th HERE.
- Watch the Elementary Gradebook PD from November 16th HERE.
- To hide final grades in Aeries or Canvas to avoid confusion with students and parents, please Click Here for tutorials.
Innovative Technology Services
Email: helpdesk@pusd.us
Website: gopusd.com/helpdesk
Location: 351 South Hudson Avenue, Pasadena, CA, USA
Phone: 626-396-3699
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PasadenaUnifiedSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @PasadenaUnified