Week of Dec 16th - (1) MacOS Update to v15.x, (2) COLOR at the Print Shop & (3) Applications and Limitations of AI !

Time to Update Your Mac: Stay Secure and Compatible

As we approach Winter Break, it's the perfect time to ensure your Mac laptop is up to date. Keeping your operating system updated is essential for:

• Security: Updates include critical security patches that protect your device and data from vulnerabilities.
• Compatibility: Running the latest version ensures your laptop works seamlessly with the latest software and tools.
• Performance: Updates often include fixes and optimizations to keep your laptop running smoothly.

When should you update? We recommend completing your update over Winter Break. Major updates can take some time, depending on your internet speed and the size of the update. Expect the process to take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It's best to tackle updates when you don't need your device for daily work.

How to Update Your Mac:

1. Click on the Apple logo 🍏 in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Settings (or System Preferences on older systems).
3. Choose General > Software Update.
4. If an update is available, follow the prompts to install it.

Make sure your device is plugged into power and you have a stable internet connection during the process. For additional guidance, visit the TTSD macOS Update Guide.

TTSD Printshop Now (Officially) Accepting Color Print Jobs!

Exciting news! The TTSD Printshop is now accepting color print jobs in addition to black-and-white printing. While black-and-white printing remains a cost-effective option at $0.01 per printed page, color printing is now available at $0.05 per printed page.

Here's an example to help you budget your print jobs:

• A 35-page black-and-white workbook for a class of 100 students would cost:
  $35.00 (35 pages × $0.01 × 100 copies).
• The same workbook in color would cost:
  $175.00 (35 pages × $0.05 × 100 copies).

Budget-Friendly Reminder

While color printing can enhance presentations, posters, and other visuals, we ask all staff to remain budget-conscious when selecting print options.

Important Note: At this time, schools and departments will not be invoiced for printshop jobs. However, depending on future budget considerations and printing quantities, this may change.

For questions about submitting print jobs, visit their TTSD PrintShop site for guidelines and forms.

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Enjoy a safe and restful Winter Break, and don’t forget to keep your devices updated! We look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Looking to Improve your AI Skills over the Winter Break? 

If you are an old pro or a beginner and find yourself with a few minutes/hours of free time (what!?) over the Winter Break, why not see how AI tools can enhance your lesson plans, communication and save you some time.  Great 2 minute read: "15 Times to use AI, and 5 Not to"

1. Option 1: 
1. Read the TTSD AI Guidelines for Educators to try out some TTSD approved AI tools - like Brisk Teaching, MagicSchool & School AI. 
1. Pages 1-12 will provide you with a SOLID foundation.
2. pages 13-18 will give you ideas and engaging ways to start using AI tools. 
2. Option 2: 
1. Try a self-paced course "Generative AI for Educators"

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- TTSD Tech Team

Week of Dec 9th - Holiday (TECH) Safety Tips

How to have a SAFE and SECURE Winter Season:

Watch OUT for very savvy Scammers and Phishing attempts! - These "bad actors" are now getting more sophisticated. Here's how to spot them and what to do:

• These scams are now mimicking an email string & using text messages sent to your cell phones. 
• They quite often ask you to:
• Purchase something for them (often from a supervisor), 
• Update their direct deposit bank account/password for them or 
• Act quickly by clicking a link to correct or verify some information 
• STOP and call using a known phone number if you suspect anything out of the ordinary  

Please see a REAL phishing attempt below: (Full Email Here)

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TEXT SCAM EXAMPLE - Do not click on ANY links in a text like this >>

 

Practice Safe Shopping Habits (with your TTSD Pcard or your PERSONAL credit cards)

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Week of November 18th - New Tools!!

JAMF Teacher:

What IS JAMF Teacher?  JAMF Teacher is a tool for teachers in grades K-8 (with students using iPads) that can be used in conjunction with Apple Classroom (or not) to remove apps, functions and features from student iPads during class to reduce distractions.

Below is a video to get you started.  If you are interested in trying JAMF Teacher in YOUR classroom please click here to submit a Tech Request or send an email using this link

JAMF Teacher Video

Middle and High School Students now have StudentSquare

 How can StudentSquare be used?

• Schools and teachers can message students to their TTSD email (immediately) and student cell phones (outside school hours) regarding class/school events, assignments, etc.  Messages can be auto-translated to the language of choice by the student.
• Students can message teachers and staff with school questions (with office hours on, students will be notified their teacher will receive their message when they return the next day) 
• Office staff could message an individual student through StudentSquare to call students to the office (if the student is logged into StudentSquare and has notifications on)

              How to get started at your school?

• Students need to "register" their account by logging in with their TTSD account via Google Login. 
• Middle School Students have StudentSquare on their school iPad
• High School Students have a new bookmark on their Chromebooks, pointing them to https://www.mystudentsquare.com/
• Here is a flyer you can post around your school (ENG / SPA)
• Intro Video to share with students:

Week of Oct 21st, 2024

District-wide License for Screencastify:

Since 2020, TTSD has provided access to Screencastify for all staff and students. It’s a simple, effective tool that many of us are already using for teaching, learning, and communication. Whether you’re looking to enhance lessons, support student projects, or just make things easier for yourself, Screencastify can help. If you haven’t tried it yet, or want to learn more, check out these short tutorial videos to see how it might work for you and your students.

• 10 Benefits of Screencasting for Teachers and Students
• AI Assistant Video
  
• World Languages with Voiceover
• 50 languages
• AI text to voice feature
• "Submit" tool
• NEW Submit Video

Canvas Links:

Canvas-ScreenCastify Integration

Embed Screencastify Video in Canvas Assignment

Using Screencastify Gradebook Integration

Enabling Canvas Gradebook Integration

 

Network Maintenance Weekends - LAST weekend of the month

• October 26 & 27th the TTSD IT Department will be performing the following maintenance:
• Saturday: 
• Server maintenance: Infinite Visions (mid morning)
• Server maintenance and Windows updates throughout the day, beginning after 2pm
• Network maintenance will cause disruption, beginning after 2pm @ Tualatin HS (moved from AM, due to PSAT testing from 8-1pm)
• Overnight wireless network maintenance - impacting wireless across the district
• Sunday:
• Papercut server update
• Mac Lightspeed (internet filter) update - Sunday afternoon 
• NOTE: ALL MAC LAPTOPS WILL BE REQUIRED TO RESTART once they receive this update. Please plan on this by opening your TTSD laptop early before school on Monday to receive the update and restart.

October is Cybersecurity Month; Plus Tech Committee Signup & Substitute Success

Cybersecurity Training

In recognition of National Cybersecurity Month this October, TTSD IT Department is pleased to announce a required training for all TTSD staff.  This training is crucial in protecting our schools from cyberattacks, safeguarding sensitive student and staff data and comply with safety requirements.

The online training will be hosted on Canvas (content provided by cisa.gov). Staff will be invited to the course via email and can also access the course using this link: https://ttsd.instructure.com/enroll/7T7MR4. 

The training covers key topics to help staff stay vigilant:

1. 4 Ways to Stay Safe Online: This section will highlight essential cybersecurity practices for everyday use.
2. Strong Password Management: Learn best practices for creating and managing strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Understand the benefits of MFA and how it adds an extra layer of security to logins.
4. Identifying Phishing Attempts: Discover how to recognize phishing emails and avoid falling victim to scams.

More information can be found HERE: https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month

Join the 2024-25 K-12 Technology Integration and Innovation Committee

We are looking for passionate and diverse voices from across our community—students, parents, teachers, staff, and more—to help shape the future of technology in our schools. This committee will bring together a variety of perspectives and experiences to create impactful changes for our students' technology skills and classroom standards.  SIGN UP HERE

Committee Goals:

1. Contribute to the development of a K-12 scope and sequence for technology skills and digital citizenship.
2. Help update classroom technology standards, including student device requirements.

Setting Up Your Classroom Substitute for Success:

The IT Department has collaborated with teachers and staff to create a 'Best Practice' setup for substitutes, leveraging a Substitute Google Shared Drive for lessons and instructions. While substitute technology is limited, our goal is to provide a consistent set of tools to ensure a smooth transition into any classroom. This helps teachers align their lesson plans with the resources substitutes can access. Please review the guide and share any feedback to help us continuously improve.

• Google Shared Folders & Substitute Teacher Instructions

 

Week of September 23 2024

ParentSquare Tips & Tricks for Staff

As we approach the end of the first month with our new ParentSquare tool, it's exciting to see the amount of Posts from our classrooms across the district:  GREAT JOB!    

 Pro Tips for Staff:

• Set office hours for your parents and students to know when you are available:
• Open ParentSquare > Click My Account (upper right corner) > Select Office Hours
• Set availability. Click Save.
• Outside of your office hours, parents will be notified you are away.
  
  
• How to schedule parent teacher conferences on ParentSquare?
• Online training: 3 days next week M-W. 3:00 (Sept 30th, Oct 1st, 2nd)
  Same Google Meet link meet.google.com/qkx-mcdo-ixy
• To add your cell phone for notifications (NOT visible to students or parents), see the last section of this KB article:  ParentSquare Contact Information 

COMING SOON:

Watch your email for VIRTUAL training opportunities to learn how to create Appointment Slots!

TTSD Digital Resource Menu Updates:

http://digitalresources.ttsdschools.org

• New Approved Tool for high school (grades 9-12):
• KnowT (flashcards, study guides, "learn mode", etc.)

• New AI approved tools for STAFF and STUDENTS:
• 
  
  
• 

  
  
  

AI or Not to AI....

• Many of our online tool vendors are integrating AI tools into their product (Canva, Screencastify, Grammarly, etc.)
• In the classroom, these tools might be useful in providing students learning opportunities they may not have had in the past (like in programming, advanced writing, etc.).  However, there may be situations where students must demonstrate proficiency in a standard before they are ready to use artificial intelligence to further their skill and understanding.
• As a result...TTSD has produced the "AI Guide for Educators" to support classroom teachers and students.
• Teachers: Per assignment or included in your Syllabus, be explicit when introducing the assignment whether the use of AI tools are:
• Not allowed
• Allowed with citation or 
  
• allowed/expected without citation.
• ...by using the colors on the stop sign to provide a visual queue for students
• See pg 6 of the TTSD "AI Guide for Educators"

•  REMINDER for ALL:
• Never enter personal information into GenAI tools
• Always remember GenAI tools are: 
• Not perfect
• May often contain incorrect or biased results
• Require iterative and interactive engagement by the user (it's NOT a search engine) 

Welcome Back 2024

(don't forget to scroll down to catch up on previous posts about MFA and GenerativeAI use at TTSD)

ParentSquare Launches at TTSD - August 26, 2024

ParentSquare Overview

• LIVE ParentSquare 101 Training for Office / FPA Staff:
• Friday August 16th - 1pm & 2:30pm @ Training Center
• Tuesday, August 27th - 2pm @ Hibbard
• Friday, August 30th - 9am @ Training Center
• VIRTUAL Training for Teachers
• August 29th, Thursday:  SIGN UP FORM
• 9:00am
• 3:00pm
• SELF-PACED Training:
• TTSD KB Articles
• ParentSquare online learning platform: Teacher Training 101
• REQUEST IN-PERSON School/Department Training: 
• Tech Request

Digital Citizenship Lessons 1st Week of School

• All gradelevels will be completing a Lesson on what it means to be a good digital citizen.  
• Elementary schools will have 2 x 20min lessons to complete Tuesday - Friday before students begin using their classroom iPads
• Middle and High School Students will receive a Canvas Course that walks them through how to find balance in their digital lives and and introduction to AI.
• Additional communication will be sent out, with links to lessons so teachers and staff can preview the courses before or WITH their students.

AI Guidance for Staff

Staff are prohibited from entering confidential or personally identifiable information (PII) into unapproved AI tools, such as those without approved data privacy agreements. Sharing confidential or personal data with an AI system could violate privacy if not properly disclosed and consented to. 

PII Definition: 

• An individual's name
• The name of family members
• The address of the individual
• A personal identifier, such as a social security number, student/staff number, or biometric record
• Other indirect identifiers, such as a individual's date of birth, place of birth, and mother’s maiden name
• Other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student/individual that would allow a reasonable person in the community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the individual with reasonable certainty

Summer Update

Google Two-Factor Authentication - "MFA" or "2FA"

• Starting July 8, 2024, all TTSD staff will be required to sign in daily on each device using Google two-factor authentication. This change is part of our initiative to enhance security across our systems, including Synergy, by leveraging Google's robust authentication protocols.
• Tips and Tricks to ease the transition and build a new daily habit:
• Have your phone handy and ready when you sign in to Google
• Create multiple options for receiving your MFA
• SMS/text message
• Google Authentication App
• Call to your TTSD phone extension
• TTSD Knowledge-base Article: TTSD Google Workspace - Two Factor Authentication (2FA)

Synergy "New Gradebook" Rollout for 2024-25

• Starting Fall 2024, the new grade book interface will be the default view when accessing the usual "Grade Book Main" screen.
• KB Article: Synergy "New Grade Book" Overview

Week of May 13th - Spring Cleaning (and Mac Updates)

It's Spring and Time for Mac Spring Updates:

To ensure that our 10,000+ TTSD devices remain in optimal condition for staff and students, we are adopting a shared responsibility model for keeping them updated. The IT Department is dedicated to simplifying this process for you. 

Specifically for Mac users, over the next two weeks, you will receive several prompts on your computer. These are designed to guide you through updating your Mac laptop to the latest applications and operating system versions. This will not only enhance performance but also apply crucial security patches, ensuring smoother and more secure usage.

Here are the dates when automatic updates will be available on your computer. Please take a moment to install them when prompted

• May 14 (Wednesday AM) - Chrome and Firefox
• May 15 (Thursday AM) - Papercut update 
• May 16 (Friday, AM) - Check your Google Drive for Desktop to ensure backups are running  
• May 20 - 23 (Monday - Thursday)  Mac OS Update 

This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2

NOTE: If you do not want to be interrupted (with some advance notice) on any of the updates, you can take action before the date above using the links provided.

• Chrome update - LINK 
• Papercut update - LINK
• Google Drive for Desktop - Here's a reminder link on HOW TO set this up
• Mac OS Update - LINK

Week of April 29th - SPRING Cyber Security Training (STAFF) & Digital Citizenship (STUDENTS)

IT'S SPRING!! Time To ...

Empower Yourself & Our Students by Building Your Daily Digital Skills!

Just like in the fall, we have Spring Cyber Security Training for all staff and intentional digital citizenship skill-building lessons for all of our students, regardless of age.  

STAFF:

Cyber Security Training is important for each adult in our system who has a TTSD account (email, Synergy, Infinite Visions, Google, etc) to complete - which is EVERYONE.  Education is our BEST defense against ransomware, phishing, & identify theft - for TTSD data and your own personal data.

Please ensure you complete the Spring 2024 Cyber Security Awareness Training by May 24, 2024

(look for an email invitation in your TTSD InBox or click the link above)

STUDENTS:

Many of us have witnessed inappropriate or unacceptable behavior from both students and adults on social media and other technologies.  It is essential to educate our students about appropriate technology use in their daily lives, while also incorporating these principles into everyday instruction involving digital resources

During May 2024, please dedicate time to explicitly instruct and discuss with your students the appropriate use of technology in the classroom, throughout the school, and in society.

We use Common Sense Media as our official Digital Citizenship curriculum, if you need/want a specific lesson to help you.  Please use this framework to select your student digital citizenship lesson to ensure topics are covered equally across our levels and content area.

TTSD Student Citizenship - K-12 Scope & Sequence

Week of March 11: Update on Generative AI @ TTSD

Generative AI at TTSD:

"Generative AI, like a digital assistant, learns from examples to create new content such as images, text, or music. Teachers can use it to create personalized learning materials and interactive lessons. Students can explore creativity by generating art, music, or stories. It aids in problem-solving, language learning, and content creation. However, ethical considerations must be addressed in its use. Overall, generative AI [has the potential to] enhance teaching and learning experiences in classrooms." (OpenAI, 2024).

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT 3.5 [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

TTSD has many local experts actively learning the new applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) use, both in education and in daily life.  This new paradigm shift in technology has many exciting possibilities for students and education.  However, it also holds potential for unforeseen impacts. As a result, the TTSD community has been collaborating in a variety of ways over the past 12 months to educate ourselves and others around generative AI, emerging technology tools and working to build a common understanding across our community.  Below are some artifacts of our work at TTSD:

• Dec 2023: Kasey Fernandez (District Librarian) and Bruce Alter (Pediatric Physical Therapist and AT Consultant): Educational Impacts & Benefits of AI
• May 2023: 1st TTSD AI Committee Mtg with TTSD Staff
• Oct 1, 2023: 2nd TTSD AI Committee Mtg with staff, community members and students
• Oct 30, 2023: 3rd TTSD AI Committee Mtg with staff, community members and students
• Hazelbrook, Tigard High and Tualatin High school (& others) each offering a multitude of AI explorative trainings & conversations, hosted by school instructional coaches

TTSD AI Guidance:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance at TTSD

• Staff - Try them ALL! 
• Examples to get you started...
• Gemini
• MagicSchool
• ChatGPT
• Generative AI Tool Comparison

• 
  Students - Current Generative AI tools approved for student login - Quill.com

• As of March 2023, no other vendors have signed a student data privacy agreement (including open.ai).  To see a list of TTSD Approved Vendors: Digital Resource Menu

AI Committee Goals:

1. Develop TTSD AI Policy: Create a district-wide policy for the responsible use of generative AI by staff and students.
• With the purpose of providing TTSD staff and students the ability to leverage this new technology in the classroom.
2. Provide AI Professional Development: Offer continuous training to empower staff and students to effectively utilize AI tools in education. Join us in shaping the future of AI in education.

Week Of January 28th: End of Semester 1

The follow are tips and documentation to help teachers, new and old, with posting grades to student report cards for Semester 1 (SM1), setting up your new classes (SM2) and configuring your gradebooks (SM2).  

There are many helpful document in our TTSD Knowledgebase (KB) to help you through this process. After leveraging these resources, if you are in need of additional support, please place a Tech Request.

Out with Semester 1... 

Elementary School Teachers:

• Elementary - Entering Grades By Class (< Also for PE, Music and EL grade entry)
• Entering Grades By Student

All Elementary Report Card Tips & Documentation

Secondary School Teachers:

• Grade Book End of Term Checklist (Canvas & Synergy)
• Posting Grades for Middle and High School Classes
• Supporting Students Past Term End Dates in Canvas

Bring on Semester 2...

Secondary School Teachers:

• Combining ("Cross Listing") Course Cards
• Canvas: Transition to a New Semester
• Setting up Grade Passback to Sync Canvas Assignments to Synergy
• Canvas - Getting a "Fresh Start" at the Start of a New Quarter (MS)

NOTE: New term Canvas course cards will be available to teachers 7 days prior to the 1st day of SM2 and the day prior to the first day of SM2 for students.

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PROTECT OUR STUDENTS' DATA:  

As you begin Semester 2, make sure you are only using online resources by vendors who have signed contracts with TTSD, committing to keep our student's personal data secure.  To see which apps and Canvas LTI resources you can use, see:

TTSD Digital Resources Menu.

Don't see the app or online tool listed??  Just complete a Digital Resource Request Form to ask for assistance in getting the vendor to commit to keeping our student data safe.