February 2023 Newsletter

As we approach Spring Break, the IS team wants to remind you of a variety of tools that are available to help support your teaching with technology. As always please reach out for support or consult our growing knowledge base. Have a great Spring Break! – IS

DyKnow -  For teachers grade 3 through 12 DyKnow helps make teaching with technology easier by giving the instructor more control over student devices. DyKnow helps teachers make sure students stay on track while using their Chromebook. The software allows teachers to monitor student activity, give students a voice in the classroom through anonymous polling, allows teachers to restrict web usage to only approved sites, and allows teachers to distribute content easily.  

If you have any questions, please take a look at this knowledge base article or reach out to [e-mail]

WeVideo - WeVideo is a simple online video editing platform, similar to iMovie, that allows individuals to create and edit both audio and video.  Additionally, it  allows teachers to create classes, assign assignments to individuals or a group, distribute stock media, and provide feedback to students. Students have endless opportunities to demonstrate their creativity with screen recording and green screen options. This tool is web based, so it works on any device that has access to the internet.   It gives students the ability to be creative and confident as they display their knowledge on a topic. 

If you have any questions, please take a look at this knowledge base article.  You can experiment with a free account  or you can reach out to [e-mail] for a licensed version for you and your students. 

Data Guide - We create, share and store data everyday.  As an employee of Lab and the University of Chicago, you have many options when it comes to storing your data.  Whether it be Google Drive, Office 365, or UChicago Box, you should know your options. The University has created a Data Guide that will help you decide the best storage option based on University policies and industry best practices.  If you have any question about where to store sensitive information, please contact [e-mail] 

Chrome Web Browser Printing - When printing from a web page or a PDF that opens in a browser window, Chrome’s default Paper Size setting is A4, which is 8.25 x 11.75 inches, rather than the standard 8.5 x 11 (Letter) loaded in our school printers. Unless this setting is changed by you, it will result in a flashing error on the printer accompanied by an “A4 Load Paper” message on the display. To learn how to avoid this error, please read this knowledge base article. 

Chat GPT - The University Academic Technology team has done a deep dive into Chat GPT and/or AI has published an overview for instructors click HERE to read more. 

Green Dollar Sign Icon in PowerSchool - Have you ever wondered what this icon in PowerSchool means? This symbol indicates that there is a hold on the students account. This hold will prevent families from logging into PowerSchool and accessing items like midterm grades and progress reports.