TaraBytes

Arguably, one of the most useful tools in the GSuite for Education package is Google Sites. Yet, as I am writing this, only a handful of our teachers are actively using it. That tells me that maybe the value of Google Sites has not been adequately addressed, and I apologize for that! For those of you who have not been introduced to it, Google Sites is a free  website creation tool hosted by Google. You can create unlimited sites/pages, and each of your students can create unlimited sites/pages. Now, I will be the first to admit that t he early version of Sites (used until this school year) was a complicated monster that wasn't friendly for the everyday user. However, an upgrade to Google Sites occurred this year that makes creating  and updating a snazzy site quicker and easier than ever before.  Many of you are probably groaning already, saying something along the lines of, "Why does this crazy woman think I have the time to build a website? Doesn't she know I am a...

Regardless of the role we fill in the school system, each of us has a common goal; we want our students to experience academic success in the classroom and life. Realistically speaking, however, not all students will reach their unique potential and will be classified as at-risk. This month's technology professional development offering was Utilizing Resources to Reach At-Risk Students. In this session, I introduced attendees to several tools available for helping all students achieve. For those of you who were not able to attend these professional development courses, I am sharing the information in this forum so that your students can also benefit from these tools. Or, use these tools with your child at home--there are many tools in this list that are classified for use with those who have been identified as having dyslexia. Each of these can be found in the Chrome Web Store and are currently free-to-use for teachers. I have provided the links to each of these apps/extensions...

I know firsthand how frustrating it can be to find great technology content that fits the lesson you are planning. Many times the frustration isn't from not being able to find content--it's narrowing down the options! At PRC, you have access to a lot of software tools you may not even know about. Over the next few weeks, I am going to share at least one software tool with you to test out in the classroom. Let's get started! Did you know? All teachers at PRC have full access to Discovery Education? Veteran teachers may know this product by its old name "United Streaming." More than just the name has changed on this dynamic software. Discovery Education offers videos, lesson plans, digital textbooks , professional development, STEMformation, and much more. And the videos on this website are not dependent on YouTube or Vimeo! Who Is this For? This account is for everyone in the PRC district. Middle School  Social Studies  teachers, this is even for you...

The time has come, The time is now. All PRC Employees, Change your passwords now! Ugh, I know. I feel your pain. I, too, have to change my password and struggle with muscle memory (also known as the way the password feels when I type it in). I also have to store my passwords in strange places that I may or may not remember how to find when I need them. The good news is, we are not alone! When you are feeling stressed out about the password you created five minutes ago that now no longer works, peruse one of the videos linked here. You'll feel better (or maybe not) about your own password struggles when you realize just how many people out there are in the same boat. Just a few quick reminders: 1. We have to change our Windows login passwords. You will be prompted to do so. 2. We have to change our Gmail passwords. You will be prompted to do so. 3. We have to change our SAM Spectra passwords. You will be prompted. . . AND as an extra special, SUPER-DUPER bonu...

Our technology team has been making great efforts this year to improve our customer service as well as to speed the response time on help desk tickets. I'm sure many of you have noticed a difference! Technology can be awesome but can also be frustrating when you run into glitches. As with people, there is no "cookie cutter" solution to solving problems. Two seemingly identical devices can be sitting side by side, yet the technical issues you may experience with them will be completely different. No matter what the problem may be, the troubleshooting steps you take will always be a process of trial and error. Below you will find three helpful troubleshooting tips you can do before submitting a technology help desk ticket. Even with the efforts of our technology team, many times you will be able to solve your own technology issue quicker than it would take for one of our team to get to your classroom. Error messages mean something. When you get an error message ...