Technology Tips

As our schools utilize more techology in our classrooms comes the responsibility for monitoring and maintenance. Following are a few tips:
1. Teachers must monitor computer usage.
2. Technology integration should be addressed in lesson plans.
3. All computer users must have an Acceptable Usage Agreement on file.
4. All schools should have a protocol for reporting technology issues in their school.
5. All work orders should be entered by the Sys Op or administrator into the online system.

Thanks to Sandy Vickers at Wayne Elementary for the following:
Computer Checklist

If your computer will not power on:
1. Make sure it is plugged into a power supply.
2. Make sure all plugs are plugged tightly in place.
3. Make sure all power strips are on.

If your computer will not connect to the Internet:
1. Make sure the network cable is plugged in (the cable is probably blue).
2. Look at the back of the computer where the cable is plugged in to see if the network lights are on (you should see two lights).
3. If you try connecting to the internet but this message appears "page cannot be displayed" try going to Google...sometimes the address gets changed to one that cannot be brought up.

To keep your computer running efficiently:
1. Frequently go to Windows Update and download all critical and security updates (Windows Update can be found by going to the control panel-windows updated is located on the menu).
2. Check the Add and Remove programs located in the control panel for installed programs-look for any suspicious ones (ones you never use) and uninstall them.
3. Always keep your anti virus program up to date and scan hard drives (Drive C) on a regular basis. If you allow students to bring in disks or flash drives always scan them for viruses before letting them use them on the computer.
4. Do not open any attachment unless your trust the person that sent it!
5. Be wary of software that you download.
6. Remove any programs that you do not need anymore.
7. Put photos on flash drives-remove from computer.

There are links in the Resource section of this blog found at the top of the page to Basic Technology Troubleshooting and to SmartBoard troubleshooting. Check these out if you are having any issues with technology in your classroom. When you click the link to the SmartBoard page there are several help sections. Scroll down until you see the article on Quick Assistance for the SmartBoard 600 Series Interactive Whiteboard. The basic technology link is for computers, printers, network, keyboard, etc.Let's all work together to keep our technology working! Thanks for your help.