Technology for Schools site

Information Technology Directorate is launching a new website. Technology for Schools is designed to deliver information to schools to support decision making and to bring together the information schools need to effectively use technology for teaching and learning. It is one of the first of the department’s new Global Experience Framework (GEF) sites which enables us to meet the accessibility requirements of government websites. We invite you to visit the website and complete our survey to help inform improvements and enhancements to our delivery of the information you need.

Technology for Schools website

New HP computers available

Schools are now able to order contracted computers using discretionary funds following an extensive testing and preparation process. The supported models line up for 2016.has now been completed for the new desktop and notebook models from HP and they are now available for purchase through the eCatalogue and ready for eT4L configuration. The details for each model are referenced on the 2016 Standard Model Computers for schools web page.

Software Catalogue update

The DoE Software Catalogue for eT4L schools was recently updated with many enhancements:

The software request process has been simplified and for site administrators, the approval and new software contribution process is streamlined

A new Devices section listing all models that can be F12-built using the eT4L imaging process

A new Currently Available section quickly displays all titles already added to your site’s UDM

The Search facility has been greatly enhanced and can now search for freeware or by vendor

Site administrators get a better management console showing pending actions

A new Feedback form and FAQ section

Google Chrome is also now available for deployment.

T4L at Coutts Crossing PS

A new ClassMovie by Coutts Crossing Public School shows how they have embraced 21C learning by employing visual literacy strategies to compose multimodal texts using school based technologies. Click the image below to watch their ClassMovie.

Notebook battery warranty

Did you know that discretionary purchase contract and T4L notebooks include equivalent warranty on the battery? Mobile devices that are not purchased via DoE’s contracts typically only offer one year on the battery as it is seen as a consumable part. If your contracted device comes with a two-year warranty, it also includes two year replacement warranty on the battery. If it comes with a four year warranty, the battery is also covered for four years. As batteries are constantly recharged, their life reduces over time. DoE’s contract ensures that your mobile devices’ battery provides adequate reliability. If you are concerned about the battery performance of an in-warranty device, please log a service desk call through EDConnect.

SMART Notebook for Mac

SMART Notebook was provided to school as part of the NSW Government's Connected Classrooms Program initiative announced in 2007. Following closure of the Connected Classrooms program in 2012, ITD has worked to make SMART Notebook available for schools. NSW Public Schools are currently licensed to use SMART Notebook 11.4 with interactive products (boards, projectors, panels) connected to supported Windows & Mac computers. ITD understands that SMART has discontinued support for SMART Notebook 11.4 on newer Mac OSX versions and this has caused some impact in a small number of schools. Schools that wish to utilise SMART Notebook on newer Macintosh computers should consider evaluating newer lesson development software for purchase to use on these computers if they have issues in utilising the licensed version. Schools requiring advice on purchasing policy and procedure should contact Procurement Solutions Directorate. Any school requiring advice about the use of software in the eT4L environment may contact IT Support by logging a service request with ED Connect on 1300 32 32 32.

EDConnect

As announced recently in SchoolBiz, Education Connect (EDConnect) is the new Department of Education shared service centre providing support, information and advice for:

Information and Communications Technology
Business Services (such as Purchase Cards and Travel enquiries)
SAP Finance
SALM (Student Administration and Learning Management) support

Where there were previously many individual contact numbers, we now have one - 1300 32 32 32. Further details including links to submit online queries can be found on the EDConnect intranet page.

MS Office 2016 for eT4L schools

Office 2016, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Outlook is the latest version of the Microsoft desktop productivity suite for Windows computers. From Monday 23 May 2016, Microsoft Office 2016 will be available in the Enterprise software section of the Universal Desktop Manager (UDM) for eT4L schools to deploy to devices as desired. The O2016 ribbon bands and menus will be familiar to anyone already using Office 365. The desktop version of Outlook 2016 will be available to principals and some eligible users. Enhanced collaboration features link O2016 with the online Office 365 and cloud-based documents. The OneDrive and Skype for Business apps are included but unavailable for use at this time. Links to what’s new in Office 2016 are available on the new Technology for Schools site.

Collaboration opportunity

Learning Systems is seeking expressions of interest from innovative teachers to form a volunteer network of online collaboration mentors (OCMs) who will initiate and lead activities across principal networks. OCMs will work across networks to develop pedagogies, technological skills and administrative practices that help staff take full advantage of technologies such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Apps for Education. Training in Sydney will be offered to successful applicants. Access the EOI in SchoolBiz or the EOI information flyer for more details.

SPA update

As previously advised, the changeover to Secure Proxy Authentication (SPA) is progressing well and the cutover for all secondary schools is expected to be completed by the end of May. Primary schools will be scheduled from June with all sites progressively completed during term 3. Please keep an eye out for the emails indicating your school’s scheduled date.

HP Dual-Personality ports

Many HP switches used in schools have dual-personality ports as shown in the photo below. The four ports to the right are for GBIC modules which are used to allow for optic-fibre backbone connections for the school network. Sometimes ICT Coordinators see available ports to the left and try to plug ethernet cables into them to allow for computer connections in classrooms and offices. Dual-Personality ports are dual-labelled. As shown, there are two of port 21 – 21T and 21S. You can either connect with 21T or 21S, but not both. The same goes for the other three shared ports. If you need another computer connection, make sure the corresponding S port is not in use before connecting via the T port.