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Issue 08 - 2015 │T4 │W9

CM12 for Primary Schools  News item

The Configuration Manager (CM) component on the eT4L server is currently being upgraded to CM 2012 to bring it in line with the eT4L servers rolling out into High Schools.  Together with the server upgrade, all eT4L-managed Windows devices at primary schools will need their CM Agent updated via a centralised task. The server component is deployed in the background with no impact to the school and no user intervention required.  The CM12 upgrade delivers multiple back-end system management improvements that are generally invisible to the school. For the school, the deployment of Windows 8.1 to supported tablets and touch laptops, with joining to the DETNSW domain, will allow for local management via UDM. A full explanation of the CM12 upgrade is provided in this CM12 Fact Sheet.

Secure Proxy Authentication News item

In our last issue, we reported that all schools will be transitioning to Secure Proxy Authentication (SPA). The introduction of SPA will require a change in proxy authentication for BYODs and other unmanaged devices. It is now planned that remaining schools will be progressively brought across to SPA from term 1, 2016. An updated fact sheet and user support materials are available to prepare users as schools are scheduled for cutover. As a reminder, any schools with Win 10 or 8.1 BYODs will need to run Windows Update out-of-hours as soon as possible to be ready for SPA. If updates have not been run and applied, there is the possibility that these BYODs will not be able to access Internet at school via SPA.  Please inform all students with Windows BYODs.

Staff leaving your school? Tip item

As the end of the year approaches, it’s important to clean up access and permissions granted via AMU. Otherwise departing staff will continue to have access to your school’s resources at their new site.  This could include the ability to reset your student and staff passwords, access your eT4L file shares and be members of your school’s email distribution lists. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to remove these permissions BEFORE they start at their new school. Once they start at their new site, staff will disappear from your main AMU lists, but your granted permissions will remain for them. If they have disappeared from your AMU list, click the “View & Add Staff not at this site” link at the bottom of AMU to find them and remove their access from the various applets in AMU. If they are not shown there but have reported they still have access, a service desk call will need to be logged to have them removed from your site totally.  Casual/ temporary/relieving staff that have left will need to have their access removed from the various applets in AMU, then be removed from the “Casual – Search/ Remove Staff” list in SMU.

T4L @ Gorokan Public School Peer item

It’s great to see so many schools producing their own ClassMovie to demonstrate their information and communications technologies journey. Gorokan Public School's film captures the school's efforts towards integrating technology across the curriculum. It shows how 21st century pedagogy can utilise technology to enhance learning and engagement.  Click the image below to watch their ClassMovie.

Click to watch this video

ICT Coordinator changes in 2016? Tip item

If there will be new ICT Coordinator(s) or technicians starting at your school from 2016, remind them to register by completing this form to ensure they are kept informed of news, tips, resources and events that will assist them in their important role.

No longer a relieving principal? Tip item

A friendly reminder to all staff who have previously been in a relieving principal role - please ensure that section 2 of this intranet form is completed and submitted to the ICT Service Desk.  This will ensure you are removed from the Relieving Principals email distribution lists and reduce your email intake.  

News Jnr – news activities Link item

News Jnr is a useful website that delivers Australian current affairs articles with higher order thinking questions and activities attached. Each printable resource contains:

  • Article – topical and age appropriate
  • Vocab Max – developing key vocabulary
  • Think About It – encouraging great discussions
  • Learn About It – stimulates research and discovery

Thanks to Vivian Harris for sharing this site.

OS updates during vacation  News item

The operating system update blocks that were implemented during school terms since the end of August have been very effective in freeing up bandwidth to improve internet performance in schools. To assist those schools that wish to conduct maintenance of devices during the Summer vacation, the blocks during school hours will be removed on December 17 and reinstated on January 27, 2016.

Chromebooks and DoE GAFE  News item

Work is progressing with Google to allow DoE Portal accounts to work seamlessly with Chromebooks.  A further update will be provided in the new year.

What NOT to turn off! Tip item

Turning off ICT infrastructure over the holiday period can stop important software upgrades and antivirus and security updates.  It is strongly recommended that you do not turn off the following infrastructure:

  • The Cisco router that connects your site to DoE
  • All other devices in the main data cabinet
  • Your school’s eT4L Server and UPS
  • DER DIP servers in schools not migrated to eT4L
  • Connected Classroom cabinet and other VC units

If you turn these devices off, necessary updates will take place on your return to school and slow down your network access during the busy first days of Term 1 next year.    

What you should turn off Tip item

In many areas of NSW, Summer is lightning season. In order to protect your equipment over the long break, it’s a good idea to turn off the power point and unplug the following devices:

  • Computers (desktops/laptops) and monitors
  • Printers, projectors and other peripherals
  • Multifunction devices and copiers
  • Televisions

Term 1 Staff Development Day – turn on all your school computers so they receive security and Windows updates from your eT4L server so they are ready for use by students the next day.

New AMU and SMU guides News item

Some recent updates to both the Access Management Utility (AMU) and Staff Management Utility (SMU) meant there was a need to update the user guides for these tools.  All purposes and functions of these two important tools are clearly explained with screen shots and examples included.  Principals and ICT Coordinators need to fully understand both of these tools to apply the appropriate access levels to various corporate services to their staff.

Logon passwords for many staff will expire over the holiday period. To avoid starting the new school year by having to request a password reset from the ICT Service Desk, reset your password before the last day of term.
You can change your password in the Staff portal, where you can also set secret questions and answers. This will allow you to reset your own forgotten password anywhere and anytime, without logging a service call.

T4L Hardware Rollout update  News item

HP, Lenovo, Apple and Matrix CNI have indicated they will be in communication via email with schools with the deliveries of desktops and WAPs expected from late Week 9. Mobile device deliveries in Term 1.

Smart Notebook 11.4 advice Tip item

The DoE’s enterprise licence covers the use of Smart Notebook version 11.4 only. It is available for use at all schools as well as on teachers’ personal computers at home and can also be used successfully with some non-Smart interactive whiteboards, projectors and LED touch panels via our collaborative licence.  Some further advice for Smart Notebook:

  • It’s not compatible with OSX Yosemite & El Capitan
  • On Windows 7, non-Smart devices will likely need their own drivers installed AND Single-Finger Panning must be disabled in Control Panel…Pen and Touch (on the Panning tab)
  • If the school has purchased a new Smart IWB, projector or Panel in the past 12 months, it is entitled to a free upgrade to the latest version via the 12-month subscription to Notebook Advantage
  • Paid upgrades to the newest version (Notebook 15) are also available from the Australian vendor providing the school owns older Smart hardware.
  • Service desk support is not available for any version other than 11.4

After another very busy and productive year, we’d like to wish all of the ICT coordinators, technicians and school staff who use ICTs every day, the very best wishes for Christmas and a great 2016.  Have a safe, well-earned break.

Information Technology Directorate publishes T4L news for schools three times every term. Remember to share each issue with your staff!

 

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE