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Issue 07 - 2015 │T4 │W6

Update to eT4L F12 build News item

The F12 build in eT4L schools is being updated to include Internet Explorer 11 and numerous Windows updates to ensure that Windows PCs are built to a working state more promptly and efficiently.  The build still contains Microsoft Office 2010 with plans for the release of Office 2016 at some stage in the new year.  The updated F12 build was released to eT4L schools on Thursday, 12th November 2015.

Secure Proxy Authentication News item

In 2006, the Authenticated Internet Browsing and Email (AIBE) service was launched. Staff and students were provided with individual accounts with year-level filtering introduced. In order to access the Internet, users authenticate with their DoE Portal ID and password.  All schools will be transitioning to Secure Proxy Authentication (SPA). This will be an important step toward establishing a Single Sign-On service for all eT4L schools.  The introduction of SPA will require a change in proxy authentication for BYODs and other unmanaged devices.  A new fact sheet to further explain Secure Proxy Authentication and user support materials are available to prepare users as schools are scheduled for cutover. Anyone with Win 8.1 or 10 BYODs should run Windows Update out-of-hours as soon as possible to be ready for SPA.

eT4L Reports: Primary schools Tip item

With the recent update to Internet Explorer 11 at all eT4L schools, some users have logged service desk calls reporting that eT4L Reports will not function properly.  An upgrade of the system underpinning eT4L Reports in primary schools is expected to commence in early 2016 to rectify this issue.  Until then, it’s best to run IE11 in Compatibility Mode for this service.  eT4L Reports for primary schools does not work in Google Chrome but may work with Firefox.  NOTE: To sign into eT4L Reports, you must append @detnsw to your User ID.

New School Libraries website Link item

As part of Learning Systems, School Libraries provides curriculum and policy advice for NSW Public Schools. Key services include:

  • online services for school libraries to lead innovative future learning
  • support for the implementation of the new Oliver library system
  • quarterly editions on Scan online journal
  • resource reviews
  • SCIS for NSW schools

A brand new website to support school libraries has been published and is available here.

T4L @ Gorokan Public School Peer item

Schools across NSW are investigating options for more flexible and practical learning spaces. At Macquarie Fields High School, with small classrooms and a growing student population, there was a desire to re-develop spaces to make them supportive of contemporary pedagogies that were adaptable, technology-friendly and designed by students.  This ClassMovie video (click the image below) highlights the journey the school is taking to achieve their goals.

Click this image to watch the video

Manipulating PDF files Tip item

Although we have the full Adobe Acrobat software on all of our Windows and Mac computers, sometimes you need to quickly manipulate a PDF file.  Here’s a free online PDF service called SmallPDF that Katherine Geer from Canley Vale PS regularly uses and wanted to share. Always check the terms of service and privacy conditions before taking on new online services. Is there a great online service that you use regularly to help with your work?  Drop us an email and tell us about it so we can share it with other schools in future issues of news.T4L.

What is Google Keep? Link item

Google Keep is an excellent note taking and task management tool for teachers. It lets you record your notes in different formats (text, pictures and audio) and access them across different devices. Since its release in 2013, several powerful features have been added to Google Keep, including an iOS version. You can categorise your notes using labels. Notes are also searchable based on their colour, whether they have a reminder, audio, images, or are a list.  With the mobile apps, notes are synced between devices using your Google account. Go ahead and take a look at Keep.  If you need support, refer to the Help Centre. 

Technology changing lives News item

We all use technology daily to help us with our work, connecting with others and with our learning. Sometimes we hear about the way technology has changed lives.  The amazing story of Project Daniel is one such example.  While some of our schools are looking into 3D printers and what can be done with them, doctors have built working prosthetic arms and hands for victims of war in Sudan and left villages with the technology to build these prosthetics themselves. This brief video linked above really demonstrates progress that we all thought was impossible just a few years ago.

Futures Learning Unit News item

As highlighted in the term 4 issue of Technology News for Schools, Eight Central School is the new “school” being developed within ITD’s offices at Eveleigh, specifically aimed at testing new learning spaces and technologies for classrooms.  On Friday, 6 November, students from Campbelltown Performing Arts High (year 8) and Camdenville Public School (Kinder and year 6) attended the school to try out a wide variety of furniture options and different interactive technologies.  Education Minister Piccoli attended and witnessed a wide variety of learning activities that were taking place at the school. Watch the TV news report.

Still from TV news report

eT4L: Apple Mac builds News item

As part of ongoing developments throughout eT4L Services in schools, the next release of the Apple Mac solution has been completed and successfully piloted at a number of sites. This solution, similar to the Windows F12 method, allows selected staff to deploy eT4L standard Mac OSX operating systems, including MS Office 2011 and Adobe Master Suite 2014, via the network. It also supports the automated connection of network printers and eT4L resource shares for logged on users.  The release is expected for all eT4L schools by the end of term 4.  A step-by-step eT4L OSX guide has also been published.

Need new data outlets? Tip item

It may seem cost-effective to use local electricians or even the school community to extend the network cabling in your school. Perhaps you’d like to install new data outlets for wireless access points? Only contracted cablers will provide work and warranty to DoE standards. Using non-contracted cablers could cause problems that need remediation at extra cost in the future, often due to the use of incompatible cabling components, poor quality terminations and inappropriate cable pathways.  All of these issues can be avoided by obtaining advice from the DoE ICT support team in your area in the first instance. Just log a service desk call to
 request a visit to discuss the school’s network.

On-line Coding courses Link item

Back in issue 4 of T4L News, we posted an article that focussed on the importance and benefits of teaching students to code. When you take a look through the Digital Technologies curriculum from ACARA, you can see multiple code-based activities such as:

  • Conceptualising algorithms to control robots (K-2)
  • Describing algorithms that support branching (3-4)
  • Design a user interface for a digital system (5-6)
  • Trace algorithms to identify errors (7-8)
  • Object-oriented programming (9-10)

So how does a school go about it?  Aside from the link to wiki’d resources in the earlier article, Code.org has produced a new and growing range of coding courses and activities for all ages at Code Studio. There are also some excellent tools for teachers to track their students’ progress and get extra help.  

Image from Code Studio website

The MathsLinks Network Peer item

One of the most impressive, regularly updated
resources for secondary Maths teachers is developed and run on a personal level by Simon Job from Greystanes High. Your school’s maths teachers need to know about it.  MathsLinks is yet another example of great sharing by NSW teachers!

eSafety guide for parents Link item

The federal Office of the Children’s Safety Commissioner has published a new website to assist both students and their parents to better understand the myriad of websites, games, apps and on-line services they are likely to encounter.  At this website, each service is explained and issues of privacy and cyberbullying are discussed. Could be a good inclusion for your school newsletter.

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

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE