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Issue 42 - 2018 │T4 │W3

 

Link - access past issues in the archive

Windows 10 v1709 now available! News item

Following extensive development, testing and piloting in schools, we released Windows 10 version 1709 (also known as the Fall Creators Update) to all eT4L schools on 9 October 2018.  It's the first major update since Windows 10 was launched at the end of 2016. Schools can selectively install the new Windows 10 when they are ready - to some, or all of their DoE standard devices.  Upgrading to v1709 requires a rebuild of each device.  It can either be started by the regular F12 boot process, or remotely using UDM – as long as the device is connected to a working network port via cable.  You can update any existing Windows 10 or 7 device using either of these two methods.  Brand new devices such as those from the latest T4L Rollout, can only be built to Win 10 v1709 via F12.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is now available!

When should we update to 1709? Tip item

This update of Windows will introduce the features of both the Creators update (v1703) and Fall Creators update in one go, including Paint 3D and new Virtual Reality (VR) capabilities.  The new version has been tested for compatibility with DoE corporate applications including SAP and ebs:central.  We recommend that all school-owned Windows devices that are used by students should be rebuilt as soon as possible. This will refresh them, clear out filled hard drives and reinstall software packages deployed via UDM.  It will also ensure important security updates have been properly applied. For school-owned computers that are allocated to or regularly used by staff, it’s best to test the new build on one or two first and make local decisions around when it’s best to update the entire staff fleet. We recommend that you test key applications used by staff to confirm that they work on 1709 and also prepare individual staff members for the change. If you have any questions about 1709, the Win 10 Discussion group on Yammer is a great place to start.

Windows User Profile clean-up Info item

One of the great new features introduced with the release of the new eT4L Windows 10 v 1709 build is the inclusion of an automatic old user profile clean-up process. Windows creates a local user profile on each device whenever a new user logs onto it. As Windows computers in schools are shared by large numbers of students, these multiple local user profiles start to consume all available disk space and impact logon times and general performance. A new process is now in place for ALL eT4L Windows computers which automatically and silently removes any old user profile that has not been accessed in the past 60 days. The profile age-check and cleanup occurs on either restart or shutdown of each device. For devices that are allocated to staff members, as long as they have logged on at least once in the past 60 days, their local user profile will not be deleted.

Don't Save Stuff Locally!

eT4L UDM now shows device OS News item

Since 26 October, the Windows 10 build version is displayed beside each device in Universal Desktop Manager (UDM). This will help schools to clearly identify which devices in their fleet have been updated to the latest version of Windows for eT4L.

UDM now shows the Windows 10 build version in the device list

T4L Rollout update News item

The T4L Rollout team has been working closely with vendors to process and dispatch this year's T4L orders to the 1,469 included schools across NSW. HP were able to mobilise very quickly and delivered the majority of devices before the end of term 3. 849 schools have already received their full T4L order. Remaining deliveries are on track for completion by week 6 of term 4. Anticipated delivery dates will be emailed to the school as information is supplied by vendors. To assist with our audit and verification processes, please:

  • Sign the delivery note (POD) and legibly print the receiver’s FULL name to help us with any tracking issues
  • Count the boxes and sign only for goods that have actually been received
  • Take note of boxes or items that are damaged on delivery and report immediately.

For those schools that ordered Apple iPads, Apple have confirmed all iPads will be automatically enrolled in the school’s Apple School Manager account via the Device Enrolment Program. Schools should also expect a call from their local Apple retail store around the time of their delivery.

What exactly is Wake-On-LAN? Info item

The Wake-On-LAN option in UDM is a mystery for many school ICT Coordinators and TSOs, so here's a quick video to clear it up. We've even produced a simple infographic all about it.

Minecraft community in term 4 PL item

The NSW DoE Minecraft EE Community is getting together again throughout term 4 with a series of quick web meet-ups via Microsoft Teams! Join us to discuss all things Minecraft Education Edition in the classroom and hook up with special guests who will present each session. To be held in weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8, you'll be sure to get some great new ideas for how to better use MEE with your students, so book them in your calendar! The link to use for the sessions is: https://bit.ly/DoEMEECommunity - hope to see you there!

Minecraft Community webcast meeting dates for term 4

MS Surface Pro now available! News item

With the release of Windows 10 1709 and the development of a more efficient upgrade path to newer versions of Windows, NSW public schools are now able to use their discretionary funds to purchase the Microsoft Surface Pro touch-enabled device and accessories through the department's online catalogue! The Surface Pro joins the other touch-enabled devices from HP that are already on the catalogue, offering an alternative high-end mobile platform for staff that need power and ultra-portability.

MS Surface Pro now on DoE Catalogue

Important notes:

  • Accessories like keyboard and pen are NOT included and will need to be purchased separately if required
  • Either a USB to Ethernet Adapter (EJS-00007) or a Surface Dock is required to build the Surface Pro for eT4L
  • Advanced Exchange warranty (4 years), has been arranged with Microsoft & ASI. For confirmed hardware faults, Microsoft will send a permanent replacement device and the school will return the faulty unit. All data will be wiped from the returned unit. To facilitate this replacement warranty, it is essential that the device has not been engraved
  • Ordering details can be found on the DoE Online Catalogue by searching for Microsoft Surface Pro.

ICT Thought of the day Fun item

ICT Thought - People used to love sharing their ringtone with everyone. Now everyone hates it so much that phones are set to silent

Bring Your OLD Device trial News item

The department acknowledges that schools generally keep their computing devices for many years, in an effort to increase the number of devices available to their students. But as Windows and Mac devices age, their performance decreases dramatically. It often comes to a point where they are too slow to start up, log on and perform basic functions. In addition, they are often stuck running older operating systems, which pose a security risk. NSW DoE is exploring the value that Neverware CloudReady can provide to schools by running a "Bring Your OLD Device" Trial in at least fifty schools across NSW throughout 2019. CloudReady is an operating system that runs on almost any computer from the last 10 years. It turns them into fast, secure devices that operate the same way as Google Chromebooks. Is your school a candidate for this free trial of up to 30 old devices?

Bring your OLD device trial

Everyone Can Create iPad guides News item

Apple has announced the release of Everyone Can Create project and teacher guides, a fantastic set of resources aimed at supporting teachers with using iPad in the classroom. The guides are designed to ignite and champion creativity, because creativity is at the heart of what moves our world forward. The project guides give students the tools to develop and communicate their ideas through music, drawing, photos, and video with iPad. It gives teachers projects to bring creativity to every subject, and offers parents new ways to engage with their children and nurture skills for learning and beyond. These new resources are highly recommended for all schools using Apple iPads in class and are available for free on Apple Books!

Everyone Can Create resources

Everyone Can Create for Teachers News item

The Teacher Guide offers over 300 ideas that teachers can explore and apply in their classroom. Discover how to fold creativity into science, maths, literacy and literature, HSIE, history, and coding. The Everyone Can Create Teacher Guide includes learning objectives and assessment rubrics for every project. It's suitable both for teachers experienced at using iPad with their students and for those who are still learning. Find new ideas on how the school's iPads can be used to create content within our syllabus objectives, that will open a whole world of potential learning and engaging activities for your students.

Everyone Can Create Teacher Guide

Apple Caching Servers in Sept Info item

So how are all those Apple Caching Servers that were installed by schools with lots of iPads going? Somewhat significantly you might say.

734 Apple Caching Servers in NSW DoE schools saved a total of 62TB of iOS and app updates from flooding our networks

Secured Internet Edge project News item

As highlighted in our previous issue, the rollout of the new Internet service to 700 of the largest primary and high schools across NSW has begun!  Secured Internet Edge to Schools aims to provide faster internet speed and greater scalability to suit evolving IT-enabled learning initiatives, while still protecting schools from cyber threats. Feedback from recent pilot schools is positive. Staff and students reported an improved Internet experience - "Reading Eggs and Mathletics loading twice as fast!", as just one example.  It will soon be all systems go for those 700 schools. The process leading up to and including the pilots has been a great collaborative effort on all sides.  Even a Kindergarten student at Engadine West PS helped with giving the new service a thorough workout! The rollout to 700 schools should be complete by the end of term 1 in 2019, with the remaining schools targeted for completion by the end of 2019.

Secured Internet Edge project infographic

T4L TV - it's happening! News item

As mentioned in our previous newsletter, T4L watchLIVE is no more. From this term, we are officially kicking off with T4L TV! Sadly, we'll no longer be bringing Brekkie with a Tekkie live into your staffrooms, but we will be replacing it with regular new episodes of The T4L Show - three every term! And as of right now, all future content will be hosted on our new YouTube channel called T4L TV! The best way to keep up to date with every new video posted on T4L TV is to SUBSCRIBE - just like you would with any YouTube channel. All of our past live webcasts have been preserved as well, and they can always be found at our new T4L TV website, which we'll also keep updated with our new content.

T4L TV is happening!

School Website Service update Info item

Almost 2200 websites will be live on Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) by the end of October. That's a record number of Adobe sites live on a single instance of AEM in the Asia Pacific region! It also marks the end of the School Website Service (SWS) project to transition NSW school websites to the new platform. Schools now have vibrant, secure and accessible websites which will incorporate new developments into the future. Find out who to contact if you need support with your site and keep up with what's happening with the new SWS via the Next gen SWS newsletter.

Quick Google updates News item

  • Google Classroom - Are you up to date with all Classroom features? Keep an eye on What’s new in Classroom
  • Chromebooks - Did you know? - Chrome OS version 66 has landed at the DoE. Check out the updated features that help make Chromebooks easier to use in the classroom.
  • interactED: Coffs Harbour - Along with our other IT vendors, the Google team will be heading to Coffs Harbour for the interactED event on 21 November! Learn new tips and tricks to better understand how to use Google’s education tools. Get hands on with powerful and versatile Chromebooks and explore new features of Classroom - if you are around the north coast, sign up and join us!

Click to find out more and register for interactED @ Coffs Harbour in term 4

Book a STEMShare kit for 2019! Info item

The STEMShare Community Kit Booking System has reopened for bookings to all schools in NSW! If your school missed out on a kit in term 4 or you just haven’t booked a kit yet, here is your opportunity to book a FREE STEMShare kit for term 1, 2 or 3 next year! Each school can participate in the STEMShare Community by booking one of the following kits for one term, allowing for all schools to have access to at least one kit during 2019. Bookings for term 1 close soon, so hurry!

  • Tablet Robotics
  • PC Robotics
  • 3D Printing
  • Filming
  • Virtual Reality – Primary
  • Virtual Reality – Secondary

More news.T4L in Week 6

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

Share your story in news.T4L - just email us at T4Lnews@det.nsw.edu.au

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION - INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE