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Back It Up

End of Year Backup Procedures

Back It UpEnd of Year Backup Procedures
The end of the year is quickly approaching (like we have to tell you, right???) One of the most important things on everyone's to-do list is to back up computer files. It is up to YOU to be sure your digital files are saved in a format where you can access them next year.


The following information will be helpful to you as you wrap up the school year. If you have any questions or need any assistance on any of the following, please contact your CTI or IT right away.

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Laptop Replacements

Latitude 5540 Laptops are being replaced for the 2017-18 school year. If you're getting a new computer, you should have already received an email from the district. If you have a Latitude 5540 and have not received an email, please contact your Campus Repair Technician right away.
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Create a Backup of Computer Files

Whether you're getting a new laptop or not, it's always a good idea to create a backup copy of any digital files from your computer to some other location.


We HIGHLY RECOMMEND using OneDrive for Business, the cloud storage solution that is included with your Office 365 account, to store your digital files. Flash drives and other external media devices are still acceptable options, but these forms of removable media can be costly and can easily be lost of damaged, which may result in a total loss of your files.


There are two options for saving your Files to OneDrive. Users can simply upload all desired files into the OneDrive app in your Office 365 account, or users can sync their OneDrive to the computer and move files around with the familiar File Explorer window. The video below demonstrates how to save files into OneDrive.

Using OneDrive to Create a Computer Back Up
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Create Back Up Copies of Canvas Courses

This summer, all Canvas courses that were auto generated from teacher grade books will be removed. This will allow us to start the 2017-18 school year with a more organized Canvas environment, which will make it much easier for teachers and students to manage course content.


Although the courses will be removed, there are two simple options for teachers to save course content for future use. It is the teacher's responsibility to create back-up copies of any desired courses prior to July 1.


Click here to learn about the two types of Canvas Courses in our Canvas Instance.


OPTION 1: CANVAS COMMONS

Commons is a cloud-based, digital library that allows educators to find, import, and share resources. When you share resources in Commons, you can choose to share with other Canvas users, with educators in our district or campus, or with only you.


NOTE: Courses shared to Commons do not include backups of student interactions or grades.


From the Home page of a course,


  • Settings > Share to Commons (right column)
  • Select and complete appropriate settings for this course
  • Sharing and License - You determine if you want the course (or course content) to be available to only you, anyone in your school (sub-accounts), anyone in your district, or any public Canvas user.
  • Title, Description, Tags, and Image are required fields
  • You can also include Grade levels and Outcomes.
  • Click Share.

Repeat this process for each course.

OPTION 2: EXPORTING CANVAS COURSE TO A FILE

You can export a Canvas Course to a file that can be shared with another Canvas user or saved for your own current/future use. This file will need to be saved to a secure location (OneDrive) in order to be imported into any future courses.


NOTE: Canvas exports do not include backups of student interactions or grades.

From the Home page of a course,


  • Settings > Export Course Content
  • Select Course or Quiz
  • Create Export
  • After your content has been exported, click Download Link


Repeat this process for each course.

Creating Back Up Copies of Canvas Courses
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Dear Network Drives,

We've been together so long. This is going to be harder on me than it is on you, but I'm breaking up with you. It's time.


Sincerely,

Modern Teacher

If you still save files to your H: drive, T: drive, or other network drives, please consider moving those files to a more secure, more permanent solution.


Here's why we suggest OneDrive

  1. Anyone on the campus can access (even delete!) files saved on a network drive. In OneDrive, YOU decide whether to share your documents with others or not. You can share as "read only" or with full editing rights.
  2. There's plenty of room for your digital files on OneDrive. Seriously, WAY more space for your documents, pictures, music, video, and any other digital content.
  3. Access your files anywhere, anytime, on any device. (THIS IS A BIGGIE!) When saving to a local network drive, you have to be in district to access your files. With OneDrive, you can access them from a personal computer, an iPad or tablet, or even your Smartphone.
  4. Flash drives get washed in the washing machine (don't ask) and even run over by cars (seriously, don't ask.) External hard drives get dropped (sad story.) And occasionally, network servers fail. Digital content in OneDrive is more secure. Even if something gets deleted, you have 3 months to retrieve it from your OneDrive Recycle Bin.


Need help? Talk to your Campus Technology Integrator (CTI) or district Instructional Technologist.