February Technology Newsletter

Nearly all of you have now been trained on the audio enhancement devices. Following are some tips and tricks for the devices:

1. Use the system daily
2. Wear your microphone 4-6 inches below your chin
3. Charge your microphone nightly
4. Speak at a normal conversation volume
5. Don't turn up the volume too high. If you can hear your voice, it's too loud. Have another adult in the room set the volume

Upon further review, you CAN adjust the volume of your student microphone. The first picture below will tell you how!

Did you know that you can play sound from external devices (like iPads or phones) through your audio enhancement system? Using a 3.5 mm audio cable, you can connect a device to either the amplifier (the mounted device) in your room OR to either of your microphones! See the second picture below for details.

If you have any questions or concerns about your device, please let me know as soon as possible.

Many of you still need to get your iPads updated to the new system. Please contact our tech para Kelly with a time you are available for this to happen. Her email is: kelly.wegscheid@anoka.k12.mn.us

The first official day of testing is April 6th (the first day back from Spring Break), but we are beginning the trainings for item samplers and trainings very shortly; in some cases, the trainings have already begun. This year Math, Science, and Reading are all going to be tested online. This will put a huge burden on our labs during this time.

The technology department will be setting up group sessions to go over the important parts of the certification process. The goal is to then collaborate with each CT to answer any specific questions. Stay tuned!

All of you should have gotten a message when you logged in about a week ago reminding you that your password is due for a change. Remember to do that before it expires. All passwords must have: 8 characters or more, 1 special character, 1 capital letter, and one number.

Comic reprinted with permission from Mrfitz.com (yes, I emailed him and he gave me permission)

Good article here. In the ever-changing world of technology, who knew that Facebook is dead? Well, teenagers do. Read on to find out.