June EdTech Monthly Newsletter
June 2025 EdTech Monthly Newsletter
Starting August 2025, Google Workspace Chat Spaces will be centrally managed.
Google has recently added settings that enable the Division to take a more proactive approach to managing Chats and Spaces. These new settings allow the Division to only allow students to participate in Chats or Spaces which are created and monitored by staff for educational purposes.
To apply these settings, all existing student Chats and Spaces will need to be deleted.
What is changing?
- All existing Division Google Chat Spaces will be deleted in August 2025. To facilitate a transition period for staff, “Staff Only” Spaces can be extended for the 2025-2026 school year by following these directions: One Year Extension of Chat Spaces (Staff Only)
- Division students will not be able to generate new spaces under the new settings
What’s staying the same?
- Staff can create and use Google Chat Spaces with staff in the same manner as before
- Staff can create Google Chat spaces and invite students as before
How does this change affect schools?
School staff that use Google Chat Spaces will need to be aware that the yearly removal of these Spaces will happen each summer. Starting in August 2026, staff will need to recreate any spaces they want to use for the following school year. Additionally, any Chat Spaces that require student access will need to be created and managed by a Division staff member.
Review this document regarding Suggestions For Adapting Existing School Practices
Featuring Karen Plant!
This month, we're celebrating Karen Plant, a true champion of innovation and support within Edmonton Public Schools, as she transitions to her exciting new role at Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack High School. Karen's impact as a TIPS member has been felt throughout the Division, where she consistently demonstrated foresight, dedication, and leadership in technology.
Karen has been instrumental in ensuring our newest schools are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, laying the groundwork for vibrant learning environments. She streamlined the 3rd party application process, making it easier for schools to access valuable educational tools while maintaining the security of student data. In an era of rapid technological advancement, Karen is a guiding force in providing professional learning surrounding AI and Google Workspace, equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to integrate these tools effectively. One of her most inspiring contributions was leading the EA Internship Program, a vital initiative enabling hundreds of individuals to become educational assistants and fostering a new generation of skilled staff that will support an entire generation of students.
As Karen embarks on her next chapter at Elder Dr. Whiskeyjack High School, her legacy of innovation and unwavering dedication to the EPSB community will undoubtedly continue to inspire. We wish her all the best in her new role!
EDU 595 Interest Form
Staff interested in taking part in or learning more about EDU 595 Technology in Schools, a collaboration with the University of Alberta that allows participants to get University credit for their EPSB professional learning are encouraged to check out this form for more information and to express interest in taking part in the 2025-2026 school year.
EPSB EdTech Summit - June 9 Teacher Choice PD Offering
TIPS is hosting another EPSB EdTech Summit!
The EPSB EdTech Summit is an in-person professional development opportunity being hosted at Elder Dr. Francis Whiskeyjack School on June 9 for all staff members. This in-person conference offers a range of concurrent sessions on current and relevant technology topics, including Google Workspace updates, EdTech Leadership, and Artificial Intelligence. Participants have the flexibility to attend all sessions or select those most aligned with their interests. Please bring a fully charged device, such as a Chromebook, to actively engage in hands-on activities and explore the latest advancements in educational technology. Additionally, a quiet space will be available for those who wish to participate in any pre-registered online PD sessions. Kindly bring headphones for a focused learning experience.
Information to register for the EdTech Summit is as follows:
- Course TEC7914 - Section # 43225 - Click here to register
After School Tech Tips Theme: Spring Clean Up!
This June, we're diving into the theme: Spring Clean Up! These videos will be available on our TIPS PL Calendar and the YouTube After School Tech Tips Playlist.
Check out our After School Tech Tips Playlist weekly on Wednesdays at 3:45 PM. These videos can also be found on our PL Calendar.
Our lineup for this month is set up to get you all finishing up your end of the school year with some clean-up of your Google Workspace!
June 4 - Google Drive End of Year Clean-Up
June 11 - Spring Clean-Up: Getting Google Classroom Ready for the Summer
Subscribe to our channel to get all of the updates.
Digital Media Literacy Resources
CTRL-F.ca is a collection of digital media literacy resources for teachers created by the Canadian non-profit, CIVIX. There are lessons covering topics such as:
Online Search Skills
Verification Skills
AI Literacy
Accounts are free for teachers, and there are lesson plans, as well as resource videos available for teachers to walk students through an exploration of these crucial DigCit skills. Check it out today!
Google Workspace Update
- New Graduating Students Takeout Reminder: Starting this month students enrolled in grade 12 logging into a Division Chromebook will be reminded that if they are leaving the Division it is time to start thinking about how to take their data with them. A pop up and Shelf icon will give them access to the Takeout app and walk them through the process.
- Educators can now upload content to Read Along in Google Classroom: For staff using Google Read Along App via Google Classroom, they now have the ability to add their own content for students to read.
Learning about AI with Common Sense Education
Direct your learning about AI with Common Sense. Whether you are looking for student friendly, ready to use lessons about AI literacy or self-paced training for you about how to use AI as your assistant, Common Sense is one place to start.
Want to keep up to date with technology tips and tricks or hear more TIPS updates?
- Click the "Subscribe" button at the bottom of this newsletter (if you're not already subscribed)
- Join our Google Space for regular technology announcements - EPSB EdTech Announcements
More Questions? Looking for technology PD for your school? Email the TIPS team or connect with your TIPS team member directly. Bookmark our TIPS.epsb.ca website for more updates and resources.