October 2026 EdTech Newsletter
October 2026
Google Class Tools and Originality Reports
Also a quick reminder that teachers can enable Google Originality Reports when creating assignments in Google Classroom. This allows teachers and students to check Google Docs and Google Slides for authenticity compared to webpages and books on the internet, as well as student submissions within our Division. Click here to learn more.
Operational Support for the Digital Assessment Platform (DAP)
Calling all users of the Vretta Platform! There are changes to the ongoing operational support for the Vretta Digital Assessment Platform starting this school year. The Digital Assessment Platform Troubleshooting Resource is being shared here to help users get needed support, from the most accurate source, in the most accessible way. Ongoing support is a collaborative effort, starting with the proactive information and learning materials, followed by readiness for personal troubleshooting, then connecting with various groups depending on the topic. Please share this resource with your staff teams to discuss school/catchment specific support strategies especially for exam administration days.
There is one specific troubleshooting issue noted at several schools. When students login an error message reports that the Vretta Assessment Lock Extension needs to be installed. The extension is in place but needs to sync with the latest ChromeOS update. Here are the suggestion actions: allow 10 minutes between starting the device and students logging into the platform. When the issue occurs refresh the device using the refresh key on the top row of the keyboard. If it persists restart the Chromebook and attempt the login sequence again.
Register for our EdTech Fall Summit - October 13, 2026
We are offering an EdTech Summit (click here for PDR link) on October 13, 2026. This year’s PL day features two distinct, deep-dive learning topics tailored to your goals. Whether you want to explore proven classroom technologies or master the shifting landscape of Artificial Intelligence, you will leave with practical, real-world strategies you can implement tomorrow.
Our EdTech Summit will have two streams: EdTech Summit and AI Educator Accelerator.
Topic 1: The EdTech Summit
- Focus: Real-world innovation in the classroom.
- What to expect: Dive into concrete examples of how peers across the Division are using technology to boost student engagement, foster creativity, and deepen learning. This stream is packed with practitioner-led success stories, live demonstrations, and scalable ideas for every grade level and subject area.
Topic 2: The AI Educator Accelerator
- Focus: An immersive dive into Artificial Intelligence.
- What to expect: Move past the AI hype and build true operational mastery. This stream is a comprehensive, hands-on workshop dedicated to how teaching staff can leverage AI for lesson design, personalized differentiation, automated administrative workflows, and ethical student use.
To see the agenda and to register, check out our EdTech Summit agenda HERE.
After School Tech Tips Theme: AI Updates
Welcome back! TIPS is continuing with its monthly After School Tech Tips which showcase updates, step-by-step tutorials, and tips and tricks with technology for teaching and learning. These videos will be available on our TIPS PL Calendar and the YouTube After School Tech Tips Playlist.
For the month of October, our theme is “AI Updates,” Our lineup for this month is:
October 7 - Featuring Our TIPS AI Page
October 14 - Google Classroom - Gemini Features 2026/27
October 21 - Google Gemini 2026/2027
October 28 - Gemini Notebook 2026/27
Canva ATA Session by the Educational Technology Council
The Educational Technology Council of the ATA is hosting a hands-on profession learning day hosted by Canva on November 20, 2026. This day-long event is designed to provide educators with the skills to use Canva tools to create materials to support teaching and learning.
TIPS Professional Learning Opportunities 2026/27
The TIPS team has a full slate of professional learning opportunities available for teaching staff wanting to dig into EdTech topics this year. Topics include:
AI Literacy
Guided Staff use of Gemini and Gemini Notebook
Considerations for Student Use of AI
Digital Citizenship
Leading Instructional Technology
Browse and register for all our PL opportunities through the TIPS Page here.
EPSB Responsible Use of Technology Agreement (RUTA)
CTRL-F is a collection of resources designed by Civix to help teachers and students develop digital media literacy skills. These materials provide teachers with the tools and resources needed to support students navigate an ever more complex digital world.
- Resource topics include:
- Online search skills
- Verification skills
- AI literacy
- Examining media
Each of these topics is supported by lessons plans, slide decks, videos and sample digital media content.
Google Workspace Updates
Google Vids Summary Vids: Transform static Google Docs and Slides into engaging video summaries. This new feature leverages AI to generate scripts and narration while providing custom visuals to bring your documents to life. Learn more here.
Doubled Cell Limits in Google Sheets: Google has increased the cell limit in Google Sheets from up to 10 million cells to up to 20 million cells. This limit applies to new, existing, and imported files. Learn more here.
New Gemini Notebook Features: Over the next few weeks Gemini Notebook (Formerly known as NotebookLM) will be getting several new features including interactive learning overviews which are a new report type that weaves together summaries and other studio outputs like quizzes and flashcards into a single learning experience. Learn more here.
Changes to Google Gemini - New Navigation Tabs
Students (Educator & Student Accounts)
Study Notebooks: Grounded learning planners turning notes into study guides.
Quizzes & Flashcards: Auto-generated practice tools from materials or prompts.
Guided Learning: Interactive tools for concept mastery.
Immersive View: Pre-built visual breakdowns for complex subjects.
Images Shortcut (Educator Accounts Only)
Dedicated creation tool with style templates and aspect ratio controls.
Note: Students generate images via the prompt box (+ menu).
Notebooks
Access Gemini Notebooks chat features
For more AI tools and resources from previous months, see our AI resources website.
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.