Technology @ High Point, vol. 22

Tech for teaching and learning in our new space

Fill Your Toolbox!

Well-implemented technology gives classroom staff loads of tools for teaching students with a broad range of learning styles. The time investment in learning new technology will make teaching easier and assist students in advocating for their life-long learning. This newsletter PD is intended to help you learn new technologies at High Point a little bit at a time, slowly filling up your teaching toolbox throughout this chaotic school year.

This Week's Tech Feature:

iPad Wifi Network

Every iPad at High Point has the ability to connect to the Wifi network. They do not have the ability to connect to cellular networks (available everywhere like your cell phone), but they do all have Wifi capabilities, which is available anywhere in the High Point building. Having iPads connected to the internet will allow Technology to push out new apps and updates to the apps and operating system. It will give students and staff full access to the features of the apps and access the internet and YouTube. It will allow Technology to put a tablet in "Lost Mode" if it is misplaced or force it to make a sound or display a message so it can be found. There have been some difficulties with High Point iPads "forgetting" the internet login info and not staying online. WISD's awesome Technology department has found a solution for this and it will be pushed to your iPads the next time they are connected to the Internal Wifi. Please, make sure all of the classroom iPads are on the Wifi network to get the full benefit of having this technology in the classroom.

Who is it for?

Having iPads on Wifi benefits all student and staff users of the iPads. It also allows Technology to access it remotely to problem-solve difficulties and locate the iPad if it is lost.

Setup Instructions

To connect to Wifi:

Open the Settings app (gray icon with a gear on it).
Tap on "Wi-Fi" in the left column.
Tap on the desired Wi-Fi network in the list of those available.
Enter the password for the network and tap on "Join".

Once you have joined a network, you will notice that it appears in your list of Wi-Fi networks with a blue checkmark next to it. You can tap on the network again to change the settings for that network including turning on "Auto-Join" which will allow the iPad to always connect to that network. Do not "Auto-Join" for networks outside of High Point as they may not be secure.

Maintenance

IPads can be cleaned with disinfecting wipes but do not use bleach on touch screens as it will harm the screen. Clean with a damp cloth. Do not soak the iPad in cleaners and do not get any moisture in the ports.

Any damaged iPads should immediately be reported to Technology for repair as they are not safe for student or staff use.

Be sure to charge iPads each night so they are ready to be used in class the next day.

Technology will push out updates to apps and the iPadOS when they have been found to be stable updates that will work well in your classroom. If you feel like you need updates sooner, please contact Technology.

Ideas for Using This Tech in the Classroom

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Website Shortcuts

Shortcuts to frequently used websites can be placed on the Home Screen of the classroom iPads. When they open they will be in full-screen and look more like an app. This is handy for the Tar Heel sites (Reader, Shared Reader and Gameplay) and for Google forms that can be quickly accessed to log IEP data for each student. To create these shortcuts, visit the website in the Safari app and tap on the "share" icon in the top bar (a square with an arrow pointing up). Tap the "Add to Home Screen" option. It will allow the name and URL to be modified before adding it to the home screen for quick access when connected to Wifi.

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Access the Apps

Many apps require access to the internet for some or all features of the app. Internet-reliant apps include Boardmaker Student Center, all Google Suite apps, BenQ InstaShare, YouTube and many others. The AAC apps rely on the internet to backup AAC board files so students have access to the most recent boards even if their iPad is no longer functioning.

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Get Updates

iPads connected to Wifi can receive new apps, updates to apps and updates to the operating system after they have been researched and tested by AT and Technology staff. Technology will also be able to force a missing iPad into "lost mode" and force it to make a sound or display a message to help it be found.

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