February EdTech Monthly Newsletter
Feb 2025 Ed Tech Monthly Newsletter
We Would Like Your Feedback!
The Division Help Desk team is made up of 10 dedicated professionals, who provide technical support to all staff across the Division on Division applications, software, and hardware. They are more than just a service – they are a vital resource designed to guide everyone through their technology concerns and work to empower everyone with the knowledge and support needed to excel in the digital world. Every member of the Division Help Desk shows passion, expertise, efficiency, and empathy as they commit to staying ahead of the curve.
Recognizing that tech issues can be frustrating, they approach every problem with patience, understanding, and focus on making sure everyone feels supported. They also recognize how valuable everyone’s time is, and prioritize resolving issues quickly and efficiently. If you’ve ever wondered who has been supporting you from the Help Desk, the members are as follows:
Joel Gilkey - Supervisor
Help Desk Analysts: Michelle Long, Jason Ciciarelli, Andy Lam, Adam Hall, Eric Hofstede, Amber Sollows, Ethan Carrasco, Guillermo Fernandez, Zach Ng
Click here to learn more about the Help Desk or see our previous Tech Spotlights.
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After School Tech Tips for February
Our February theme is all about Introducing Google Vids!
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. Subscribe to our channel to get all of the updates. The lineup for February is:
- February 5th: Google Vids - Overview
- February 12th: How to Do A Screencast with Google Vids
- February 19th: Exploring the Timeline and Video Editing in Google Vids
- February 26th: Google Vids with the Integrated Gemini for Education Upgrade
Kids Help Phone
Click here to learn more about this resource that helps young people learn more about cyberbullying, their well-being, promote self-acceptance, and more or see our previous digital citizenship features!
Google Workspace Update
- Google Sheets Drop Down Chips: Google has made creating drop down chips easier than ever. Check out this video overview of this new update!
- Google Docs Tabs: Check out this new navigation option for working in Google Docs. Organize and navigate complicated documents easier than ever. Check out this video overview for the new update!
- Google Doc Cover Pages: Make pageless documents more attractive by adding a cover page header image right in Google Docs. Check out this video overview for the new update!
Imagen 3 - Available through Google Gemini
Imagen 3 is Google's most advanced AI image generator, creating photorealistic visuals from text descriptions. It excels in detail, lighting, and artistic style, offering a wide range of customization options.
To learn more about how teachers and students can use this product, check out our AI page for more information.
Minecraft Education Support Series
The TIPS team launched a brand new Minecraft Education support series in early January 2025. We are also offering Minecraft Education PD to help educators get started with Minecraft Education!
Sign up in PDR for any of these sessions:
March 12, 2025 (3:45 - 4:45 PM) - Repeat Session
In the support video series, you can follow these easy, step-by-step tutorials from:
requesting accounts;
strategies for importing and exporting worlds;
considerations for how you want your students to save worlds.
The TIPS team is currently accepting requests for new videos. We will review and carefully consider your request. Our goal is to create resources curated to the needs of our Edmonton Public Schools’ use of Minecraft Education. In some cases, we may find that excellent tutorials on your suggested topic already exist. If so, we'll be sure to share those resources with you. Before submitting your request, explore the resources available to you on Minecraft Education’s YouTube page.
We encourage you to continue sharing your ideas and feedback as we strive to build a comprehensive library of Minecraft Education support materials.
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.