Technology Updates

Here you'll find Distance Learning updates from the Instructional Technology Department.

For help or to check out the latest tech updates visit https://techsupport.djusd.net

May 1, 2020

Protect Your Collaboration Room From Intruders

Security from “intruders” during a Webex Meeting just got easier. The Distance Learning Support Team and the Instructional Technology Department have been working together to find the most efficient and secure ways to protect our staff and students from outsiders.

New Security Features and Options

We have enabled outside DJUSD access to your “Webex Personal Room”. You will also notice in some places the name was changed from "Webex Personal Room" to "Webex Collaboration Room”. These steps create better management options for you:

Managing Your Collaboration Room With Lobbies

Attendees who are not a DJUSD staff member will be sent to your Collaboration Room's Lobby. If a Student needs to be sent out of your virtual class, you have the ability to select them in the "Participants" tab and select "Move to Lobby”. This moves the attendee back to the lobby indefinitely until you admit them back. We won’t use breakout rooms as Webex breakout rooms are not supported for Chromebooks, which many of our students are using.

No More Scheduling

We heard you when you said scheduling your classroom was cumbersome. With this update you no longer need to schedule your WebEx session. Simply paste your permanent and unique Collaboration Room URL to Google Classroom, email, or calendar event.

We Want to Support You

The Distance Learning Support Team is here to help. We have added more information about protecting your virtual classroom on our Webex Digital Tools page, and our instructional coaches have created new modules for accessing advanced Webex features. Direct support is available by attending one of our two Webex Office Hours on Monday, May 4 at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.

Your Collaboration Room's URL

https://djusd.webex.com/join/firstinital+lastname

Example: https://djusd.webex.com/join/jsmith

Office Hours Registration

Direct support for protecting your digital classroom from intruders is available on Monday, May 4, 2020 in two different sessions. Register below.

Office Hours Registration

April 29, 2020

Chromebook/Chrome Browser Apps and Extension Changes

We are seeing a lot of technical issues with the web version of Webex, which is what Chromebooks run off of. An issue for DJUSD Chromebooks and Chrome browsers pinpoints to the amount of applications and extension we have forced installed on every DJUSD Chromebook and browser. Starting April 29, 2020, students will no longer have forced installed apps that do not apply to all DJUSD students (Grades 2-12).

- - Steps to Install Approved Applications

If a student needs access to an application that was once a force install they will need to follow these steps below to access the DJUSD Chrome Web Store.

- - - 1. From a Chromebook or Chrome browser select the "Apps" button.
        Select the "Web Store" or "Chrome Web Store" application.
        Any of the apps in this store can be installed to their device.
  - Steps to Request App Approval
    - 1. Find the URL of the Chrome App you are requesting

Example: https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-calendar/gmbgaklkmjakoegficnlkhebmhkjfich

- - - 1. Open a support ticket with with Instructional Technology at https://techsupport.djusd.net

Include the App's URL in the support ticket

- - - 1. Instructional Technology will process the request based on implementation and privacy concerns.
  - Approved Apps that Force Install
    - 1. Clever
      2. Cisco Webex (until the end of Distance Learning)
      3. Google Drive
      4. Imagine Learning
  - Approved Apps Available to Download
  - 1-click timer
  - 3DTin
  - ADDieMath Math
  - Audiotool
  - Britannica School Insights
  - CK-12
  - Desmos Graphic Calculator
  - DOGOnews
  - EasyBib Toolbar
  - Fraction Wall by Visnos
  - GeoGebra Classic
  - iStoryBooks
  - Learn States and Capitals
  - Lucidchart for Education
  - Lucidpress | Free Design Tool
  - Mind Meister Quick Access
  - MindMeister
  - Monster Math Flash Cards
  - Newsela
  - Pictico - Coloring for Kids
  - Pixlr Editor
  - PowerSchool Learning
  - Powtoon
  - QR Code Extension
  - Read&Write for Google Chrome
  - ScootPad
  - Screenshot Reader
  - StudyBlue
  - Stupeflix Video Maker
  - Sumo Paint
  - Video Recorder for WeVideo
  - Zoom

This list will always be updated at https://distancelearning.djusd.net/digital-tools/approved-applications
These are "third party" apps and extensions, NOT G Suite apps (Drive, Docs, Classroom, etc.).

Webex

Classroom Template Change
- - We've enabled "See Participant List" for the Classroom Template.
  - Disabling the participant list was causing issues on some devices not being able to see the video of their teacher/peers.
  - For already scheduled sessions follow these steps:
    - - After you have started your Webex session select the "Participant" tab at the top left
      - Select "Assign Privileges"
      - Select the "Participants" tab
      - Make sure under "view" that "Participant list" is checked
      - Select OK
Issues We Are Aware of
- - Green lines/screen for videos
  - DJUSD Chromebooks unresponsive or lagging behind the meeting session