In this Issue
In this issue, we take a look at what’s new with Webex and review the NEW and more STREAMLINED way to contact tech support. We end with a new feature – “Tech Refresh Corner” where we talk about frequently asked questions about the upcoming technology refresh for 2021!
What’s New With Webex – October 2020
There’s be a TON a great new features added to Webex since the start of school. In September we got support for Breakout Rooms, in-meeting cohosts and much more!
Now for October, check out the new features that have been added. Note: Make sure to update your Webex Meetings app. You’ll need to be at version 40.10 or higher to take advantage of these features
- Support for active background noise cancellation.
- “Hard Mute” for meeting participants. This means that if you select ‘Mute All’ you can prevent students from un-muting themselves. It’s handy for large meetings!
- Support for keeping video on when using split screen on iPad.
– DARK MODE support during Meetings.
Help Me! AKA How to contact tech support 🙂
Need help? Have a tech issue? We’re here to help!
In order to better respond to requests AND make it easier to report issues, we’ve simplified the technology support request process. Instead of emailing a person or a building we’ve condensed it down to the below.
There are 2 email addresses to remember for the tech department!
- onlinesystems@westside66.net
- For questions specific to accounts/setup with online instructional systems please email onlinesystems@westside66.net. Instructional systems include Clever, Blackboard, Pearson, EduTyping, TCI, IXL and others.
- NOTE: This does NOT include ASSESSMENT systems/accounts like Illuminate, EduBackpack, Fastbridge, etc. Those should be directed directly to Sandhya Thamma at ABC.
- techhelp@westside66.net
- For all other tech support questions, email: techhelp@westside66.net This includes hardware, software, internet, printing, webex, appletv and any other technology related issue. ALL buildings will use this email from now on. The system will direct your ticket to the appropriate building staff automatically!
Tech Refresh Corner
Westside Technology will be getting an update for the 2021-22 school year! The Westside Complete refresh will empower all our learners with the deployment of iPads K-12. We’ll be including a tips, tricks and answering frequently asked questions in this and future Technology.Update emails to keep you informed about the refresh plans. For a complete description of the technology refresh, please read through our complete Westside Complete FAQ document
Question: “Will I be able to keep my MacBook Air?”
Answer: YES! Teachers are keeping their MacBook for at least the next refresh cycle. That means that all the systems, process and capabilities that you have NOW will be the same as you’l have next August. PLUS you’ll receive a 12.9” iPad Pro for added capabilities.
Question: “How will I be able to type on an iPad?”
Answer: Teachers will receive the 12.9” iPad Pro AND the iPad Magic Keyboard AND an Apple Pencil. The Magic Keyboard is a full sized keyboard that includes a trackpad! You’ll be able to interact with the iPad using touch, the pencil, and a cursor controlled by the trackpad, just like on your Mac.
Question: “iPads are small. Will I be be able to see?”
Answer: Teachers will receive 12.9” iPad. It’s 12.9” screen size is almost identical to the amount of usable space on your 13” MacBook Air. The iPad also has additional capabilities to dynamically resize content (aka, zoom in or out and make text bigger or smaller) based on your preferences.
Question: Does Google work on iPad?
Answer: YES! Using Safari, you have full access to Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, Sites and all the other Google tools. These tools look the same in Safari on iPad as they do on your Mac. With the addition of the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard, you can interact with them in the same way.
Question: Will Chrome be availed on iPad?
Answer: Safari will be the only browser recommended on iPad. This is due to a variety of reasons, but it boils down to providing the best, most Mac-Like experience for teachers as possible. On iPad, all browsers (i.e., Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) all use the same ‘engine’ to display content – the one used by Safari. Only with Safari, Apple adds in it’s own special sauce to make webpages appear just as they do on the Mac. Ironically enough, this is most apparent with Google Docs. A great example is Google Sites. Chrome on iPad will NOT let you edit a Google site, but Safari will. Additionally, Safari had built in privacy, security and accessibility features that make it an excellent choice for us going forward.
Closing
As always, if you ever have any technology integration related questions, please let us know. We are happy to work with you to design lessons, develop workflows and even come into your classes and work with you and your students.
Thanks!