Issue 87

In this Issue

Welcome to issue #87! In this issue, we take a look at how to set up a new phone for MFA access to your Westside account, learn about apps that are discontinued, and explore some potential replacements. That, and a HUGE shout out to Oakdale Elementary for being recognized as an Apple Distinguished School!

New Phone? Transfer MFA

Did you just order that new iPhone or Google Pixel? Congratulations! As part of the new phone setup process, don’t forget to transfer your Westside Access MFA to the new device.

This process has many steps but is straightforward once you do it once.

Learn how to transfer your multifactor at: https://teachers.technology/new-phone-new-mfa/

Apple Distinguished Schools

A HUGE congratulations go out to Oakdale Elementary! Oakdale was recognized as an Apple Distinguished School for 2024-2027. ADS recognizes schools for continuous innovation using Apple technology to inspire, imagine, and impact teaching and learning. Oakdale joins Westside High School as the district’s other Apple Distinguished school.

You can check out Oakdale’s application video here. Thank you to Mrs. Pontious for leading the application process! If your building is interested in applying this spring, reach out to Matt Lee, and we can get the process started!

Changes to App Availability – Discontinued Apps September 2024

With technology, change is a constant. Inevitably, tools that we love get changed, become paid for, or get discontinued. There are two important changes to announce for September 2024.

Google Jamboard is now discounted.
Flip, previously known as FlipGrid, is no longer a stand-alone product and is available only to Microsoft Teams for Education schools.

Both of these apps will be removed from Mosyle School/Manager in the next week or so. We’re still looking for good alternatives to Flip. For alternatives to Jamboard, see the next topic!

Digital White Board Apps

Google has announced https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/2023/09/the-next-phase-of-digital-whiteboarding-for-google-workspace.html that Jamboard, their interactive whiteboarding app, is shutting down this year. It will go ‘View Only’ on October 1.

What does this mean for you? If you were using the service to do interactive sorting activities with your class, diagram, or elicit feedback, you’ll need to explore alternatives. Here are a few to take a look at!

1) FigJam is probably the closest in terms of how it works; it’s both an app on iPad (available in Mosyel School) and a website (https://www.figma.com/figjam/) on Mac.

You can create an account for free using Sign in With Google. This will get you a trial with up to 3 boards. To unlock the full features and allow for all your students to access boards, you’ll need to register as an educator. Fortunately, it’s simple! Go to: https://www.figma.com/education/?fuid=1179506776861574640 and click ‘Get Verified’. You’ll fill out a short form, and that’s it!

2) Miro: Similar to FigJam, but more powerful! It is also available as an app on iPad (available in Mosyle School) and as a website (https://miro.com/) on Mac.

The free version allows for 3 editable boards. However, like FigJam, you can apply FOR FREE to get upgraded to the Educator Plan. Go to: https://miro.com/education-whiteboard/ and click on the Apply as Educator button. That will unlock unlimited boards, up to 100 team members, and many ready-made education-specific templates.

3) FreeForm: Freeform is an app built into iPad and Mac. It’s more simplistic than FigJam or Miro, but has better integrations with your Apple devices. You can collaborate on a Freeform board using our Westside Apple IDs.

Want to learn more?

Ready to try one of these out with your students or PLC? Reach out to Matt or Bridget, and we’d love to help you out!

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!