Dec. 13, 2021

The Technology Board Advisory Committee held its fourth meeting of the 2021-22 school year Monday, Dec. 13. Committee members discussed a variety of topics, including tutorial videos for district apps, programs and devices, as well as the educational value of Google Chat as part of Google Workspace for Education.

Blended learning coordinator Colin Davitt opened the meeting by sharing a tutorial video he created for the Canvas Parent app. This app is one of many used by the district to keep families informed throughout the school year. The committee discussed the need for these types of training materials, how they should be structured and where they should be available to maximize their effectiveness.

Technology support specialist Keith Loveless shared similar tutorial videos created by Lindbergh High School Copilot students. These videos were dedicated to hardware and software problems that high school students may encounter. Topics included how to properly charge a district-provided Chromebook, and how to submit a support ticket via the Copilot website. Committee members agreed that these videos would be helpful reminders for students, and recommended that they be housed somewhere on the Copilot website.

Finally, the committee discussed Google Chat as a useful tool for students. The group brainstormed ways to balance the social aspects of chatting with peers while keeping students focused during the school day. The committee agreed that students need clear expectations for how to use Google Chat for educational purposes, as well as the consequences for using this tool inappropriately.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 24.