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Showing posts from September, 2017

Passwords Are Now Pass�

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Logging in to a computer system generally requires a username and a "memorized secret." Most people refer to this "memorized secret" as a password . If you are using a password, may I suggest ditching the password and instead using a passphrase in its place? Federal NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines that cover computer and systems authentication have been recently revised and the use of complex passwords is no longer recommended.  Digital Identity Guidelines  now recommend the use of passphrases to authenticate to computer and electronic systems instead of passwords. A passphrase is the use of a group of words, preferably chosen at random, used to authenticate to a computer-based system. Here is an example of both a complex password and a passphrase: A complex password: St48761! A passphrase: special holding compound Why the change? Complex passwords are sometimes difficult for us to remember. Consequently, they may end up written o

Translation/Interpretation Request Form

I hope that the start of a new school year finds you well! As things begin to pick up, I would like to share some great news that could come in handy throughout our different departments when it comes to requesting translating services. As a part of coordinating technology and innovation within the District, we have made it possible to schedule all of your translating needs through a simple Google Form. The form can be accessed by either clicking here or by visiting our Barrington 220 website under Staff in the tab entitled Request Translation. The form will allow us to receive and confirm appointment requests as well as manage uploads of documents that you need translated into Spanish. This simple yet effective process allows the translating team here at Barrington 220 to collaborate much more efficiently when it comes to meeting/document requests across our district. We do ask that you keep the following in mind before submitting your request: Please allow a minimum of 5�10 busines

Apple Clips, Your Custom Music Soundtrack Composer

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Over the summer, I had the opportunity to learn about Apple�s new Clips app for iOS from the app�s product manager. Although Clips is very easy to use, I learned a few great tips and tricks, and I was fascinated to learn about a Clips-only feature, the Soundtracks tool. Clips (currently) includes 47 different Soundtracks in seven different categories: Pop Playful Chill Sentimental Retro Action Holidays & Events Like other Apple apps with music soundtrack options, the tracks are high-quality, royalty-free, and may be uploaded to social media without infringing copyright. However, unlike other music soundtrack options, Clips soundtracks automatically adjust timing to create a perfectly synchronized music soundtrack for your Clips video. In general, depending upon the Soundtrack selected, the track includes an intro, several varied sections (depending upon the length of your video), and an outro with an ending. Thus, the music doesn�t just cut off abruptly or fade at the end, it soun

Google & Apple Service Outage Information

Like many districts, Barrington 220 uses the online services of several providers. Online systems occasionally experience service disruptions. Two of our primary providers, Google and Apple, provide very detailed web pages that list the status of their services that any user may check at any time. Google currently provides status for 23 services, such as Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Maps, Blogger, Classroom, etc. Check Google status here: https://www.google.com/appsstatus Apple currently provides status for 53 services, such as various App Stores, Apple ID, iCloud Calendar, iCloud Drive, iCloud Notes, Documents in the Cloud, iMessage, Photos, etc. Check Apple status here: https://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus The Barrington 220 tech staff will report catastrophic outages from our providers if they affect all users and are expected to last an extended time. For minor outages that do not affect the majority of users, you may check these status pages at any ti

Campus Instruction Control Center Designed for Mobile Devices

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Infinite Campus has updated the home page of Campus Instruction and renamed it �Control Center.� This enhancement allows teachers to quickly view current tasks at a glance without leaving the screen. In addition, Control Center is designed with a responsive design to allow teachers the same home screen on a tablet, smartphone, or desktop computer. Open Campus Instruction  To open Campus Instruction, click the app switcher and select Campus Instruction in the menu that opens. Use the app switcher to return to the rest of Campus as well by selecting Campus Tools or to access the Campus Community. Be sure to  Log Off when finished. The app switcher in Campus Instruction is located in the top left of the screen. Click Tools to return to the rest of Campus Tools. In Campus Instruction, choose the Year  and School in the toolbar.  Teachers in schools with multiple structures should choose the appropriate structure, i.e., BHS or Pathways; Grade 06, Grade 07, or Grade 08. You'll only need

Introducing...the Apple Classroom App

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Apple recently released the second version of  Classroom . The app affords teachers numerous opportunities to improve instructional practices while using iPad devices. Several middle school teachers piloted the use of Classroom  their iPad devices in their classrooms. We are ready to release this great tool for use in all of our PK�8 classrooms. Classroom  is available for teachers to download in Self Service on the iPad. Students do not need to download any apps to their iPad device for Classroom  to function. Check out Apple's website to learn more about the Classroom app. What can teachers do with Classroom? With the Classroom app, teachers can: create their own classes and easily add nearby students. share documents and links directly to student devices and have them open automatically on their iPad devices. mute audio playing on a student device. view the entire class of student iPad screens or focus on an individual's iPad screen to gather formative assessment data and gu