Grammarly Extension Will No Longer Be Force Installed Starting January 16, 2023

Grammarly is a Chrome browser extension that reviews spelling, grammar, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and delivery mistakes in English texts. It detects plagiarism and suggests replacements for the identified errors. It also allows users to customize their style, tone, and context-specific language.

The Grammarly Chrome extension has been force installed on student Google accounts for the past several years, however, it recently started creating an issue with the built-in spell check feature in Google Docs. Its interference with Google’s native spell checker means that when students or staff are using Google Docs and words are misspelled, these mispellings aren’t identified with a red underline. While Google’s spell checker can still be used, the lack of underlining requires you to launch it by depressing Ctrl+Alt+X and using the arrow keys to cycle through words of concern.

To address this issue, the district will no longer force install the Grammarly Chrome extension on student accounts starting Monday, January 16, 2023. (Staff will not be impacted by this change since the Grammarly extension is not force installed on their accounts.) Unfortunately, when Chrome extensions are no longer force installed, they are automatically removed from the impacted accounts. If students would still like to use the Grammarly extension after it is removed, they must manually install it from the Chrome Webstore. Below is a direct link to where the Grammarly extension can be installed.

Grammarly Chrome Extension from Chrome Webstore

After the extension has been reinstalled, users will be able to use it as they have in the past, but also will be able to disable it when desired, such as when using Google Docs.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the technology department by submitting a service ticket.

Some sources for Video Clips Accessible in district

Many teachers like to use video clips to help engage students with their content.

Below are some websites built for teachers that offer usable classroom clips.

Classhook: Search for clips from popular movies and TV shows by grade level and clip length. Or browse by subject to find something to fit your needs. Their free plan includes up to 20 ad-free clips per month with an embedded question as well as access to discussion starter templates.

The Kids Should See This: Self-described as “smart videos for curious minds of all ages.”

The Literacy Shed: This site has video clips and lesson ideas, including many of the Disney shorts.

Of course, don’t forget the district-provided video content resources like BrainPOP (accessed via Clever) and EdPuzzle (6-12).

Finally, on the TED-Ed lessons website you can sort TED-Ed lessons by grade level by going to the TED-Ed lessons page then looking about half-way down the page on the right-hand side to find “filter by” and “sort by” settings. In the “filter by” drop-down menu you can choose elementary school, middle school, high school, or university. You can combine grade level sorting with sorting to find the oldest, newest, most watched, and least watched TED-Ed lessons.

See also this post from last spring for more online resources offering video clips.

 

 

Canvas Update – Unsplash images

Canvas Instructure recently shared in their Community Blog Post, that the Unsplash images integration has been removed from all instances of Canvas. This integration was previously available in the Rich Content Editor (RCE) to add images. According to Unsplash, any images previously embedded within Canvas courses will remain intact with no broken links.

If you wish to continue using Unsplash, you can access those images simply by searching the free repository directly at www.unsplash.com. and download the images to your device to either upload or drag/drop into the RCE. You will, of course, still be able to upload images from the computer in Canvas within the RCE in place of Unsplash.

ChatGPT: AI technology specializes in dialogue and generates original responses to questions in moments

ChatGPT by OpenAI (link blocked on our network) was recently released and has taken social media by storm. ChatGPT is a technology that is powered by AI (Artificial Intelligence).

What is unique about this technology is the AI can answer a multitude of questions with original responses that cannot be checked by modern plagiarism checkers. The writing is so advanced that these platforms (such as Google’s Originality Reports and Turnitin) see it as original work. There are springing up detectors such as this one that can be used to analyze and rate on a scale how likely a block of text was AI-generated, but they are far from 100% accurate.

See for example this article and look at the example below gathered from this article: https://www.springboard.com/blog/news/chatgpt-revolution/

Technology disrupting the education field is nothing new. When the PhotoMath app – Video, came out a couple of years ago, it too made an impact. The fact that a student could simply take a picture of a math problem and the app could not only give an immediate answer, but then show the steps it takes to solve the problem, caused consternation.

Below are some tips and tricks that we recommend to teachers to help address possible concerns with usage:

  1. Utilize a blended learning/flipped model: Canvas can offer a multitude of options and solutions. Upload lessons, screencasts, teachings, using the Canvas platform, and have students view these outside of school. So, then when you are meeting in person, they can write during class time, complete math work, have meaningful discussion about what was learned.
  2. Google Assignments: In Canvas, teachers can assign work with Google Assignments. Which allows the teacher to share a template/file with the student. In doing so, the teacher has immediate access through Google Drive to that assignment. So the teacher can “check-in” on the assignment throughout the writing process. Here is a previous blog post put out by the TIS team. https://tech.pccsk12.com/google-assignments-1-3-a-closer-look/
  3. Version History in Google Docs/Sheets/Slides: With google docs auto saving technology, the docs are saved every 3 seconds. Because of this the version history of docs can be extremely helpful. If a large portion of the writing appears, more than likely this was block copied. For help with version history click here: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9308971?hl=en You may also want to use the Google docs’ extension Revision History to playback the composing of a document so you can see the timing as well.
  4. AI detector software: AI detectors are not reliable. Even as they advance, research shows that a few small changes made by a user will make allow it to pass through AI detection. Instead you might direct students to Proof of Positive Authorship.
  5. Frame different questions, in some cases seeking subjective responses (so for example, “explain your opinion on ___ with evidence that informed your opinion”).
  6. NEWLY ADDED RESOURCES to further explore AI
    1. check out CommonSense’s posting on ChatGPT at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/guide-to-chatgpt-for-parents-and-caregivers
    2. check out the AI Education Project at https://www.aiedu.org/

While the district has blocked ChatGPT on its network (due to terms of service issues as well as for security and academic concerns), this tool still can be accessed at home or on cell phones by students.

We hope that the ideas above help you and support you with understanding and leveraging this new technology and how to continue to support your students when new technology appears.

As always, reach out to curriculum and instruction team for additional ideas and best instructional practices for the classroom. Also, reach out to a member of the TIS team for additional ideas and support around educational technology, and how to utilize technology in the classroom.

LATEST TOS have now been updated to allow for service use by those between 13 and 18, but parental/guardian permission is still required:

Terms of service age clause

 

Canvas New Feature – Drag and Drop!

NEW DRAG AND DROP FEATURE COMING TO CANVAS!

Canvas users no longer have to upload content prior to adding it into the Rich Content Editor in Canvas! You can soon just Drag and Drop the content directly on to the page, quiz, discussion or anywhere the Rich Content Editor is in Canvas. This feature will go live on December 20 – follow this quick tutorial for how to use this new feature. Any files that are dragged/dropped into the RCE even save to your course’s uploaded media repository!

 

Google Earth and two other apps, newly accessible to eligible students!

P-CCS remains committed to keeping student data protected and secure. We strive to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) and review companies’ policies around their digital offerings to ensure student data is safeguarded. With this as a backdrop, we chose to disable access to certain Google apps, including Google Earth, several years ago when Google changed their access requirements for those additional services. Very recently though Google introduced a way for districts such as ours to meet compliance expectations so we can again make them accessible to our students; the apps are Google Earth, CS First, and Google Read-Along.

  • Google Earth– Google Earth is a computer program that renders a 3D representation of Earth based primarily on satellite imagery. Also uses the Google search engine to utilize features such as timeline, history, and research.
  • CS First– CS First is an easy-to-use computer science curriculum designed for students in grades 4-8 (ages 9-14) that is free of charge. Teachers use the video content to teach kids coding basics with Scratch for CS First, a special version of the Scratch coding editor inside the CS First website.
  • Read-Along– Read Along by Google uses AI to listen to children as they are beginning to read and give them pointers, suggestions, and let’s them know how they are doing. Please note that the books have to be on their site, and the program is still in BETA.

As the blog post title states, this is for eligible students. Meaning, students whose parents have digitally agreed in MISTAR Parent Connection to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act paperwork when registering their children for school. If you are unsure which of your students do not have permissions, you can have the students try and access one of those services or you can check with your building secretary (they can run a MISTAR report on COPPA sign ups).

As always, if you need any assistance, or ideas on how to utilize these great programs in your classroom, reach out to the TIS team via a technology service request!

 

Computer Science Education Week 2022

CS Week

Computer Science Education Week 2022

This year computer science week is December 5-11, 2022.  Computer Science Education Week week is an annual call to action to inspire k-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers and partners to the field. Computer Science Education Week is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). One way to celebrate Computer Science week in your classroom is by participating in the Hour of Code!

What is the Hour of Code?

The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify “code”, to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. Check out the tutorials and activities. This grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide.

Why computer science?

Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. See more stats here.

How do I participate in the Hour of Code?

Start planning here by reviewing the how-to guide from hourofcode.org.

View activities on https://hourofcode.com/us/learn

View resources from Code.org: 

  • NASA’s Space Jam: Create a solar system that really rocks! Program planets to make music, creating your own musical solar system, complete with spacey melodies.  Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
  • 3D Space Invaders: Code the classic Space Invaders game in 3D while learning about the basics of game development, including fundamental programming concepts like loops, conditionals, and keyboard events. Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
  • Minecraft Escape Estate: Solve puzzles to escape from Dr. Breakowski’s mysterious mansion in the new Minecraft Hour of Code: Escape Estate. Use coding and computational thinking to unlock secrets, open trap doors, and reveal hidden clues! Appropriate for grades 2 and up.
  • Maps: In this universe, different maps are the backdrop for fun challenges with vehicles that obey your programs. To win, you will have to interpret each map and program not only the movements, but adapt to the unexpected! Appropriate for grades 9 and up.

Check out our blog for featured unplugged activities, lesson plans, virtual field trips, and more!

View Resources from Tynker: 

It’s called Coding Cup. Tynker for Schools’ parent is sponsoring FIFA World Cup 2022, and this gives students a chance to code their own team and engage with students all over the world.  You can join two LIVE learning events around Coding Cup!

*First* – Join the FREE Web PD for Wayne County Teachers 

In this FREE 60-minute webinar, explore Tynker’s brand-new collaborative coding experience that lets students control their own soccer team! In this webinar, educators will create their Tynker classrooms, enhance their own soccer skills with Tynker, compete in matches, and discover more CSEdWeek activities!

Register Here: gotyn.kr/MI_CSEdWeek 

Date: Dec. 1st

Time: 3:00pm ET

Recorded? (for all registrants)

*Second* – Add CodeLab on Tynker LIVE: Coding Cup to Your Calendar 

Like last year’s NASA events, we broadcast LIVE Webcasts called CodeLab: a live learning show for students, hosted by Tynker Teachers, which includes a LIVE walk-through of the Coding Game/Activity during CSEdWeek.

Register Here: evt.to/aiiaheshw 

Date: December 6th

Time: 2pm ET

Recorded? (for all registrants)

View Resources from Google CS First

Now it’s even easier for your students to learn coding. This year, students will find all the instructions to create the project within the activity – so no more switching between a video tab and the code editor. In addition to step by step instructions embedded in Scratch for CS First, they’ll also have access to hints, highlights, and text-to-speech features for help along the way.

They’ll be coding in no time.

Blocked Websites

Lately, we have received a few tickets about blocked websites. Please keep in mind that certain websites may not be blocked for teachers, yet are blocked for students. As far in advance as possible before starting a lesson with students that involves an online activity, please confirm that a student can successfully get to the website and the activities you hope to use with them on the site. If the site/video/activity is blocked you can submit a tech ticket to request that it be unblocked. Keep in mind that we have different access permissions set at our three grade levels – elementary, middle and high – and you should confirm with an account of the same level as your expected lesson audience. So for example, if you teach middle school students, but have an elementary student at home, testing a site on their account may not be an accurate picture of access for your middle schoolers.

Related Notes:

  • Some YouTube videos must be approved before students will be able to view them (see this blog post on how to approve)
  • Google Sites from domains other than P-CCSk12.com are blocked for elementary students. If you submit a ticket well in advance, the tech department may be able to get a copy of the site to place in our own domain, provided it is not a Google site of a personal Gmail account.

Need Canvas Help?

image of Canvas help menu

Canvas is an important learning tool in our district. We hope that you continue to find it a valuable teaching and communication tool. If you are new to the district or have questions come up about it, we want you to be aware of several resources that are available to you.

First, click the “Help” icon on the Global Navigation Menu. For general and common questions try searching the Canvas guides. If your problem or question is unique and specific to your situation you can chat online or call the Canvas Support hotline. You can be connected with a support agent that can help you almost immediately.

image of Canvas help menu

If you would like to slowly browse resources, please check out our resources at the P-CCS Tech website, https://tech.pccsk12.com/canvas-lms/

If you are instructional staff working on meeting your PD expectations, please note we have a number of courses including the following listed below (all of them are 3 hours) that can help increase your understanding of how to use Canvas effectively available for you in the Catalog. https://catalog.pccsk12.com/

  • Canvas 1.0 (new)
  • Canvas 2.0
  • Canvas 3.0
  • Canvas in the Face to Face Classroom
  • Simplify and Streamline your Elementary Classroom with Canvas (new)

As always, please submit a tech ticket if you have any questions. https://links.pccsk12.com/helpdesk