Prepping Your Canvas Courses for the New School Year

Prep your canvas course

 

We’re excited to let you know that your Canvas courses will soon be visible and ready for action. Canvas is designed to simplify your teaching journey and provide you with a user-friendly platform to engage with your students, organize course materials, and foster a dynamic learning environment.

Course Template

To assist you in creating an engaging and effective online learning space, we’ve prepared comprehensive resources for the course template. These resources include step-by-step guides, video tutorials, and best practices for setting up your Canvas courses. Whether you’re a seasoned Canvas user or a first-timer, these tools will ensure that you’re making the most of Canvas’s features.

Import Previous Content

We understand the value of your time, which is why Canvas allows you to seamlessly import content from your previous courses.  Whether it’s assignments, quizzes, or discussions, the process is intuitive and streamlined. This means you can build upon the successful elements of your previous courses while introducing new and exciting content. Courses from last school year can be found at https://pccsk12.instructure.com/courses at the bottom of the page under “Past Enrollments.” If you need help locating courses from previous school years, check this blog post. Once you have located your previous content, you are ready to import it into your new courses following the steps below.

16 STEPS

1. The first step is to open Dashboard and click your new course.

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2. Click Import Existing Content

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3. Click Select One

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4. Select Copy a Canvas Course

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5. Type the name of your old course.

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6. Click your old course when it appears on the drop down.

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7. Click Select specific content

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8. Optional: Click Adjust events and due dates

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9. You have the option to attempt a bulk shift of due dates or, simply, remove the dates.

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10. Click Import

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11. Under “Current Jobs,” click Select Content

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12. Select the content you would like to include. Do NOT select “Course Settings.”

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13. Note that you can open the option to select specific pages, assignments, modules, etc.

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14. Uncheck specific items you do not want to bring over, if desired.

When all you want is selected, click Select Content

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15. Review any issues that might come up.

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16. That’s it. You’re done.

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Here’s an interactive tutorial

** Best experienced in Full Screen (click the icon in the top right corner before you begin) **

https://www.iorad.com/player/1992034/Canvas—How-to-Import-Course-Content

Please submit a ticket if you have any questions.

Canvas Updates Summary

Canvas update summary

In case you missed it, here’s a round up of some of the best Canvas updates to be aware of:

Highlighting Five Recent Google Workspace Updates

Google notes its Workspace Updates at https://workspaceupdates.googleblog.com/.

 

Listed below are five recent updates that will be in place by the start of school:

 

Linkable headings now available in Google Docs
To improve shareability of documents, especially longer ones, we’re adding the ability to copy links to headings in Google Docs. Simply, open a Google Doc on web > add a heading (type some content and set to “Heading 1”) > right-click the heading > click the “Copy heading link” button > paste the contents. 
Linkable Headings
Insert emojis into Google Sites 
By the end of August, you can create more engaging content on Google Sites with the new option to insert emojis directly into text boxes and headings. Simply, create or open a Site > click any textbox and the emoji button will be visible in the toolbar > select the emoji button > choose an emoji. 
Add annotations to your presentations in Google Slides
We’re introducing a feature that lets you highlight or emphasize key content while you present in Google Slides. With the new pen tool, you can circle, underline, draw connections or make quick notes directly on your presentation.
annotate slides

Bringing Collaborations in Canvas to Google Assignments 

We’re introducing a new feature exclusively for Canvas that allows users to create a Drive item and collaborate on it with other users in the course.  Today, we’re introducing a new feature exclusively for Canvas that allows users to create a Drive item and collaborate on it with other users in the course. Teachers and students can now work together on a variety of Google Drive items, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Forms, Jamboards, and Drawing.
  • Use the following steps to create a collaboration in Canvas:
    • Sign in to Canvas > open the course > in the sidebar, click Collaborations > click + Collaboration > Google Drive (LTI 1.3). If you’re not signed in, sign in to your Google Workspace for Education account. Enter a title for your assignment > (optional) enter a description > under file type, select a Drive file type > under invite people to collaborate with you, select any LMS users for which to share the collaboration Drive file > click Create > in the opened pop-up, confirm your changes, and click Create. 
  • Use the following steps to open a collaboration in Canvas:
    • Sign in to Canvas > open the course > in the sidebar, click Collaborations > click the title link for the collaboration you wish to open. Note: You can only view a collaboration if you are an instructor or were added as a collaborator. In the new tab that is opened: 
      • Sign in to your Google Workspace for Education or Google account
      • If this is the first time you’re opening the collaboration, click Join

Adding line numbers to Google Docs

We’re introducing the option to display line numbers within Docs that are set to paged mode.  See https://support.google.com/docs/answer/13820512
The numbers are automatically calculated next to each line in the document, and can be configurable for the entire document, a page, or a specific section. Additionally, these numbers are preserved when printing.
This feature makes it easier for you to reference specific content positions in documents, particularly when collaborating with others on long or complex content.
adding line numbers

 

THE GOOGLE FOR EDUCATION NEWSLETTER ISSUE 65

Google newsletter

A few highlights from the July issue.

New Google for Education Training Course Catalog
Looking for Google Workspace for Education trainings for educators? Find the full catalog of offerings at goo.gle/teachercenter.

Journey to ancient Egypt in Return of the Cat Mummy
Students can explore ancient Egyptian beliefs, hieroglyphs, & mummies including a new game which invites users to explore and learn about the ancient Egyptian afterlife.

Play a cello inspired instrument with the help of machine learning
Viola the Bird is a way for anyone to learn about string instruments and to explore their own creativity through music. Regardless of their musical ability, users can help Viola the Bird play its cello-inspired instrument, and take a playful musical journey.

Leonardo da Vinci: Inside a genius mind
Google Arts & Culture has unveiled “Inside a Genius Mind” — the largest online retrospective dedicated to the genius of the Renaissance, showcasing his extraordinary codices alongside his artistic and scientific contributions.

Unpack Life Beyond Earth with NASA and Astrokobi
Students can hear from NASA astrobiologist Heather Graham and YT creator Astrokobi to understand what life is, where we would find it beyond Earth and what it would look like.

See past issues or sign up for the Google Education Newsletter.

Beat the heat with a REMC course and learn new skills for the start of school

REMC August PD

Summer is a great time to learn a new skill, connect with other educators and explore ways to increase student engagement. All REMC courses offer 10 FREE SCECHs and can be taken from the convenience of your home and when the time is right for you. August courses include creating instructional videos, design thinking and much more!

Registration deadline is Thursday, August 3rd, each course begins on Monday, August 7th. Through the support of REMC SAVE’s vendor partners, all courses are FREE and there are no SCECH fees. Don’t miss out on this great summer learning opportunity!

Check out August 2023 courses here:

Register by Thursday, August 3rd. You will receive a welcome email with the course information prior to the course start date. If you have questions or need further assistance with your course registration, please click here.

K-5 Teachers: Welcome to Lumio!

Lumio is coming to P-CCS!

We are so excited to share that all Elementary Teachers will be getting Lumio accounts beginning on Monday August 7! P-CCS has partnered with SMART to bring new SMARTboards to every elementary classroom over the next three years. There are so many new amazing features that help make these Smartboards the best walk up and teach interactive technology and Lumio is the online component that leverages the Smartboard hardware! But even if you are teaching in an elementary building that didn’t get the new Smartboards this year, you will still have access to Lumio for use with your current SmartBoard and in the future when that board is replaced with a new one!

So what is Lumio?

Lumio is the online component of the SMART technologies resources that include lesson resources, interactive activities, games, collaborative workspaces, and so much more! (If you remember Smart notebook and Smart Exchange from years ago, this is the newer, better, online version!) Lumio is the digital learning tool for transforming lessons into active, collaborative learning experiences that engage students on their own devices. Transform lessons in seconds, then deliver them to student devices in a browser, or via Google. You can even combine different file types (PDFs, Google Slides, PowerPoint and Notebook files) into a single Lumio lesson! Import the lessons you already use, combine existing resources and enhance them with customizable components including games, collaborative workspaces and much more. Then deliver them to student devices quickly and easily, all from a browser or Google Drive.

How do I get started?

Starting Monday August 7, check your P-CCS email for information on how to access your account. Then keep an eye in your inbox for weekly emails from Lumio that will give you step by step training to use ready made resources in Lumio, create your own and how to share with students! If you ever need support, put in a tech request for Technology Integration at helpdesk.pccsk12.com.

 

Introducing KnowBe4 Training and Awareness Program

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is committed to ensuring the online safety of our staff and students. This school year, P-CCS is partnering with KnowBe4 to enhance awareness around phishing scams. We will be utilizing KnowBe4’s training tools to empower our staff to recognize phishing scams and equip our Technology Department with tools to assess our current information security culture, identify areas of improvement, and equip every member of our community to safely navigate the ever-evolving landscape of information security.

 

What is KnowBe4?

KnowBe4 is the world’s first and largest security-awareness training and simulated phishing platform. More than 35,000 organizations around the world use KnowBe4 to raise awareness of threats to information security and train users to protect themselves and their institutions from those threats. KnowBe4 is highly reputable. In 2019 and 2020, the platform was named “Security Awareness Training Platform of the Year” by CyberSecurity Breakthrough (Tarantino 2020), “Education and Training Provider of the Year” by Network Computing (Tarantino 2020), and the winner of the Cyber Defense Magazine “Cyber Defense InfoSec Award” (Tarantino 2020)

 

How does KnowBe4 work?

KnowBe4 will provide staff with opportunities to identify common phishing email indicators and access concise training modules that contain crucial information on maintaining online security. It will allow P-CCS to run phishing simulations and easily track actual phishing attacks through a “Phish Alert Button” that is integrated into Gmail. Additionally, KnowBe4 will provide our Technology Department with analytical tools to understand our security culture and customize future training and communications according to the needs of the P-CCS staff.

 

Throughout the year, the P-CCS Technology Department will periodically launch simulated phishing attacks. Please view these simulations as learning experiences to enhance your digital safety, not only within our district but also on a personal level. If you encounter a suspicious email — characterized by elements such as poor grammar, unfamiliar sender addresses, spoofed institutional branding, or urgent requests — simply click the “Phish Alert Button” located on the right side of your district Gmail inbox. Once reported, it will be reviewed to see if it is malicious in nature and either discarded or returned to your inbox.

 

Next Steps for PCCS Staff:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the “Phish Alert Button” in Gmail.
  2. Stay vigilant for suspicious emails – watch out for poor grammar, unfamiliar sender addresses, spoofed institutional branding, or urgent requests.
  3. If an email seems remotely suspicious, report it using the “Phish Alert Button”. This helps maintain the security of P-CCS staff and student information.
  4. Always err on the side of caution – if you’re uncertain about the legitimacy of an email, report it using the Phish Alert Button. Emails that are found to be safe can and will be easily restored to your inbox.

 

If you have any questions regarding KnowBe4, please submit a tech ticket at helpdesk.pccsk12.com.

 

Getting Emails about P-CCS taking over the domain? Confused on what to do?

Been getting Emails like this? (If you have not been getting these emails you can ignore this blog post)

Update Apple ID

Apple Support
If you have been getting these emails it means that you previously used your @pccsk12.com email address as an apple ID. This is the first step in the process of PCCS moving to managed apple IDs. And now that PCCS will be managing all @pccsk12 emails used as Apple IDs – you need to decide what’s best for you.
  • Do you have a lot of app purchases or credit cards or photos or other data that you wish to keep? If YES, then you are going to want to update your apple ID to a different email address. You can use a personal email that isn’t already tied to an apple ID, create a new email to update your Apple ID to, or create an icloud email address to transfer your data.
  • If you DO NOT have any app purchases or data you are concerned about keeping, you can ignore these emails and do nothing. After July 30, Apple will assign an icloud email address to you and send an email with the information to change your password. If you truly do not care about any data previously attached to your PCCS apple ID, you can again do nothing.

 

In the fall, more information will be coming out about how to log in to your managed apple ID and the benefits!

If you’d like more information on Managed Apple IDs, check this previous blog post.

Technology Checklist (shared one more time) for Summer Break!

Summer Break has arrived! We hope you enjoy all things summer, but as you close out your classrooms for the year, please ensure these technology items are also taken care of.

Classroom Technology

  • Please comply with the directions of your principal and main office to turn in or secure all classroom technology equipment such as document cameras, microphones, interactive pens, and remotes.
  • Please also secure or take home all District-assigned devices (laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.), as well as all personally-owned devices. Please consider plugging in and updating your District Laptop prior to the start of PD in the fall (sometimes updates can take an hour or two if your device is off all summer) – see this blog post about Suggested Laptop Maintenance for reference.
  • Power off projectors/IFPs, sound amps, and desktop computers. Unplug any lamps, power strips, etc. You may leave district printers and copiers plugged in and powered on.
  • If you have a cart of devices, ensure that all devices are plugged in, the cart is locked and plugged in. 
  • Follow the care suggestions for classroom audio

Canvas

Rest assured, you really don’t need to do anything to your Canvas page. It will roll over to Past Enrollments and you will be able to copy the content into your new course shell in the fall. If you’d like options and considerations that you may wish to think about for next year, view this blog post.

After today students will no longer be able to submit or edit any work. Teachers have a few days thereafter to finalize grades.

Clever

Staff and Students will have access to all clever resources throughout the summer. Clever syncing has been paused to allow student’s continued access to their 22-23 teacher’s pages and links until around mid-August when syncing will resume for the 23-24 school year. If you’re interested in learning how to make the most of Clever in your classroom, consider looking at training and ideas here.

IXL

PCCS’s digital subscription for K-5 elementary students will continue throughout the summer. Students will have access to their NWEA skill plans (which were just updated with any spring scores) all summer. Students will have access to any current teacher starred skills through around mid-August. Students in 5th grade currently will lose access around mid-August when syncing begins for the 23-24 school year as they will then be recognized as 6th graders.

Other District Provided Subscriptions

For the most part if it is a district provided subscription, the district will handle any archiving and rostering needs for you. For example, WeVideo, Newsela, BrainPOP/BrainPOPjr, Seesaw for Schools, – there is no action required on your part. If you have manually created classes for things like Epic, Seesaw (grades 3-12 who do not have the Seesaw for Schools subscription), SplashLearn, etc. you may want to archive/delete old classes.

Sharing Digital Content

Whether you are separating from service, working on curriculum, or you are teaching different classes next year there are several options for sharing digital content with colleagues.

Need SCHECH credits?

Leaving the District?

Your TIS team is available all summer to support you – simply put in a tech request at helpdesk.pccsk12.com for technology integration!