Linewize Content Filtering on P-CCS Google Accounts

Linewize

The district’s adoption of Linewize provides several advantages for our students, staff, and families. We have streamlined our content filtering process, leading to a more user-friendly experience and simplified troubleshooting. Our educators can now leverage Classwize for digital classroom management across various devices (Chromebooks, MacBooks, and Windows) and have the ability to customize classroom-specific filtering rules (within established parameters). Furthermore, Qustodio empowers families to monitor their students’ online activities outside of school hours, even on personal devices, promoting a safer digital environment.

An additional advantage of Linewize is our ability to implement filtering rules based on user accounts, not just devices. This means P-CCS Google accounts will have content filtering applied whether they are used on district-owned or personal devices. When students or staff log into the Chrome browser with their P-CCS Google account, the Linewize extension is automatically installed, ensuring that the district’s filtering policies are applied within that browser window. It’s important to note that these filtering rules only apply to activity within the Chrome browser while signed into a P-CCS Google account.

Users can browse without Linewize content filtering on a personal device by signing out of their P-CCS Google account in Chrome, creating a separate Chrome profile not associated with their P-CCS account, or using a different web browser altogether.

Please note that signing into the Chrome browser is different than signing into any Google website. Signing into Chrome syncs your browsing data and settings, while signing into a Google website only grants access to that specific site and other Google websites.

Classwize–Devices not Connecting?

wait for connection

Are you using Classwize to help you manage student devices in your classroom? If so, you may notice that some student tiles show “Waiting for Student Activity.” What might be going on with that?

Classwize will try to connect to your students’ devices while the class is in session. When Classwize doesn’t get a response from the students’ device, their student tiles will display “Waiting for student activity.”

Some of the reasons why you’re seeing “Waiting for student activity” may include:

  • You haven’t started your class.
  • You’ve just started the class and Classwize is still connecting to your student’s device.
  • The student:
    • Is unavailable, offline, or having issues connecting to the school network or internet
    • Has left their computer on idle for at least 90 seconds
    • Is using a browser that blocks third-party cookies
    • Is on macOS and hasn’t allowed Classwize to monitor their screen
    • Is using a device that doesn’t have the Connect Linewize extension (reminder: Sign into Chrome! and see below for what to look for)
      • ✔Many students don’t seem to realize they are in Safari or Edge
      • ✔ If they are on a personal chromebook, they can’t be logged into their personal account. They need to logout of the device and log back into the device with their school credentials.
    • Is attempting to circumvent the school’s filtering by logging into their personal Google account, using Guest or Incognito mode, or hotspotting on a mobile network.
      • ✔ BYOD students might be unsure how to get on the proper wifi and have resorted to going on a hotspot. Students may need these directions to learn how to login properly. https://tech.pccsk12.com/wifi/

 

Note for district Chromebooks not connecting: Remove the student’s user profile from the Chromebook and then have them sign in again. Video directions.

If you feel like you have investigated these potential issues to the best of your ability, please send a diagnostics log to Classwize with the following steps:

  • Click the Linewize extension.

location of extension

  • Click the gear icon in the bottom right.

location of gear to access settings

  • Send diagnostics to Classwize.

command to send diagnostics log

  • Finally, please submit a P-CCS tech ticket naming the student(s), date, approximate time, and class/teacher. When we get this information, we’ll reach out to Classwize to follow up.

We appreciate your partnership in launching this new tool at P-CCS.

 

Google Jamboard now View Only

Google Jamboard End of life, try lucid for education

Reminder: As of October 1, 2024 your existing Jamboards are view-only. On December 31, 2024 you will no longer be able to access the Jamboard app or your Jam files.

What should you do? P-CCS recommends Lucid for Education as a Jamboard replacement. They offer a tool to import your Jams to Lucidspark. Lucid also has strong integration with Canvas, you can embed a collaborative board directly on a page or you can assign each student their own copy of one of the existing Lucid templates.

Resources to Help:

REMC October courses can support your new school year initiatives

REMC October courses

REMC courses are designed to enhance your teaching toolkit and foster engagement and student learning. Whether you’re looking to inspire your classroom with innovative teaching methods or simply want to refresh your approach, REMC courses provide the perfect opportunity.

With the convenience of virtual learning, you can complete these courses from the comfort of your home, at a time that fits your schedule. Plus, upon completion, you’ll earn 10 FREE SCECHs!

Registration deadline is Thursday, October 3rd, each course begins on Monday, October 7th. Thanks to the generous support of REMC SAVE’s vendor partners, all courses are FREE and there are no SCECH fees. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your skill set and strengthen your classroom!

Register for October courses here:

Register by Thursday, October 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.

miGoogle Conference on November 5

miGoogle banner

Each year, the “Google expert of Michigan.” John Sowash puts on a conference called miGoogle. This has been hosted in several locations and this year it will be at Northville High School. Even better, it takes place on November 5th, a non-school day. The day will feature workshops led by local educators on a variety of Google topics related to education. Lunch is also included. The keynote is Dave Stuart Jr. speaking on “The Will to Learn: Cultivating Student Motivation in a Hyperconnected, AI-powered Age.” The keynote topic is described as:

“Students only learn when they do work with care. Whether that work is listening, or writing, or reading, or creating — the work, done with care, is what produces transformation. So, here’s the question: as we continue teaching in an AI-powered, hyperconnected age, how do we cultivate a genuine, strong care for learning in our students’ hearts? In this keynote, we’ll explore the Five Key Beliefs and how to cultivate them in the classroom.”

While the district is looking into ways to send some P-CCS educators, if this feels like a “can’t miss” opportunity then you might consider submitting a proposal to present at the conference! Approved speakers can get free admission to conference and a t-shirt, plus a bag full of goodies. Submit your session proposal by October 1. https://www.miedtech.com/rfp/

Learn more here: https://www.miedtech.com/

 

Reminder: Connecting to WiFi

This time of year you may be encountering several students or staff having trouble connecting to the WiFi. Please direct them to this resource for the most updated information on how to do so.

[How-To] Connect to the P-CCS Wi-Fi Network

Main Points:

  • Staff: Connect to the PCCSK12-Staff network using your network account credentials (not Google/Chromebooks).
  • Students: Connect to the PCCSK12-Students network using your network username (without @pccsk12.com).
  • District Chromebooks: Connect automatically to PCCSK12-Devices network.
  • Disallowed Devices: Home assistant devices like Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple HomePod are not allowed.
  • Network Frequency: Most areas offer only 5 GHz WiFi. Devices needing 2.4 GHz won’t connect.
  • Connection Guides: See the provided guides (from the link above) for specific device connection instructions.

FAQs

Staff:

  • How do I find my network account credentials? Answer: This is the same information you would use to login to a district laptop or desktop. If you need a reminder, submit a tech ticket.
  • What if I forgot my password? Answer: Submit a tech request
  • Can I connect my AppleTV or Chromecast? Answer: Yes, but it needs authorization through a form

Students:

  • How do I find my network username? Answer: This can be found in MiStar student connect, it is the first part of your school email (without the “@pccsk12.com”)
  • Can I connect my phone or device to the Staff network? Answer: No, student credentials only work on the Student network

General:

  • Why can’t I connect to the WiFi? (Answer: Check if your device supports 5 GHz or consult the connection guides)

Action Required: MiStar Gradebook SetUp

Middle and high School teachers, please ensure that your MiStar Gradebook setup is complete. If just one of a child’s teachers has not completed this step, students and families will not be able to view assignments in MiStar.

Go to the grade book and locate the Configurations area. Make sure you don’t see red Xs or yield signs in the first three columns. If you do, go to the specific area to see what is missing in set up.

Locations for MiStar set up

For more information about using MiStar, see this training guide.

Classwize–Digital Classroom Management

decorative graphic for Classwize

What is Classwize?

Classwize is a cloud-based classroom management software designed to help teachers monitor and control student devices in real-time. It provides a comprehensive set of tools that allow you to guide your students’ online activities, keeping them focused and engaged during lessons. This is available for grades 2-12. These features work for district chromebooks and laptops with students logged into Chrome with their P-CCS account. It will NOT work for phones or iPads.

Key Features for Teachers

  1. Real-time Monitoring: View your students’ screens in real-time, ensuring they stay on task and use their devices appropriately.
  2. Web Filtering: Block or allow specific websites to create a safe and productive online learning environment.
  3. Messaging: Communicate with individual students or the entire class without disrupting the lesson flow.
  4. Internet Control: Pause internet access when you need your students’ undivided attention.
  5. Activity Reports: Get insights into students’ online activities to inform your teaching strategies and identify potential issues.

Benefits for Your Classroom

– Increased Focus: By managing distractions, you can keep your students engaged with the lesson material.

– Personalized Learning: Use activity reports to tailor your teaching approach to individual student needs.

– Time-Saving: Spend less time managing behavior and more time teaching.

– Peace of Mind: Ensure a safe online environment for your students.

Getting Started with Classwize

location of bookmarks

  1. Click on the P-CCS Bookmarks folder in the upper left corner of Chrome, select “Classwize”
  2. Open the appropriate class
  3. Click “Start Class” and enter the end time of the class (so students get released)

Dig into more options with the Classwize Guide.

Secondary: Observers Added to Canvas

Starting September 3, parents and guardians of students in grades 6-12 will automatically be granted observer status in their child’s Canvas courses. This means they can view their child’s assignments, grades, and announcements without needing to locate a pairing code. This change aims to make it easier for families to support their children’s education. There will be a slight adjustment to the login process for parents and guardians. If families reach out, you can send them this link to the directions. They are also located below.

Once logged it, you can also direct students and families to the P-CCS Student & Family Canvas Orientation. They can also find it in Canvas when they click the Help icon on the global navigation menu, see below for more details.

student and family orientation

This will not affect parents of elementary students at this time, but we are exploring the possibility of adding them as well.