Heading into the New School Year
The Education Cybersecurity Weekly is a curated weekly news overview for those who are concerned about the Education industry. It provides brief summaries and links to articles and news across a spectrum of cybersecurity and technology topics that are specific to the industry.
Google classroom updates
EdTech Focus on K-12 on August 29, 2018
Schools are continuing their bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs; they are testing them, in an attempt to incorporate more technology into the classroom. To assist in that endeavor, Google has made changes and additions to its widely-used teaching tool just in time for the new school year.
Google has released the new version of Google Classroom. Its Classwork page was developed to help teachers streamline tasks including organizing work groups and returning assignments.
Now, a new feature allows educators to distribute and collect classwork and homework for students via Google Drive, and a new grading tool improves the grading workflow. In addition, a new locked mode is available for teachers who want to remotely lock students’ devices to reduce distractions and cheating.
For better understanding, Google has released a series of training documents and videos available in the Teacher Center.
Lack of tech support in education
Geekwire on August 29, 2018
Two latest surveys show that both parents and teachers seek more support for technology in classrooms for this school year.
Educators believe that federal and state governments should equip schools to build kids’ digital skills and big technology companies should be involved in the process. Schools think that using technology for instructional purposes is an effective way to provide personalized learning experiences that adapt to student needs.
AR makes historical artifacts come to life
EdTech Focus on Higher Ed on August 30, 2018
A newly developed augmented reality application helps students and exhibit visitors explore historical artifacts, rare documents, fragile relics of the past with curator commentary videos. The project was called The Augmented Archives and was designed by students for students. A partnership between the Washington College Archives and Washington College’s Academic Technology Department brings this to life.
The technology allows you to turn the page of a book that’s hidden behind a thick piece of glass. Having augmented reality can really open the eyes of people who may not be able to go to the National Archives or the archives here at school, and still be able to see these amazing works.
Sarah Graff, the student lead on the project and the former head archives assistant
What teenagers need to know about cybersecurity
San Francisco Chronicle on August 30, 2018
Students today are more technology-savvy than an average adult. They tend to use technology for learning as much as for games and chats.
Hackers and perpetrators always search for vulnerable victims to hack and catch sensitive data. Young people must take care of their devices and personal information, behave duly on social media, and respect digital privacy. Sure thing, there is a way for them to protect themselves, which is cybersecurity.
- Mobile safety – download apps securely, disable Bluetooth, avoid public Wi-Fi;
- Computer safety – cover a camera, avoid suspicious emails;
- Gaming safety – download games from legitimate sites, avoid conflicts;
- Social media safety – protect your privacy.
Why use digital assistants in the classroom?
The Tech Edvocate on September 3, 2018
Today’s classroom is equipped not only with smartboards and mobile devices but also with digital assistants like Siri and Alexa that are becoming commonplace as well. Why are teachers embracing this form of technology?
- Easy-to-use
- Serves as a reference desk
- Helps students review, study, and check work
- Develops an understanding of how to use digital tools
- Reads audiobooks
- Provides news and other relevant information
- Engages students
So, the digital assistant can help students in their classroom experience, and its obvious advantages make it a perfect tool to make the education process easier and more effective.