Protecting Against Imminent Virus Threats

You are the best anti-virus protection District computers have. Follow these 5 steps to protect yourself and others from unnecessary loss of data. Help others you work with follow these steps. The District is facing an imminent virus threat from "ransomware." 

BACKGROUND

Earlier this year, you saw how emails were being used to spread a web site that sought to steal your GoogleApps login credentials. Over the last few days, staff opening ransomware--a form of software that infects your machine when you double-click on it and encrypts your files, then demands you pay them for decrypting them--included in email attachments have unwittingly spread the virus across the District.

STEPS

Take these steps to safeguard your hard work in computer documents and files on your computer:

1. Look before you click! Avoid clicking on email attachments that come from people you do not know. Email attachments with "exe," "zip," are suspicious. Also, do NOT go into your SPAM folder on GoogleMail and click on the email attachments. Those messages are marked as SPAM because they are unwanted, inappropriate, and/or may contain malware email attachments.
2. Connect before opening. Even if you DO know someone sending you a file, ask yourself, "Was I expecting a file from this person?" If yes, call and connect with them...ask, "Did you send me this file?" If the answer is "No," then delete it. If it's important, they will reach out to you again.
3. Avoid clicking on email attachments via your personal email on a work computer, especially if it is a Yahoo email account given the types of malware spreading ads that find themselves displayed on that service.
4. Scan files before opening them. You can right-click a file, save it to your computer, then choose to virus-scan it before opening it. If you don't know how, ask your campus technician or a tech-savvy person nearby.
5. Backup your Data to GoogleDrive. If you plug-in your USB external hard drive or USB stick/pendrive and work from there, be aware that viruses spread via USB drives and ransomware will actually make your data unusable. Even worse, if you have cloud storage--like Dropbox or GoogleDrive Sync--(where your files are automatically backed up when you place them in a certain folder (e.g. Dropbox)), be aware that ransomware WILL encrypt those files and they will be auto-saved to your cloud storage provider. Better to turn those services off and manually back them up (i.e. go to the Dropbox or Drive web site, click on the upload button). Make backups of your ECISD data to Google Drive rather than just saving them on a USB flash drive. Watch this video tutorial

Here's one example of how a virus is being spread...DO NOT click on these messages or risk becoming infected; notice the spam filter warning that appears:

Finally, remember that if you should encounter signs your computer is acting funny, your data has disappeared or been renamed to something you do not recognize, you can stop the problem in its tracks from malware doing more damage by turning it off, then submitting a HelpDesk request or calling the Technology HelpDesk at 210-649-2343.

For Home Users who may be facing virus threats or fear they have been infected, use these tools. Note that this does not constitute a purchase recommendation since these tools are available for free, personal home use:

Anti-Malware/AntiVirus

1. Windows Solutions:
1. Anti-Malware
1. Malware Bytes* - Great to use when you think your computer has been infected with malware/spyware and you need your computer "cleaned out."
2. AntiRansomware
3. Spyware Blaster*- An easy to use "innoculation" program against spyware/malware.
4. Spybot Search and Destroy* - Best part of Spybot is the TeaTimer which protects your computer's registry against contamination and immunizes your browsers (IE,Firefox) against malware.
2. AntiVirus
1. Sophos AntiVirus - This is a free, home/personal version of the antivirus the District uses. Available for Mac and Windows computers.
2. AVG AntiVirus* - A nice antivirus program. 

VEX Robotics: Nothing But Net! Competition

Image Source: VEX Robotics

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to help out--admittedly for a little under 2 hours, so not much!--at the VEX Robotics Competion hosted by the East Central ISD's Legacy Middle School. Thanks to Mr. Trainer for hosting the event! While there, I picked up a few balls, recorded a podcast and took pictures of the event. This blog entry is the result! 

The event involved a packed room of kids--see pictures below--geeking out over VEX robots.  These were quite a different event than one I'd been involved in many years ago with Lego Robotics.

A Special Thank You

Before going much further, I'd like to thank Dawn Drisdale (@msdris30) and Marguerite Lowak (@mlowak) for organizing the event as part of the STEAM initiative launched by the EC Technology Department this year.  East Central ISD was able to participate because we met last year to allocate funding and Dawn/Marguerite began doing research at the TCEA 2015 State Conference as to what robots to invest in!

I'd also like to do a quick shout to anyone who volunteered to help out at the event, including Virgil Kirk (@virgilkirk) and Sandra Lopez.

Below, you will find some pictures and a podcast interview I recorded with the VEX Robotics laiason.  I love the characterization of robots as "shooters" or "gatherers."

Listen to Podcast

Left to Right: Thomas Mead, Miguel Guhlin

Robotics Education Web Site

Watch this Video Explaining the VEX Robotics' Nothing But Net! Competition 

 Pictures of Competition:

The view into the Legacy MS Cafeteria...you can see the timer at zero. Although you can't see it, on either side of the timer, you will find two "fields" for the robots.

This is what the "field" looks like. The balls have to be re-setup after each event. After doing a few of these, I must confess to getting pains in some muscles I hadn't used often! Fortunately, there were high school students as volunteers helping re-stack the balls appropriately. Pictured to the right above, you'll see the judges for this event, and behind them, a team of student waiting to deploy their robot.

Amazingly, you could see and smell the hard work students were engaged in as they customized their robots. In one case, the man kneeling in the bottom left is actually performing surgery on a robot component with a cutting tool (hence, the "burning smell" some reported), albeit quite controlled.

A robot close-up. Notice the green-rim wheels that allow the robot to move in a variety of directions.

This scoreboard was setup by Michael McClane at the event, enabling student teams to see what was happening and where they placed.

TTM Tip - Creating Classes to Maximize Competition

Using Think Through Math as a way to help your students work towards classroom goals? Consider this approach that Amanda Long (Salado Intermediate) decided to take:

Right now all my students are enrolled into one class with 52 students total. The limit on TTM to create classroom goals is 45. Is it possible to separate the class into my two classes-the morning and afternoon? This way the students can contribute their points toward a classroom goal of a pizza party.

Jayne Shanklin (TTM Rep for Area 20) was kind enough to share an extension to Amanda's point, as well as some instructions:

"You might even challenge your two groups to see which can earn the pizza party first by telling them the first to the goal gets cupcakes/ice cream/ extra recess/ to eat with principal/ etc. in addition to the pizza. "

And, here are the instructions, which I've taken the liberty of modifying slightly for publication here:

Step 1 - Create a Class
Follow the steps outlined in this TTM tutorial:

Step 2 - Move Students
Note that you cannot move students from classes for which you are not the teacher. Jayne points out:

Teachers can take care of moving students within their own schedules, so in the scenario below, the teacher can make this sort of adjustment. If a student moves between teachers, a TTM campus admin can make the move, between schools, a TTM district admin can do it, and from another district, ttm customer support can help.

Actual steps for moving students include the following:

1.      Click on the CURRENT STUDENTS button under the one big class

2.      Check the box next to the name of up to 10 students from one page that need to move to the new class

3.      At the top of the class list, click CHANGE CLASS

4.      Select the name of the new class, and click move

Special thanks to Amanda Long (Salado Intermediate) for sharing the question!

#ECTOUpdate - Scheduled Network Outages for eRate Equipment Installations

Thank you for allowing me to increase your awareness of eRate network equipment installations at campuses. This email includes a schedule of when installations and subsequent outages will take place. Please make a note on your calendar for INSTALL DATE that affects your campus and know that at 4:00PM, the network and Internet will be unavailable for the time of the installation.

BACKGROUND

As you may recall, the District received a significant amount of funding--almost a million dollars!--to replace obsolete network equipment at ECISD campuses. Given the quantity of equipment, the District has contracted with a vendor partner to collaborate on installations of this equipment.  Please be aware that the campus will suffer a network and internet outage at the time shown below. Every campus has a dedicated SUPPORT day to ensure prompt response by the vendor.

SCHEDULE

Every effort will be made to minimize disruptions to instructional time, and, as such, outages will only begin after 4:00PM.

Location	Install Date	Day 1 Support
Heritage	2/22/2016	2/23/2016
Legacy	2/24/2016	2/25/2016
Oak Crest	2/26/2016	2/29/2016
Highland Forest	2/29/2016	3/1/2016
Pecan Valley	3/2/2016	3/4/2016
John Glenn	3/4/2016	3/7/2016
Bexar County Learning Center	3/7/2016	3/8/2016
Salado	3/9/2016	3/10/2016
High School	3/11/2016	3/14/2016
	March 18th	Friday
	March 21st	Students Return

With appreciation,

Miguel Guhlin

https://about.me/ecmguhlin

East Central ISD Technology Operations (ECTO)

Web: http://www.ecisd.net/ecto

Typing Accent Marks in Google #spanish

While working on a handout for a colleague, I realized that I had to type in a few letters with accent marks over them. Since I haven't had to work with accent marks in a long time, a 2-second Google search revealed that you can use the Google Input Tools Chrome add-on to get the job done!

Once the add-on is installed in your Chrome browser, you can follow the excellent instructions online atTyping Spanish Characters and Accent Marks:

Using the Spanish keyboard ()
The spanish keyboard is almost the same as an English keyboard except with a few additional shortcuts:

• To type an accented character, type an apostrophe ('), followed by the letter. For example, to get á, type ' and then a.

• To type ñ, tap the semicolon (;) key.

• To type ¡, tap the equal sign (=) key

• To type ¿, hold down shift and tap the equal sign (=) key

You can also click the corresponding key on the virtual keyboard that appears.

Watch the video below that walks you through the process:

CINTech Update: Feb 8, 2016

In this Curriculum & Instruction Technology Operations Update, you will find the following:

1. Enhancing Technology Productivity
1. VideoTip: Creating Math Quizzes in Google Forms
2. Slideshow & Podcast: Voxer in the ELL Classroom
3. TxGradebook: Find a resource for TxGradebook online | Get Help
2. Transforming Instruction with Learning Technologies
1. LearnTip: Big6 for Problem-Based Learning: 5 Actions (Final Part)
3. Becoming a Connected Educator
1. Weekly Chat: Join the ECISDLearners VoxerChat Group. 

Big6: 5 Actions (Final) #ecisdlearner

Note: This is the final part of the Big6 and Problem-based Learning series.Read Part 1 online here.

Big6 #6 - Facilitate Problem Debriefing (Evaluation)

Since students worked both individually and as a group for this project, it is important that they evaluate their individual work as well as their team work.

6.2 Judge the process (Individual): Use the following checklist to judge your information gathering process.

• What I created to finish the assignment is appropriate for what I was supposed do in Big6 #1.
• The information I found in Big6 #4 matches the information needed in Big6 #1.
• I have given credit to my sources and have used a standard citation format.
• My work complies with copyright laws and fair use guidelines.
• My work is neat.
• My work is complete and includes heading information (name, date, etc.).
• I would be proud for anyone to view this work.

Judge the Process (Group): Use the following checklist to judge your group's information gathering process.

• The group received a high score on the multimedia presentation rubric.
• We have given credit to our sources and have used a standard citation format.
• The group's work complies with copyright laws and fair use guidelines.
• The group received a high score on the peer evaluation rubric.
• Our work includes the components outlined in Big6 #5.
• We would be proud for anyone to view this work.

Conclusion
Using graphic organizers with the Big6 information problem-solving model provides students with essential tools to participate in problem-based learning. Graphic organizers give students maps they can use to locate, gather, organize, and synthesize information from a variety of resources. 

Then, students can put that knowledge to use in developing possible solutions for real-life, messy problems. The process of growing up isn't easy . . . it requires us to work through problems, running into barriers as we gather information and trying to reconcile new information to what we already know. 

That's why information problem-solving processes, such as the Big6, are important; they allow us to externalize the process we go through. By making the process external, we can begin to approach the situation, not only as stakeholders willing to fight for our beliefs, but also as people who can recognize and reconcile different points of view.



References

• Guhlin, M. (1999). Five steps to Big6ú problem-based learning lessons using graphic organizers. [Online]. Available:http://www.geocities.com/mguhlin
• Freeman, G. (1999). The graphic organizer. [Online]. Available: http://www.graphic.org/ (current September 8, 1999)
• Gallagher, S. A., & Stepien, W. (January, 2000). Problem-based learning: Blueprint for bringing curriculum reform to the classroom. Workshop presented at the ASCD Professional Development Conference, San Antonio, Texas.
• Stepien, W., & Pyke, S. L. (Summer, 1997). Designing problem-based learning units. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 20(4), 380-400.
• On the Border Lesson
• Brower, D. (no date). Border patrol outreach programs. [Online].

Voxer in the ELL Classroom #tcea16

Wondering how to increase language fluency for second language learners? Consider taking advantage of the Voxer app, age-appropriate for ages 13+. The app is free and works on the Web, Android and iOS devices, including tablets and/or smartphones. Below is a podcast from the TCEA16 Conference along with resources and materials:

Listen to Session Facilitators
(Length: 22megs; about 1 hour listening time)

Also, at the end of the session, participants had the opportunity to share how they would be using Voxer in THEIR classrooms or in their sphere of influence. Here are what some of them said:

Listen to Participants' Idea for Voxer Use

View Slideshow:

Internet Outage 02/01/2016

Thank you for your patience on Monday (02/01) when the District experienced an internet outage.

WHAT CAUSED THE OUTAGE?
The outage appears to have been caused by a software bug in one of the District's switches located at the Heritage Middle School location. The software bug--in reality, think of it as "firmware" or "operating system" for a piece of network equipment--took some time to identify and bypass. At this time, it is unknown what may have caused the glitch that resulted in the outage.

WHAT TOOK SO LONG?
As you might imagine, since the outage began mid-morning and lasted until the afternoon, it was a difficult problem to diagnose. ECTO Network team members with collaboratively with Cisco--who make the equipment--and, later in the day, Computer Solutions, whom you may remember helped us make the move to the new Network Operations Center (NOC). In the end, ECTO staff was able to bypass the problematic piece of equipment (a short-term strategy, however).

WHEN WILL THIS BE RESOLVED?
On Tuesday (02/02) at 4:00pm, the EC TechOps team will work to refresh the software causing the problem on this critical piece of networking equipment, hopefully ensuring that the problem will not re-occur. Our partner, Computer Solutions, will also have network engineer(s) on hand to provide assistance as needed (at no cost). Resolving it may take less than an hour, or if challenges arise, much longer. If the outage should re-occur on Tuesday, then this timeline will be accelerated.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE!
Your patience is appreciated as ECTO works to resolve these issues that impact teaching, learning and leading in the ECISD. Please be aware that in event of an outage, updates are sent out periodically via Telegram to principals and Campus Technology Coordinators. Also, you can follow #ectoupdate via Twitter.

With appreciation for your patience,

Miguel Guhlin
Director, Technology Operations