Friday, March 25, 2022

ASA Tech Tips and News for March 25, 2022

Until I received the White House alert this week, this was just going to be a routine post with several  updates. That all changed with the US government warning about the increased risk of cyber attacks from Russia. War tactics have significantly changed in the last several years, turning increasingly to cyber warfare. I don't want to be an alarmist, however I do want you to seriously consider the warning and take necessary measures with your devices to protect yourself and ASA. Definitely brush up on your cyber security awareness and knowledge. Read the article below for recommended steps to take to secure your devices, network and data. In addition, in October 2021, which is Cyber Security Awareness Month, I featured a different aspect of online security each week. Please take a look at the October 2021 posts and review the first article in each post. Here are links to make it easier to find them:
You can also scroll down to the labels section in the right column, and search this blog by key word, such as phishing, cybersecurity awareness, or security for more videos and articles on the topic. 

Prepare for Russian Cyber Attacks

In a rare move, President Biden has warned all business and organizations to prepare for Russian cyber attacks as the war with Ukraine continues. You may think that as an average American you are not in danger, or that as a small private school we aren't the target they are looking for. Right now, ANY target is a good target, especially if it's American, and the more targets they can hit the better. Please take this warning seriously, and consider implementing the following measures right away:
  • Turn on multi-factor authentication with all your accounts - especially your ASA Google account. This means when you login, you'll enter your password, and then verify you are logging on your mobile device. Here are instructions for turning on 2-step verification in Google. When turning it on, please use a Google prompt or the Google Authenticator app on your mobile device. It's best NOT to use a verification code from a text message or call because those can be intercepted and spoofed. Need help? Please contact me, I'll be happy to walk each and every one of you through the process. 
  • Anti-Virus AND Anti-Malware - In addition to whatever antivirus program you are running, consider installing at least the free version of Malwarebytes (or a similar program that looks for all malware, including ransomware, spyware, adware, etc. - not just viruses) on your device. It will start with a premium trial. At the end of that trial you can just continue on with the free version. 
  • Keep up with all updates - Windows, MacOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android, as well as apps or programs loaded on your device. Make it a priority to run those updates when prompted. 
  • Back up your files - Make sure you are backing up all the files on each of your devices. If your files are consistently backed up, you won't lose anything if you are hit with ransomware, AND you won't feel the need to pay up. Whether you use a USB hard drive or online service, such as OneDrive, iCloud, Acronis, etc., make sure it is set to run automatically. Photos can be automatically backed up to Google Photos or Amazon Prime. Here are some suggestions for online back up services. 
  • Continue to be vigilant - when checking email and text messages. Do NOT click on links in an email that you are not expecting or is not from someone you know. It's far better to err on the side of suspicion than to click on something that looks legit, but instead loads malware on your device, or worse, steals your online account info or personal data. Here are a few videos to remind you what to look for:



What Happens If I Don't Upgrade to Windows 11?

What Happens If I Don't Upgrade to Windows 11?, from How-To Geek by Benj Edwards
I get it! Another Windows version change. Some may choose to update, while others may be putting it off. Still others, like me, have a laptop that is just old enough to be incompatible with Windows 11. Fortunately, you have 3 1/2 years to decide to upgrade if you're able, or replace your laptop if you aren't. 

Canvas Resources


Creating Emergency Sub Plans

Step by step instructions for creating sub plans, and teaching students to use them as well. These instructions were included in the March 2022 Canvas Newsletter and can be found here.

Canvas Tutorial for Subs

While we don't give subs a Canvas Account, It is helpful if they know how to help students navigate Campus. The links on this page are student guide videos. If the sub knows where to find these links, it will  help him or her help the students. 

Upcoming Webinar on Canvas Mobile Apps

Canvas is holding two identical webinars about the Canvas Mobile app for teachers, students and parents. Use these links to register for March 31st or on April 1st. Previously recorded webinars can be found here. 



If you have changed your calendar status in Gmail (upper right of the message window) from Active to anything else, such as In a Meeting or Commuting, it will be visible to anyone sending you a chat. This will make it easier for them to see if it's not a good time to message you, or at least not to expect an immediate response. This update should be available within the next week. Full details can be found here.

Google Docs:  Create an Email in Docs



Within two weeks, you will be able to compose an email in Google Docs. This will allow you to collaborate with others when drafting the message. Insert an email template (Insert > Building Blocks > Email Draft), and use @ to find email addresses without typing in the entire address. I'm not seeing this feature yet, but it should be available within the next week. Find all info about this update here. 

Google Sheets:  Cell Limits Doubled

The number of cells available in a sheet has doubled from five million cells to ten million cells. So if you need to create or use a HUGE sheet, you will be able do so now. 

How to Edit a PDF

How to Edit a PDF, from How-To Geek by Mahesh Makvana
In addition to the three methods in this article, you can save the PDF to drive, right click on the file and select Open With. Select Google Docs and it will do its best to translate the text to a Google Doc. Like Microsoft Word, this method works best with PDFs that are mostly text. 

How to Add, Edit and Remove Tab Stops in Google Docs

How to Add, Edit and Remove Tab Stops in Google Docs, from How-To Geek by Sandy Writtenhouse
If you really want your text to line up, it only takes a couple clicks to set a right, left or center tab.

Find Free Ideas for Your Classroom

Matt Miller from Ditch That Textbook has curated ideas from teachers on a variety of classroom topics, such as engaging students, communication, memorization, practice activities, assessments, and more. You can access them here at efficienteach.com. The site will continue to grow as more teachers submit suggestions. You can submit your suggestions too at matt@ditchthattextbook.com.

My Five Favorite Canva Features

Educators are eligible for a free Pro membership to Canva, as long as one person has signed up and jumped through the hoops to get the email domain designated as an educational institution. I've already done that for asagr.org, so you just need to sign up. You can also create a class and add your students (with parent permission) so they can use Canva as well to create posters, presentations, images, infographics, magazines, book covers, etc.
 


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