UnderwoodES Media Tech

  “Google' is not a synonym for 'research'.” ―  Dan Brown,  The Lost Symbol Google it!  We are certainly all guilty of seeking out Google for everything from recipes to the latest weather report (come on snow!). As I work in my electives and throughout classrooms, I find that students are very much the same.  Don't know the answer? Google it!    Now, do not get me wrong with the meaning of this post...I am not by any means saying that we are leading students to do that, it is just a natural response and what they are often exposed to. Google is an amazing search engine.  However, here are some of the reasons we should encourage students to seek out their information elsewhere:  Google is a search engine and should not be cited as a source of information on school work.  Google is profit-driven, you get results that may make the company money, not always the most relevant information.  Anyone can publish anything online, you cannot ...

Lots of Technology Updates  "Getting information off the Internet is like taking a drink from a fire hydrant."   Mitch Kapor   https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mitch_kapor_163583?src=t_technology   Reboot ALL devices on Fridays From Chris Shearer,  Senior Administrator for Digital Resources: We currently have about 20,000 Chromebooks not running the latest version.  Regular rebooting would help cut down on that.  Since we went to ‘close lid to lock’ for devices for COVID, devices do not always get rebooted.  Chrome OS will download updates but takes a reboot to apply those updates.  The best practice for staff and students is a regular weekly reboot.  Underwood will work toward this on Fridays.  Videos for student and staff info will be created this week.  WakeConnect message referenced:  https://wakeconnect.wcpss.net/sites/technology/News/59189/action-needed-restart-wcpss-issued-devices-once-per-week KnowBe4 Phishing Tr...

 Read Strong Bookfair is coming! Underwood Media Center will be hosting a Bedford Falls 'Read Strong' Book Fair on December 2-9, 2021! Thank you to the PTA team for leading this process.  The following documents will support you with all things Bookfair-related!  Thank you to those who have signed up for Moonlight Reading Dec. 7, 2021 from 7-8.  You may still join in/share a space with someone for K-2 and 3-5.   Here is information for teachers .   This document includes details including these highlights:  Sign up for a buying day on the Shared document 2021 Teacher Preview and Buying Times in Google Drive.  bit.ly/2021BookFairTimeSlot   Create your own Wish list and please email Megan Delong bluemeg3@gmail.com  when the list is complete Teacher & Staff preview all day Friday, Dec 3rd. Prepackaged snacks and beverages will be available. Vouchers, Gift Certificates, and more Any questions, ask us or Email Astrid Olfenbutte...

  Media is Boo-tiful Hello all, Are things feeling a bit scary as we near the second quarter?   ~ We are here to help,  sign up  ! (Please note, times will change for the 2nd quarter). Here are a few thoughts and updates from our work over the past few weeks.   Network Drive message Are you seeing this message?  WC Tech support says to restart.  They also state it is due to not shutting down our laptops between school and home networks. It is recommended to shut down each afternoon, particularly if taking the laptop elsewhere.  Additionally, a weekly restart in the building is recommended in order to allow up updates. Thanks to Jenny C. for capturing this screenshot for problem-solving.  Portfolio Tips:  ~ Once your class has created the basic setup, (home page, about me page, grade level page with subject sub-pages) Have students publish their portfolio and then send you the link so that you can view everyone's work easil...

 Welcome Fall! "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables Media Tech updates this week: ~Library helper applications for 4th and 5th-grade students are due October 12th. We look forward to working with our students to help others during peak library times.  ~ Encourage your students to share library books by reading and then returning them on time. We have requests for several popular series selections daily. Thanks! ~ We are starting a challenge activity in Leo's Learning Lab with our Kindergarten students next week!  Mr. Barna and Mrs. Page are working alongside us in this task.  We look forward to incorporating more of these activities either in the lab or in the form of boxes you can borrow.  I will update you as this develops.  ~ Leo is still a bit lonely.  Please share a photo of you/ your family with your pets for our friends and family wall!   ~The district-level Nearpod subscript...

Here to support you in media  Chromebooks Please check-in if you have a student without a Chromebook that we have not already discussed.  We will move into maintenance with WCPSS next week and all unassigned Chromebooks need to be returned.  Replacements and repairs must be submitted through tech services.  We have a very limited supply of Chromebooks to borrow during the day.  Digital Portfolio and all other media support With most classes finished with library orientation, my schedule is more open for classroom support.  I would love to come and work with your students on special projects, portfolios, or whatever you need.   Sign up here. Circulation We are working hard to support students with independence in checking out and returning books.  Many students are still uncertain about the process, including our older students. Others have it down pat.  Please send them down with a partner so they can help each other.  The media web...

  The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.    Albert Einstein Kowalczyk, P. (2020, February 26). 50 thought-provoking quotes about libraries and librarians . Ebook Friendly. Retrieved September 11, 2021, from https://ebookfriendly.com/best-quotes-about-libraries-librarians/#library-quotes. Digital resources  The MTAC team approved the continued purchase of Tumblebooks.  However, we have not gotten enough feedback on other resources.  In order for us to make additional purchases, please complete the survey.   Media Tech Surve y. An additional question has been added to gain your opinion on using a small portion of your PTA funds to share the cost if our requests exceed our budget. Circulation We have started the circulation of books in the media center! I am loving the #librarylife.  If you are in need of a time for your class that does not fit my schedule, please reach out so  we can work it ou...