What's New?

• We’re moving to the clouds with Google Apps & Student Email.
  
• SEIMS is going live online. Create & monitor student IEPs 24/7.
• BPS has a new wireless carrier & phones. Check out the Wireless Phones MyBPS page for info & resources.
• A new Student Information System will upgrade MyBPS in fall 2011. Help pick the tool by joining the selection committee.

Need Technology Help?

• Let the OIIT Service Desk be your gateway to technology support. Call us at 617-635-9200 (Mon-Fri 7am-4pm). Average wait time is only 1 minute & 11 seconds! Principal/Headmaster calls are priority. Hit #6 to jump to the top of the queue.
• For tutorials, FAQs & ed tech resources, visit OIIT Online at: www.bostonpublicschools.org/technology.
• Take an OIIT technology PD or schedule a PD for your teachers at your school. Visit MyLearningPlan for more info.

Foster 21st Century Skills: Communicate & Collaborate with Technology

• Wikis, blogs & podcasts, oh my! BPS Connect (http://connect.mybps.org) is the district’s online community for communication & collaboration. Request training to create an online group for your school.
• Incorporate information literacy into your curricula with support from our new Library Director, Amy Short.
• OIIT & OHSS will launch 2 online HS courses in 9th grade Math & ELA this fall. HS students will LogON for Success.
• BPS can now access Internet2. Leverage a high-performance network & worldwide partnerships to enhance your mission.
• New teacher L4L orientation sessions begin on August 31st and run through September. Register on MyLearningPlan.

Maximize Your School's Technology

• Improve L4L laptop performance by running critical software updates. Remind teachers to connect laptops to the BPS network on a weekly basis. Also, fall is L4L registration time! Register laptops early in October.
• Consider virtualizing your computer lab. Virtualization saves money, space & energy.
• Soon all BPS passwords will be one! Check out boston.k12.ma.us/password to learn more.
• Using the latest software? Extend the capacity of computers with software upgrades (Office 2007/Parallels 5 & more).
• Leverage limited funds for technology! Contact OIIT to set up a technology purchase consultation.
• Access new reports & data via the BPS Data Warehouse – Student attendance, MCAS, GPA & mailing labels.

Be Safe Online: BPS Cyber Safety Campaign

• Educate faculty & staff. Bullying & cyber-bullying are now crimes in Massachusetts.
• Don’t be a bystander. Report incidents to the Mayor’s Anti-Bullying Hot Line at 617-534-5050.
• In response to new technologies & social networking, the BPS has a new student Acceptable Use Policy! Check out AUP podcasts, cyber safety curriculum resources & downloadable materials at www.bpscybersafety.org.

LINC 4ward with Technology!

In today’s digital world, technology literacy & 21st century skills are critical for student success. This year, OIIT will launch the development of LINC4ward, a new & innovative vision for technology in the BPS that will prepare all Boston students to be active & engaged citizens in a multi-faceted, global society. Look for invitations to participate this fall.

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