This summer brought exciting technology updates, including a new phone system, upgrades to Google Workspace for Education for increased security, plus changes to various instructional platforms. If you have any questions or need a hand with the new tools, just submit a ticket in IncidentIQ—we're here to help!
TECHNOLOGY UPDATES - 2025-2026
- A NEW PHONE SYSTEM - All EASD offices and classrooms have been outfitted with new Grandstream phones. All 5-digit extensions remain the same as in the previous phone system and a “9” is still required to dial outside calls. A Wave for Desktop app is available to staff with Mac computers to allow incoming and outgoing calls through the computer. Visit the tech wiki for complete instructions on using the new Grandstream phones and the Wave for Desktop app.
- Back to School Technology Checklist for Teachers: Please review this checklist before school begins to be sure that your classroom technology is accounted for and in working order. Reach out to Tech Support for assistance if anything is missing or not working.
- Google Workspace for Education Plus upgrade: To increase digital security within the district, EASD has upgraded to the Google Workspace for Education Plus plan. This benefits instruction by providing additional instructional tools:
- Google Vids: Google Vids is included for creating engaging video content, with AI-powered features for generating storyboards and more.
- NotebookLM: Provides a personalized AI expert that can summarize, explain, and generate content based on your uploaded sources, aiding in research and content creation.
- IncidentIQ - All staff, students and parents will continue to submit tech requests through IncidentIQ. Staff will also submit Facilities requests in IncidentIQ.
- Newline Flat Panels:
- Newline Cast app updated. The Newline Cast app has been updated over the summer. As a result, teachers may need to change the room name for easy identification. Open the Screen Sharing app, click Settings, click General, change room name if needed, and click Save.
- Newline Flat Panel cleaning: All teachers were given a gray microfiber cloth to clean the flat panels. If you do not have it, reach out to your building custodian for a new one.
- Online instructional systems have all been renewed with the exception of the following changes:
- Actively Learn: Renewed only for High School grades 9 and 10
- BrainPOP ELL: Was not renewed
- IXL: Renewed for Middle School and grade 9 in the High School
- Labster: Was not renewed
- Learning A-Z: Was not renewed
- Newsela: Renewed for Middle School only
- Xello: Was not renewed
- Schoology Updates:
- Schoology now includes PowerBuddy, an AI-powered assistant to help teachers create assignments, discussions and other instructional materials.
- There have been changes to the Discovery Education app and the Actively Learn app in Schoology and there will be upcoming changes to the Google Drive assignment app. More details will be coming out about those changes as they become available.
- Securly Classroom - Bear Creek teachers now have access to Securly Classroom, a system to monitor student Chromebooks during class. Teachers can also push out websites to student Chromebooks for faster access, lock students into specified websites and block other sites. Reports will be automatically emailed to teachers once the class ends with a summary of the sites students accessed during class. Look for details this fall on trainings that will be offered, and in the meantime, view info on the Tech Wiki.
- Teaching Emergency Help Line - Call routing changes: All teachers are invited to call the Tech Emergency Help Line at extension 11199 when issues with technology are impeding classroom instruction.
- The Tech Emergency Help Line rings the Tech Office desk phone, located in the High School IMC, as well as all tech department members’ phones.
- On the rare occasion that our technicians can’t answer a call, it will transfer to the tech emergency voicemail box. Once a voicemail is recorded, it automatically converts to a tech request ticket in the IncidentIQ system with the voicemail recording attached. Based on the issue, the support ticket will be assigned to the appropriate technician who will respond in a timely manner.
- August and September are the busiest times of the year in Technology Services and longer than expected wait times may occur. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this very busy time of year.