Spring DALC Technology News

Hello everyone! Please read my spring technology newsletter for some important DALC Technology information!

Email and Security

You may have noticed a flurry of news reports lately about malicious software attacking the networks and data of businesses and organizations both large and small. Many of these attacks are the result of individual employees opening malicious code or responding to messages which arrive in electronic mail and websites that look legitimate. To safeguard our computer network, we all need to be vigilant when on the DALC network, whether you are accessing a DALC email account or your own personal email account. Here are some tips for avoiding problems:

• No staff member will ever request your passwords or account information via electronic mail or websites. Never reply to a message requesting this type of information.
• Never open any email attachment that (a) you didn't expect to receive or (b) doesn't include a clear explanation from a trusted source, regardless of whether or not you recognize the sender. Sometimes a malicious email may appear like it's coming from someone you know.
• If you ever have a question or are unsure about an email you received, please don't hesitate to ask me about it.

Just this past week, an attack occurred on the Dover school district email system, which included our DALC email accounts. It was initiated by one of these "phishing" email messages which allowed malicious software into our mail system. I'll continue to keep everyone informed so we can be vigilant about keeping our network safe, and I'm happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you!

Keyboarding Class

The final computer literacy class of the year, Keyboarding, begins on April 20. It runs for 6 weeks on Wednesday afternoons from 1-2pm. If any of your students are interested, please have them sign up in the main office soon!

Technology Micro Lessons

Want to use some more technology in your classroom? Give a Micro Lesson a try! I'll help you develop a lesson where students can expand their technology skills, and I'll come to your class to teach it with you. Examples of lessons I've done in the past are: creating flash cards, writing a business letter, and creating an interactive timeline using QR codes. We can use the laptop cart, the computer lab, iPads and more! Interested? Send me an email and let me know!

Computer Lab and Laptop Cart 

It's been great to see classes using the computer lab and the laptop cart! Here are a few helpful notes to keep things running smoothly:

• Monday mornings the computer lab is generally available for use, now that we are not using the lab for employment testing. If you wish to use the lab on a Monday morning, please reserve it in the binder in the main office.
• If you use the laptops, please make sure that they are plugged back in - the individual laptops and the main plug from the cart to the wall. This ensures that the laptops are charged for the next class that needs them. Several times I have opened the cart to find the laptops placed in backwards and not plugged in. 
• If you use the computer lab, please make sure the door is shut completely and locked when you leave. This week I arrived in the morning to find the lab door was left ajar. Please help safeguard our valuable technology and double the check the door when you leave. 

Thanks everyone! 

Technology around the Web

Here are some links to explore with technology in adult education ideas:

Mentor Tips Blog

From our own NH Adult Ed Mentor team, adult education teaching tips including technology!

Using Facebook Groups in Adult Education

Some great information and videos of classes using private Facebook groups to create classroom community and connect with students outside of class.

• PDF presentation on Facebook in Adult Education
• ESOL Video
• CTE Video

Free Classroom Response System

Check out Plickers - a free classroom response system - poll your class, have students answer questions and watch the results live on your projector.

Thanks for reading everyone! Have a great day!

~Tiffany