Technology Tips: May 2020 Edition

1) Security tips: Working from home

Check out this short video for tips on keeping your remote workplace secure.

2) Web Accessibility Quick Tips

Whether you’re blogging on your own or managing the district website, accessibility is a primary concern. When it comes to getting your site aligned with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), your to-do list can seem infinite. Here are 3 WCAG quick tips to get you started:

Multiple ways
Would you rather have several possible correct routes to a destination or just one? Providing multiple ways to locate information sets users up for success. Two important things to include on every page are a search function in the header and a main menu that’s easy to navigate.

Color contrast
All visitors will enjoy a better reading experience when there is sufficient contrast between your website’s text and its background. A simple rule of thumb is to use dark text with a light background or light text with a dark background. If there is a lot of text, dark text on a light background is usually better. Use this Color Contrast Checker to see whether your current color scheme passes muster.

Heading structure
A webpage with clear headings and labels is easier to scan, less overwhelming to read, and more accessible to users with visual impairments. Organize the text on a webpage by using informative headings and subheadings. Reserve Heading1 (H1) for the title of the webpage, and utilize the rest of the headings in sequential order (H2, H3, etc.).

Check out these WCAG checklists for even more ways to improve your website’s accessibility.

3) Video chat with ease

Did you know that Microsoft Teams lets you invite people outside your organization, including those who don't have a Teams license?

You'll need their full email address to invite them.

1. Select Add required attendees. If anyone is an optional attendee, select Optional instead.
2. Type the person's full email address (ex: Joe@example.com).
3. Select Invite. They'll receive an email with a link to the meeting.

If you use Zoom, it may be a helpful tip to set up a recurring meeting. You can set this up with just a few clicks, and you won’t have to send out a new URL when scheduling a meeting.

Go to your account settings and click Meetings. If you don’t have an existing meeting, you can create one here. Enter your details and click the box next to recurring meeting.

Here are some additional helpful Zoom tips. 

If you don’t use Teams or Zoom, here is a list of alternative video chat platforms.

4) Malware of the Month

Cognizant, one of the largest providers of server hosting and IT services, was attacked in a ransomware incident in April. While the company has fully recovered, they expect a revenue loss of $50 million to $70 million for the quarter. Only their internal network was attacked, so customers data was not compromised.

Originally posted in Skyward’s Educator Newsletter

You can trust that your private information is protected with WSIPC and our vendors.

Visit our Data Privacy page to learn about our data privacy and security policies and procedures.

WSIPC is a non-profit cooperative that provides technology solutions (including Skyward), services, and support to K-12 schools. WSIPC’s purpose is to help schools do more with every dollar and to empower them with the tools to work smarter. To learn how your district can become part of the WSIPC Cooperative, contact us at info@wsipc.org or 425.349.6600.

WSIPC. Inspired by education. Empowered by technology.^TM