IHMS Tech Tips

The icon for ClassLink in the SMSD Macbook dock is what is called a web clip.  Web clips are direct links to specific URLs that can be accessed from the home screen without first opening a browser.  It's pretty much a fancy bookmark.   We know that the ClassLink web clip is not always reliable, and many users rely on it for access to a variety of websites.  To that end, there is another way to access those same sites without the icon. Go directly to the ClassLink website: https://launchpad.classlink.com/smsd512 Please be sure to use this exact link.  Using just the launchpad main site will not log students into their SMSD account. When logging in, the SMSD icon should be present. Go to the Student Resources page from our district website:  https://www.smsd.org/academics/curriculum-instruction/student-resources  Reinstall the Web Clip from Manager Keep these options open if you have students that have trouble accessing ClassLink.

This post primarily pertains to student device issues, but it is a good tool to keep in your back pocket if Chrome is acting wonky. Extensions are " programs that can be installed into Chrome in order to change the browser's functionality ."  I've blogged about them previously, and w hile extensions are primarily beneficial to the user, they can also bog down Chrome and end up making the browser less functional.  To that end, here's how to remove extensions from Chrome in the event you need another trick to try for students: 1. In Chrome, click on the 3 dots in the upper right 2. Choose Settings, then Extensions 3. REMOVE any Extensions that are not necessary for school.  For students, this is most of the ones listed. If you don't know what it is, remove it. :)  This is just another thing to try if students are unable to open websites in Chrome or are getting frequently blocked messages.  Clearing the cache is also a good practice.

Text replacements are not a new concept, but maybe you haven't ever tried integrating them into your feedback or emails to students and parents.  And while copying and pasting text does the same thing, this is one less step for quick responses. I use text replacement on my phone as well as on my Macbook for phrases that I type constantly.  For example, students are asked to reply to my automated overdue book email to ask to renew their book, so instead of typing the same response over and over, I use text replacement.   To add  text replacement: On your Mac, choose Apple menu   > System Preferences, click Keyboard, then click Text. Click the Add button   in the lower left, then type the text to replace (such as  teh ) in the Replace column, and its replacement (such as  the ) in the With column. I use the text replacement "techtip" for my this blog website so I do not have to go to the URL, copy and then paste it into my Hills Happenings update.  When I type my text re

I've previously discussed those of you that love to have a million tabs open in Chrome at one time (see OneTab ), but if you just can't get past this habit, Chrome has a workaround for you. Most documents we access via Drive have the same naming formula of "21-22 ....." This makes it difficult to see what tab you are looking for without clicking on them all.  Ways to avoid this waste of time: Hover over the tab to see the detailed info about the site OR Click on the tiny arrow in the upper right of your Chrome browser.  You will then see all of the tabs you have open in that window and can choose the one you want.  You also have the ability to search within your tabs as well. Close unused tabs. :) 

Another update to Big Sur is how volume is controlled on your Macbook. If you are finding that you can't hear volume on a video or a meeting, you may have to do more than just turn up the volume on your keyboard. Using the same menu as we discussed with AirPlay, you will again click the two bars at the top of your menu screen.  You will then see sound as an option.  Sometimes, your volume can be all the way up on your keyboard, but still not on from this menu.  Weird, right?  Something to remember if you encounter trouble with sound.

This is my 3rd blog post on this app, so if you STILL haven't jumped on board, now is the time: Webex (Teams), formerly known as Spark (and still is to me), is a great tool for quick communication between teachers.  I have previously done a post on Spark, but I wanted to revisit this app again for our new teachers or teachers that have yet to jump on board.  What are you waiting for?!  Webex Teams is a messaging tool that easily allows for sharing of files and communication (and most importantly, GIFs).  I find it to be much faster than email or phone and is definitely my preferred way of being contacted. ⟸Note to self To use the app, you can install it from Manager.  Go to "Self Service" then "My Apps" and "(Re)install/Update" Webex. After you open it, you will be asking to sign in.  Webex sent emails out to all staff for you to set up your account.  If you trashed it, no worries.    Open the app and type in your fullname@smsd.org.  If you know your p