Category Archives: Security

Time to Tidy Up Old Teams

In our modern era, we tend to collect digital junk everywhere. So much to keep track of! Most of the time, it’s nothing more than an inconvenience. Sometimes, however, it’s important to take a look at items that continue to live on, especially things like old Microsoft Teams. If the ability for students to chat and meet in the old Teams was not turned off, they may be lurking around in there. Bullying, spreading rumors, trading images. Nope! We don’t need any of that. Learn how to simply and quickly delete old Teams and find any hidden Teams that need to go.

What is the status of student iPads?

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Many of you have wondered, why is it that students are unable to download apps or why students who are locked out of their iPads cannot get them reset. The situation that WCS encountered in November created a problem for how software connects to each student’s iPad (as well as MacBooks and Apple TVs). The software is part of a mobile device management system, generally known as an MDM.

According to TechTarget, an MDM is defined as…

Mobile device management (MDM) is software that allows IT administrators to control, secure and enforce policies on smartphones, tablets and other endpoints. MDM is a core component of enterprise mobility management which also includes mobile application management, identity and access management and enterprise file sync and share. The intent of MDM is to optimize the functionality and security of mobile devices within the enterprise while simultaneously protecting the corporate network.

WCS is currently using VMware’s AirWatch as its MDM.

In a nutshell, that means the MDM is used for managing devices, such as pushing out apps to student iPads, and keeping our students safe. Since iPads are currently locked-in to AirWatch, adding new apps and making changes to the iPads is not possible until a new MDM is fully online.

Anytime a disruption occurs, such as the situation in November, it’s a good time to review and consider better ways of moving forward.

That is what the MIS department is doing. They have evaluated our current MDM and considered its strengths and weaknesses and compared it to other options in the marketplace. In doing this, they have decided to to switch our MDM to one that is more robust and offers cloud backup. The new service is called Jamf.

So what comes next?

There is a lot of backend work that must take place prior to rolling out the new system. MIS is currently working with Jamf representatives to build a system that will manage Apple devices and continue to keep our students safe.

The MIS department should be commended for their steadfast efforts in rebuilding the many systems for WCS, including the MDM. When this system is fully online, Technology Systems Specialists (TSS) and Technology Integration Specialists (TIS) will be coming to each school to reset each student iPad. This will take some time. There are over 12,000 iPads that must be reset individually. When this is completed, life should return to normal with iPads as before November. Students will be able to access the WCS Catalog and download apps. Teachers currently are able to download apps to their devices using a professional Apple ID.

Considerations are currently being made regarding the GSA which will affect when this reset takes place. It’s going to take some time. The patience of WCS educators has been phenomenal and is appreciated. When INNOVATE receives any updated information about timelines for visiting your school, we will be sure to let you know.

While we wait for things to come online, there are many “web apps” that function like an app. These can be used directly through Safari web browser. And with the new iPadOS, many of them work even better. To get you started, take a look at several math-related web apps.

Use OneDrive to Keep Your Files Safe and Private

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Update: This article has been updated to reflect the changes in how WCS employees login to devices. All WCS employees should have received their new login credentials. If you have not, please let us know and we will get you setup!

Using OneDrive to backup files can keep your files safe from virus attacks and other unfortunate events like that perfect cup of coffee that is now seeping into your hard drive. It happens.

So where do we begin? Let’s start with understanding what OneDrive is and explain its benefits.

First launched in August of 2007, OneDrive, which is a product of Microsoft and part of their Office 365 suite of productivity tools, is a file hosting and synchronization service. File hosting involves the storage of files, such as Word documents, PDFs, images, or Excel spreadsheets. The service stores an identical copy of a file that lives on your computer. This allows you to work on the file from multiple devices and locations. It also allows you to share the document so that others can access it or collaborate directly. Lastly, it allows for a backup of your files should the worst-case scenario happen, err, the morning coffee.

There is more than one way to backup or store a file on OneDrive. The most basic way is to upload one or more files directly to the cloud storage site.

Get Started with Uploading Files

Start by opening a browser such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. Type office.com into the address bar and press enter. Choose ‘sign-in’ and log in with your Office 365 credentials. These are the same credentials used to log in to your k12 e-mail.

Once signed in, choose ‘OneDrive’ from the list of Office 365 online applications.

OneDrive allows you to store over 300 types of files.

If you prefer using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, follow these directions:

Select Upload > Files or Upload > Folder.

Select the files or folder you want to upload.

Select Open or Select Folder.

With other browsers:

Select Upload, select the files you want to upload, and select Open.

If you don’t see Upload > Folder, create a folder, and then upload the files to that folder.

Another way to store or backup your files is to allow OneDrive to automatically sync your files between your computer’s hard drive and the OneDrive cloud storage space. Currently, Wood County Schools employees are being asked to turn off or not use auto-sync. This may change in the future so we will be sure to update you if it does.

Would you like some more assistance? Reach out to a Technology Integration Specialist.

Here’s the latest…

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As promised, we’re sharing updates as it relates to the current situation with Wood County Schools’ ransomware attack.

Visit our FAQs page for the latest updates which includes information about midterms and LiveGrades as well as MacBooks, iPads and more.

The page is password protected. If you have not received the password, please contact your building administrator.

We will not burden your inbox about posts regarding the ransomware attack, but please check back regularly for updates. We will post the most accurate updates as we receive them. We are working with central office and MIS to make sure that the updates are accurate and useful to teachers and administrators.