Guides for video conferencing
As a teacher, whether you are new or well-versed with using technology for distance learning, there's always something new to learn.
These guides may help you with creating a better distance learning experience with technology.
Accessible slide design
Hosting video conferences
Video conferencing technology
Zoom security and setup
Video conferencing tips
Good cyber security practices
Maintaining good cyber security practices at home will help keep school and student information safe and secure.
Device and information security
Only use approved devices (laptop, tablet, or phone) to access systems on your school network, unless your school has a BYOD policy.
Take the same precautions with your laptop, tablet, or phone as you would at school:
- Lock the screen when away from the device.
- Take steps to secure the device when not in use e.g. lock your house if you go out and don’t leave it unattended in your car.
- Maintain confidentiality of student information e.g. do not discuss student information with family members or where they can hear it.
- Avoid using personal hard drives and USB sticks. These can introduce malware onto laptops.
- Ensure that printed matter containing sensitive information is kept secure and is taken with you when you return to school.
- Only dispose of printed matter containing sensitive or student information in secure document destruction bins at your school. Do not dispose of sensitive documents in your residential rubbish.
- The use of unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots poses a cyber security risk and should be avoided. Sensitive data transmitted via these Wi-Fi networks may be intercepted and exploited by malicious actors.
Increased phishing and scam activity
- Expect more phishing emails and COVID-19 themed cyber-attacks. Criminals have increased attempts to use the COVID-19 pandemic, to trick people to download malware from COVID-19 maps, or enter their details into phishing websites. CERT has issued an advisory on this
- Avoid clicking on any links in unsolicited emails and be very cautious of email attachments.
- Do not provide personal or financial information in emails, texts, or instant messages and do not respond to requests for this information.
Network for Learning (N4L)
Network for Learning (N4L) has developed a safety filter called ‘Switch on Safety’ to make the internet safer for all students learning from home.
The N4L safety filter blocks access to a range of websites known to be unsafe and inappropriate for learning.
Find out more on how to set up the N4L safety filter - Switch on Safety website
The new N4L safety filter is an extension of one of the multiple safety and security services the company has in place at schools, and is available at no cost to students and teachers for the next two years.
In addition to the safety filter, N4L is providing support for distance learning by ensuring teachers can access schools systems and documents stored on the school’s network securely, while working from home.
Help desk support
Our Service Desk staff are happy to respond to queries from early learning services, schools and kura about online learning.
Our operating hours are 7.30AM to 5.30PM on business days.
Phone
service.desk@education.govt.nz
Netsafe
Netsafe provides comprehensive support and information to support everyone to stay safe as they work, learn and play online.
Read new and updated resources for parents, whānau and students - Netsafe website
Supporting remote learning with software
Schools can get assistance from their IT Service Provider or review the following links.
Adobe COVID-19 resources
- Frequently asked questions about how Adobe is helping those affected by COVID-19
- Adobe Distance Learning Resources
All NZ schools account admins with device/lab licenses, can set up students with free ‘Working from Home’ licenses until 6 July 2020.
Apple resources
- Apple Education website – for educational resources & information
- Twitter chats with other teachers – for remote learning
- Prepare your Apple devices for remote learning
- Apple video – prepare resources for remote learning
Google COVID-19 resources
- Teach from home – teach from home with all the Key GSuite tools
- COVID-19 support resources – for teachers returning to the classroom
- Distance learning webinar series – join free webinar sessions for NZ & AU educators
- Google for Education teacher training centre – for upskilling and training resources
- NZ Distance Learning Hangouts – join these free support sessions
Microsoft COVID-19 resources
- Microsoft Remote Learning
- Nine tips to make your remote lesson a success
- Remote Learning Training Support – 5 hours per school of free training until 30 June
- EduDay Remote Learning Webinars – join these free webinars
- Minecraft Education Virtual Classes – free Minecraft: Education Edition virtual classes