Point A to Point B

Tag: Student Stuff

  • Keyboarding

    There is a lot of talk right now about when keyboarding should be taught in school. Historically it has been done at the high school, but since computers and keyboards are ssuch an integral part of our daily lives, it appears that keyboarding instruction should come earlier. Research shows that early keyboarding classes will help the most.

    What are your thoughts on keyboarding instruction (time spent learning how to keyboard correctly)? Do you think it would help you? Do you think you type well enough already? How did you learn to type the way you do now?

    Post your comments here – thanks!

  • Essays: By hand or computer?

    Hey Mr. Nocek’s classes – you just took a test and had the option of handwriting or word processing the essay. Which do you prefer? Why? Do you find that you write more/better when using the computer? Please comment back on this – thanks!

    Mr. R.

  • Password Changes

    It is time for student passwords to change. PLEASE portect your password even more carefully than your locker combination. Do not share it with anyone, and if you ever think someone knows it, ask a staff member in the computer lab to help you change it. Also remember that you should use a password that is not easy for someone to figure out.

  • Printed Directions?

    Hey kids,

    How do you figure out how to do things on the computer? Do you prefer printed step-by-step directions, or do you just keep trying until you get it (and ask for help along the way)? Post a comment here with your thoughts – thanks!

  • Password Changes

    This September it is time for students to change passwords. IT has begun a rotating schedule where students must change passwords at the beginning of the school year, and staff must do so halfway through the school year.

    Why change passwords? Not to drive you crazy in trying to remember the new password, but for security. With the ever growing amount of information stored in personal folders and on the Internet, security of these environments becomes more and more important.

  • “WITS for Kids”

    We are going to be rolling out a new web interface for students this fall in the form of WITS. It is the same WITS that staff has used for a few years now, but focused on information that students need. When a student logs into WITS (using the same web address – wits.williamsvillek12.org), he/she will see teacher class notes, an event calendar, schedule and grade information, and more.

    This access for students will provide a very consistent look & feel for everyone in the district, and everyone will see the same information (dates, schedules, etc.)

    The site will also have a parent information area and student showcase, so we can show off work created by students. Once in full use, WITS will provide some excellent resources and communication tools for our learning community.

  • Protection on the Internet

    Our senior network engineer in the district, Bob Rossi, said recently that in the past year, the amount of bad & nasty viruses, worms, etc. on the Internet has increased far more than in any previous period.

    Michael Dell, chariman of Dell Computer Corporation, recently sent out a letter to all Dell customers regarding this issue. Here is the first part of the letter:

    July 29, 2004

    Dear Dell Customer,

    The Internet has fundamentally changed many aspects of our work and personal lives. But the profound benefits of having a world of people and information at our fingertips does not come without dangers and difficulties.

    Every time you are on the Internet, your PC is at risk of being infected by insidious programs like viruses, worms and spyware. Millions of Americans now have broadband Internet access, but a lack of common firewall protection makes computers attached to these connections more vulnerable to outside threats. In addition, the