Technology Department

The Technology Department of the School District of Jenkintown is dedicated to fostering an innovative learning environment by providing students and staff with access to modern technology and tools. Our goal is to empower students to thrive in a digital world, equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century.

Key Initiatives:

K-12 Chromebook Device Program

The K-12 Chromebook Device Program is at the heart of our technology integration efforts. This program ensures that every student from kindergarten through 12th grade has access to a personal Chromebook, enabling a seamless digital learning experience both in the classroom and at home. These devices support various educational activities, including interactive lessons, research projects, and collaborative work, providing students with the tools they need to explore, create, and learn effectively in a technology-rich environment.

Objectives of the Chromebook Program:

Equitable Access: Every student has access to a Chromebook, ensuring that all have equal opportunities to engage in digital learning.

Personalized Learning: Chromebooks support personalized learning paths, allowing students to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs.

Digital Literacy: Students gain critical digital literacy skills, becoming proficient in using technology for research, communication, and problem-solving.

Focus on 21st Century Skills

Our curriculum is designed to integrate 21st-century skills across all grade levels, preparing students for future challenges in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. We emphasize:

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Students engage in activities that require them to analyze information, think critically, and solve complex problems using technology.
• Collaboration and Communication: Through digital platforms and tools, students work collaboratively on projects, developing strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in teams.
• Creativity and Innovation: We encourage students to use technology creatively, fostering an environment where they can experiment, innovate, and express their ideas through various digital mediums.
• Digital Citizenship: Educating students about responsible and ethical use of technology is crucial. Our programs emphasize the importance of digital etiquette, privacy, and online safety.
• Support and Professional Development: To ensure the successful implementation of our technology initiatives, we provide ongoing support and professional development for educators. This includes training on effective integration of technology into teaching practices, troubleshooting technical issues, and exploring new educational technologies.

Future Goals: Looking ahead, the Technology Department aims to continue enhancing our digital infrastructure, exploring emerging technologies, and expanding our resources to support students and teachers better. Our vision is to create a dynamic and adaptive learning environment that continually evolves to meet the needs of our school community.

School District of Jenkintown Cybersecurity Initiatives

To safeguard our digital environment and enhance cybersecurity awareness, the School District of Jenkintown has implemented the following measures:

Antivirus and Endpoint Protection: We use advanced antivirus and endpoint protection software to safeguard the devices on our network from malicious threats.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): To enhance account security, MFA requires multiple forms of verification. This ensures your account remains protected even if your password is compromised.

Phishing Awareness Training: Our comprehensive training program includes initial baseline testing with simulated phishing attacks, engaging interactive web-based training sessions, and ongoing assessments. This approach helps build a more resilient and secure organization by raising awareness and improving our collective defense against phishing attempts.

More Resources

At the School District of Jenkintown, we emphasize the importance of making cybersecurity a daily priority.

Staying vigilant in your online activities is crucial for maintaining a safe and secure digital environment. As recommended by StaySafeOnline.com, always consider cybersecurity at the forefront of your decisions. Before purchasing any device or online product, conduct thorough research to understand its security features. When setting up new devices or applications, review and update your security and privacy settings, and always change default passwords to strong, unique ones.

Cybersecurity should be an integral part of your routine, not just an afterthought. To learn more about maintaining your online safety, visit StaySafeOnline.com to explore their Cybersecurity Tips and Resources. By incorporating these practices, we can all contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment within our district.

Providing equitable access to technology is crucial in bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have the opportunity to participate fully in today’s digital world.

The School District of Jenkintown equips every student with a district-issued Chromebook, enabling them to access digital resources and engage in daily learning activities across all grade levels and subjects. Students have access to their devices both on and off campus, ensuring they have the necessary digital tools for their education.

Xfinity is addressing equitable access to the Internet with a low-cost Internet service called Xfinity Essentials. This program is designed to provide affordable internet access to eligible low-income households, helping to connect families to essential online resources for education, employment, healthcare, and more. For more information about this program and how to apply, visit Xfinity Essentials.

If we can assist in any way, don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Cummins at cumminsj@jtowndrakes.org.

Creating Strong Passwords: Tips for Students and Teachers

Make your passwords long and strong. Combine uppercase and lowercase letters with numbers and special characters to make your passwords more secure. Always change any default passwords on your devices to ones that are hard to guess.

What makes a good password? Your password should be at least 10 characters long and include a mix of capital letters, numbers, and special characters (like “@” or “%”). Regularly changing your passwords adds an extra layer of security and helps keep you ahead of hackers.

Remember, the best passwords are random. Use unlikely combinations and random characters to enhance security. Be creative! Here are some examples:

It’s crucial to use different passwords for different accounts. Reusing the same password, no matter how strong, means that if one account is compromised, all your accounts are at risk. Make sure each account has a unique password, and avoid allowing your devices to remember your passwords automatically.

By following these guidelines, you can help protect your personal information and contribute to a safer digital environment for everyone.