Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I log into my student/teacher account?

You can either go to portal.office.com and sign in, or you can go to https://tooeleschools.org and click the Students/Staff link, and finally Student/Staff email access.

2. How can I reset my password for the school account?

Contact Help Desk at 435-884-7799.

3. What devices are provided by the school district?

Chromebooks are provided to all students. Staff devices vary based on their position or location but most are provided with a desktop, laptop or Chromebook.

4. Can students bring their own devices?

Yes, if any issues occur please contact Help Desk at 435-884-7799 or contact your school’s field technician.

5. What should I do if I'm having trouble with my school-issued device?

Contact Help Desk at 435-884-7799 or contact your school’s field technician.

6. What do I do if my school device is damaged or not working properly?

Contact Help Desk at 435-884-7799 or contact your school’s field technician.

7. How do I connect to the school's Wi-Fi network?

Android Phone or Mobile device:
- Open your phone/device Settings
- Select Wi-Fi
- Select TCSD_Secure
- For EAP Method select PEAP
- Under “Identity”: Enter username (ex. Jsmith or john.smith)
- Enter Password (this is your email password)
- Under CA credentials select “Don’t validate”
- Connect
iPhone or Mobile device:
- Open your phone/device Settings
- Select Wi-Fi
- Under Networks select TCSD_Secure
- Enter your Username (ex. Jsmith or john.smith)
- Enter your Password (this is your email password)
- Select “Join” in top right corner
- Select “Trust” in top right corner

8. What do I do if I'm experiencing issues with video conferencing or online platforms?

Audio – If you are having issues with hearing participants in the call, go to the program’s settings and make sure your audio output is set to your device’s speakers, or to the conference room’s speakers if you are using one. If your device’s microphone isn’t picking up any sound, make sure you have the right input device selected in the program’s settings.
Video – If your webcam isn’t working, make sure that the right device is selected in the program’s settings.

9. Can I install additional software on the school-issued device?

Chromebooks are primarily web-based so they don’t allow installation of software. Staff issued devices will allow software to be installed, however, be careful to download content from a safe source.

10. How can I print from school-issued devices?

Students cannot print from Chromebooks. Please visit your library to print. Staff can print from their devices. See your field technician for assistance.

11. We're out of the country or will be traveling outside of the U.S. and Canada. My student is unable or will need to log into their school account. What do I do?

Contact Help Desk at 435-884-7799 or helpdesk@tooeleschools.org

Procedure Believe it or not, the way you purchase a device can be a big deal. Purchasing technology for your classroom or school the correct way can prevent problems for teachers, schools, or even the entire district.
Please follow the instructions in TCSD's Technology Purchasing Procedure to make sure you purchase your devices the correct way. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Technology Purchasing Procedure

Make a decision on which device(s) you want to purchase. Make sure you’ve considered what you want to do with your device(s) so you get something that meets your needs. Use the Choosing Your Device Guidelines below for guidance.
Contact the Technology Department Secretary.
1. Before emailing or calling, prepare the following information:
  1. As much information about the device as you can--device type, make, model, specs, what you want to use it for, etc.
  2. Quantity
  3. Any particular requirements (sound card, built-in mic, certain amount of storage space, etc.)
  4. Anything additional (charging cart, warranty, license, extra chargers, etc.)
  5. Operating system, if applicable (Windows, Mac, Android, Chrome, etc.)
2. When you contact the Technology Secretary, provide the information in part “a” above.
3. Ask any other questions you have about whether or not the device(s) will meet your needs.
4. Ask if licenses, warranties, or AppleCare are required for this purchase. More information about licenses, warranties, and AppleCare can be found on the individual TCSD Compatible Device Options documents for each type of device.
5. Ask for quotes on the devices(s) from state-contracted vendors.
6. Ask about a timeline for deployment. Some devices will need to be imaged or configured by the Technology Department before deployment, so the timeline for receiving your device may vary.
Determine which company you’d like to purchase the device(s) from (state-contracted vendor, etc). Depending on the situation, where you purchase your device(s) can be very important. (All Apple devices must be purchased from an Apple licensed vendor)
Make the purchase using either a school or district purchase order (P.O.). Use code 0659.
Send an email to your school Field Tech and Technology Department Secretary once you've placed the order informing them of your purchase.
School Secretaries can put in a school dude ticket regarding the arrival of their order once it is delivered, including what was ordered, the number of items, purpose, location, PO number and who will be using the device.
Field Tech receives SchoolDude ticket. Based on the type of device, the Field Tech will determine if any further preparation needs to happen before the device(s) are distributed. Examples of preparations include:
1. Installing filtering software, if applicable
2. Imaging machines or installing Mac OS, if applicable
3. In the near future: adding devices to IT inventory (this is separate from the TCSD fixed asset inventory)
4. Apply asset tags/ enter into inventory system.
Field tech makes any necessary preparations (e.g. installing filtering software, imaging machines or installing Mac OS, etc.). Field Tech informs school secretary when preparations are completed.
Device(s) are distributed to appropriate staff members/rooms.
1. Devices may NOT be distributed until they have received a TCSD asset tag (if applicable).
2. Devices for individual use by a staff member may NOT be distributed until the staff member name has been validated in the inventory system
3. Devices may NOT be distributed until they have been imaged (if applicable).
4. Devices may NOT be distributed until they have had filtering software installed (if applicable).

Choosing your Device Guidelines

Who can I ask for help when choosing a device?

If you want some advice on choosing a device that will meet your needs, feel free to reach out to any of the friendly folks who can guide you in your decision-making process:

Technology Department Secretary - familiar with the most commonly purchased items, purchasing process, vendor prices, delivery times, warranty options, etc.
District EdTechs - familiar with using technology in the classroom; able to help you determine if a device will meet your needs or solve your problem
Field Techs - familiar with common technical pros and cons, configuration requirements, device limitations, common devices in building, what systems within your school are close to or past aging out; able to make recommendations on how to best address your students’ and staff' technology needs
Technology Department Director - familiar with the most common devices in the district, warranty options, quality and durability of devices, district technology goals, etc.
School Administrator/Tech Advisory Committee - familiar with your school’s 5-6 year technology plan and long-term technology goals

What should I consider when choosing a device?

The following are the main things you need to consider when choosing a device:

What is the cost of the device?
Will the device do the things I need it to do?
Is the device familiar and easy to use by me, other staff, and/or students?
What operating system should I get (if applicable)?
Am I required to purchase a license, warranty, and/or AppleCare with this device?
Is there anything else that needs to be purchased with the device? (e.g. screen protectors, protective cases, charging carts, powerstrips, licenses, warranties, AppleCare, adapters for projecting, storage/transportation cases, adapters etc.)
Is the device compatible with TCSD’s minimum compatibility requirements?
Does the device have the minimum hardware requirements to run the necessary software?

What do I need my device to do?

In order to choose the right device, make sure to identify what you want to be able to do with your device. Below is a list to get you thinking.

Download apps from an app store (keep in mind that some apps can only be found in the Apple App Store and not the Google Play Store, or vice versa)
- Connect to App Store (Apple)
- Connect to Play Store (Google)
Provide to students for in-class use
Send home with students
Connect to school’s network (WiFi)
Display on multiple displays (e.g. extended desktop)
Print
Take SAGE test
Use Flash Player
Project directly from computer
Project wirelessly
Scan documents
Film videos or take photos
Record audio
Scan bubble sheets with Illuminate
Use Windows OS
Use Mac OS
Use certain software (e.g. Adobe Photoshop)
Use for long periods of time without charging

Specifications to consider (examples; not an exhaustive list):

Hard drive (storage space)
Ports (USB, VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort)
Model number
Screen size
RAM
Screen resolution
DVD drive
Built-in camera
Built-in microphone
Operating system (Windows, Mac, Android, Chrome, Linux, etc.)

Note: TCSD generally does not recommend purchasing used or refurbished devices.

Where should I purchase my device(s)?

In many cases, it’s a good idea to purchase your device(s) through a State-Contracted Vendor--and in some cases, it’s essential.

In general, we recommend purchasing from state-contracted vendors. However, vendor prices can sometimes be higher than other sellers such as Amazon or Best Buy, especially during a sale.

If you’re unsure where to make your purchase, contact the Technology Department Secretary for advice.

Benefits of purchasing through a state-contracted vendor include:	Potential downsides:
Reliable contact person TCSD Technology Department can assist, making it more likely to get exactly what you want--especially when the device has complicated specs Predictable purchasing process Warranties are generally longer Warranty-honorers are in close proximity Sometimes get a deal by bundling purchases, buying in bulk, etc. Familiar returning and exchanging process More likely to accommodate bulk purchases All vendors accept purchase orders Always tax exempt Shipping is often free Don’t have to acquire 2 bids for purchases totaling over $5000 Required for some devices (e.g. iPads and Chromebooks)	Sometimes takes longer Sometimes costs more

Benefits of purchasing through a state-contracted vendor include:

Potential downsides:

Reliable contact person
TCSD Technology Department can assist, making it more likely to get exactly what you want--especially when the device has complicated specs
Predictable purchasing process
Warranties are generally longer
Warranty-honorers are in close proximity
Sometimes get a deal by bundling purchases, buying in bulk, etc.
Familiar returning and exchanging process
More likely to accommodate bulk purchases
All vendors accept purchase orders
Always tax exempt
Shipping is often free
Don’t have to acquire 2 bids for purchases totaling over $5000
Required for some devices (e.g. iPads and Chromebooks)

Sometimes takes longer
Sometimes costs more

Benefits of purchasing through a non-state contracted vendor (like Amazon or Best Buy):	Potential downsides:
Sometimes faster Sometimes cheaper Can be a good option for one-offs or devices you want to test out Can be a good option for low-cost devices with no warranty	Warranty-honorers are not in close proximity and can be difficult to access Limited to no warranty Less likely to accommodate bulk purchases (limited availability, limits of purchase quantity) More likely to have shipping costs Often don’t accept purchase orders--may require purchasing card or credit card Often won’t recognize tax-exempt status Easier to make a mistake when purchasing a device, especially when the device has complicated specs Product you receive sometimes does not match description Purchases totaling over $5000 require bids from two different sellers if you don’t buy from a state-contracted vendor Not allowed for some devices (e.g. iPads and Chromebooks)

Benefits of purchasing through a non-state contracted vendor (like Amazon or Best Buy):

Potential downsides:

Sometimes faster
Sometimes cheaper
Can be a good option for one-offs or devices you want to test out
Can be a good option for low-cost devices with no warranty

Warranty-honorers are not in close proximity and can be difficult to access
Limited to no warranty
Less likely to accommodate bulk purchases (limited availability, limits of purchase quantity)
More likely to have shipping costs
Often don’t accept purchase orders--may require purchasing card or credit card
Often won’t recognize tax-exempt status
Easier to make a mistake when purchasing a device, especially when the device has complicated specs
Product you receive sometimes does not match description
Purchases totaling over $5000 require bids from two different sellers if you don’t buy from a state-contracted vendor
Not allowed for some devices (e.g. iPads and Chromebooks)

Am I required to purchase my device through a state-contracted vendor?

For logistical (but critical) reasons, a few types of devices must be purchased through a state-contracted vendor and not through other sellers, such as Amazon or Best Buy. If you have questions about why this is the case, please contact the Technology Department Secretary.

The following devices must be purchased through a state-contracted vendor:

Apple Devices
Chromebooks
Microsoft Surface

Do I need to have my device imaged (or have Mac OS installed)?

Only the following devices need to be imaged:

Windows laptops
Windows desktops
Mac laptops (OS installed)
Mac desktops (OS installed)
Chromebooks - License Applied
Ipads -entered in Mosyle

Does my device need to have filter software installed?

Filtering software such as GlobalProtect and iBoss allows for safe Internet filtering, regardless of where the device is used (in school or at home). All web-enabled devices must have filter software installed. A Technology field technician will install the filtering software on web-enabled devices. Note: filtering software might be included in the device’s image, so this step might be addressed by the imaging of the device.

Contact
For questions regarding pricing, purchasing procedures, or choosing a device that will meet your needs, please contact Jennifer Benson, the Technology Department Secretary.