Stop that Malware!

In the June 2018 issue of The Monthly Security Awareness Newsletter for Everyone, we learn about what Malware is, and how we can protect ourselves from it.

The following are excerpts. Read the full article.

What Is Malware?
Cyber criminals install malware on your computers or devices to gain control over them. Once installed, malware can enable criminals to spy on your online activities, steal your passwords or files, or use your system to attack others. Malware can even take control of your own files, demanding that you pay a ransom to get them back. Everyone is a target, including you.


Protect Yourself - Stop Malware

1. Keep your operating system, applications, and browsers are updated.  Most software updates include security updates.
2. Only download or install programs or apps from trusted online stores.
3. Stay away from mobile apps that are brand new, have few positive reviews, are rarely updated, or have been downloaded by a small number of people.
4. No longer using a computer program or mobile app?  Delete it.
5. Be choosy about clicking links in email messages. Be suspicious. If in doubt, don't do it.
6. Regularly back up your system and files to cloud-based services, or store your backups offline, such as an external drive that can be disconnected.

Sharing Student Videos and Providing a Mechanism for Peer Feedback

Recently, an instructor contacted me to find out if there was a way she could set up Canvas to share selected student project videos with all the students in her course.  I showed her how to use the Media Gallery and gave her instructions to share with her students about how they could use "My Media" to create or add/upload their videos and share them to the Media Gallery. 

But I found this example today on the VoiceThread Blog, and I think it would take things to a new level, and make it easier on the students as well. 

Here's what one instructor has done:

"When the [students'] planning and creating process is complete, it’s time to publish. VoiceThread has been my go-to tool for sharing my students’ projects for the last seven years. What better way to publish work for an audience and enable students to hear feedback from others than by using Voicethread? The students uploaded their images with ease, and began recording. The process was quick and easy. Now, they wait in eager anticipation to see who the winner will be.

VoiceThread allows my students to share their voice and grow as fluent readers. Recording has brought many of my most passive students out of their shell, and has boosted their self- confidence when reading for an audience.

Please check out our VoiceThread below, and vote for your favorite team! " (Forward through the student videos by pressing the right-arrow icon at the bottom right of the screen).

https://voicethread.com/blog/2018/04/12/casting-votes-with-voicethread/

Why Your Students Should Blog

Six Powerful Benefits of Students Blogging

1. Exercises Student Creativity
2. Sharpens the Brain's Performance
3. Promotes Expression of Self
4. Boosts Confidence
5. Improves Communication Skills
6. Earn Income (if they take it to that level)

EmergingEdTech
https://www.emergingedtech.com/2018/04/why-your-students-should-blog-6-powerful-benefits/

Innovate! Teaching with Technology Conference 2018 @ UMM

CANCELLED due to low enrollment.

I am excited to announce that UMM will again host the Innovate! Teaching with Technology Conference on June 12 & 13, 2018!   New for this year:  We have added an all-day code.org pre-conference Workshop on June 11th.

This conference is designed for K-12 and Higher Education educators.  Please visit the conference website for details on the Call for Proposals, Keynote speaker, schedule, and registration.