How to Make Your Life Easier in RebelNet - Storing Passwords

Did you know that RebelNet allows you to store passwords?  This allows you to easily (and securely) access certain resources found within RebelNet.  To find out how you can store your login credentials to have RebelNet automatically log in you into certain sites, check out the tutorial below.

Note:  RebelNet provides links to many different websites and resources.  Not all of these tools allow passwords to be stored, only specific ones that have been set up.  Also, as RebelNet allows you to customize your interface, your screen may not look exactly like the images below.

Step 1: Log in to RebelNet.  On the bottom menu, click on Account.

Step 2:  Click on the Password Mgr tile.

Step 3:  When the Password Mgr window opens, you will be asked to confirm your identity.  Enter your RebelNet password and then press the Submit button.

 

Step 4: You will now be able to view any of the resources in which RebelNet will allow you to to store your password.  Some of these fields will already have information stored for you.

Example: If you would like to store your IGOR password, click on the IGOR Login Credentials title and enter your IGOR login and password.

Step 5:  After you have entered any of the login credentials for sites that you would like passwords stored, press the Update Stored Passwords button to save your information in RebelNet.

4 Steps to Making RebelNet Work for You - Creating 'Shortcut' Tiles

Did you know there is much more to RebelNet outside of clicking on the tiles to access your email, Google Drive, or Infinite Campus?  You can really make RebelNet work for you by adding your own "tiles," or links to websites that you frequent.  Below is a quick tutorial on how you can add your own tiles to RebelNet.

Note:  As RebelNet allows you to customize your interface, your screen may not look exactly like the images below.

Step 1: Log into RebelNet.  On the bottom menu, click on My Tiles.

Unless you have previously added any tiles, this screen will be blank.

Step 2: Right-click anywhere on the blank screen.  A menu will pop up and select Add Tile.

Step 3: The Add Tiles window will open.  Add the URL of the website that you would like to add as well as a title for the tile.  Press the Save button once you have entered your information.

For example, if you were adding a tile for a link to the KISD's Moodle server, you would add http://moodle.kentisd.net/ for the URL and a title such as KISD Moodle.

Step 4: You will now see that your tile has been added to the My Tiles screen.

After you have clicked on your tile from RebelNet, it will show up in the Recent row of tiles.

That is all there is to it!

Making Your Files Work for You - Cloud Storage

Let's face it, we are all busy people.  Our schedules sometimes vary from day to day, our workload isn't confined to a 7:00am-3:00pm day, and our access to technology resources sometimes varies depending on our location.  As a result of this busy life of an educator, we often have digital resources saved in different locations and have different kinds of file types.  As part of a service provided to Godfrey-Lee Public School employees, all employees have access to their files saved on the district's network through Stoneware (also known as "RebelNet" in the district).  One of the great features of RebelNet is that it provides anytime, anywhere access to network files from any device.  Although this is a fantastic feature, in working and talking with some teachers, they find that they would sometimes like a little more flexibility in access to their files.  Sometimes Google Drive provides the necessary functionality, but other times a different option is still needed.

This is where Dropbox enters the conversation.  Dropbox provides a way to sync files across multiple devices.  The great thing about Dropbox is that users can easily manipulate files, edit, and have real-time access to all files saved to Dropbox.  By simply creating a Dropbox account, users are not only provided to online access to files, but have the ability to download the Dropbox application to their device to have even easier access to their files (allowing users to open files in windows similar to their "My Files" on Windows devices or "Finder" on a Mac).  The video below further describes how Dropbox works.


As a Technology Integration Specialist, I utilize many different tools.  I use RebelNet to store some files, I use Google Drive heavily for others, but I also frequently utilize Dropbox.  I have had people ask me how I utilize these tools, and I thought I would share a bit how I put these tools to work for me.

• I am <ridiculously> over-connected.  I have 3 computers I use (2 for work - 1 Mac, 1 PC; 1 for home - Mac), an iPad, and a smart phone.  I use all of these devices almost daily, but use all of them differently.
• Why I Like/Use RebelNet
• Ties many resources into one common location
• Stores my passwords to several web resources utilized by the district
• Provides secure access to district files and resources
• Why I Like/Use Google Drive
• Allows me to share files easily with others
• Can collaborate with others to create files
• Allows me to create files and easily share and embed them in other places so that others can easily view them without having to have a specific program
• Why I Like/Use Dropbox
• It syncs all across all 5 of my devices
• I can access it online as well as my devices
• Very user-friendly
• Easy to transfer large files - I sometimes take pictures and edit them on my personal computer, put them in Dropbox so then I can access them when at work.

Regardless of which tool you use (even if it is something other than one of these), the important part is that it is something that works for you.  Just because everyone else is using something, doesn't mean that same tool will be the best fit for you.  So, feel free to try different tools until you find the one that best suits your needs!

JB Tech Info - Khan Academy + RebelNet Tips

Around the Net:










Khan Academy for iPad/iPhone

Khan Academy is a great website with a huge library of educational videos.  The iPad app allows you to view and save videos to your iPad for later viewing.  If you create an account it will even save your progress.  Plus it's FREE.


Khan Academy Website
Khan Academy in Apple App Store


Tip:

You can update stored RebelNet passwords under Account > Password Mgr.  Remember to click the Update Stored Passwords after you make any changes.


Tech Update:

Added a link for Discovery Education under Staff Resources in RebelNet.  The link will also save your username and password just like Infinite Campus.

JB Tech Info - PopcornMaker video editor + Tips + Tech Updates

Around the Net:

Mozilla Popcorn Maker - Online video editor that incorporates a whole lot more.  Take a video and add in elements from Twitter, Wikipedia, and other sources.  Visit the website to see what is possible and get some ideas.
https://popcorn.webmaker.org/

Tip:

Using your mouse button wheel to click on links opens them in a new tab.  Give it a try!

Tech Updates:

Changed the policies regarding incorrect network/RebelNet logins.  5 tries will lock the account out for 10 minutes, then reset automatically.

RebelNet on a Snow Day

Last week's blizzard required the school district to close for two consecutive days. In the past, this kind of unexpected break in the middle of the week before conferences would make it difficult for many students and teachers to stay on track with their daily tasks. However, with more staff and students now familiar with RebelNet, getting access from home was easier than ever before.

We sent out a short survey (using Google Forms, both easy and free) to all staff in the district and students in grades 6-12. The survey simply asked if they used RebelNet at all during the snow days and if so, what prompted them to. Here are some of the results:

Of the 173 responses, 129 were from staff members and 44 were from students. That's more than half of staff members and about 1% of students with access to RebelNet. That's not a great sample, but the survey also included a place to submit comments and suggestions which together, gave us some strong insight into how they use RebelNet.

Of the staff members who responded, 83% accessed RebelNet during the snow days. Their primary reason for logging in was to check Google Mail. After that, over half of the staff members were also accessing Google Docs and Infinite Campus (for grades, reports, etc.). Only about 20% of these staff members used RebelNet to access files stored on the district network.

Of the students who responded, only 25% had accessed RebelNet during the snow days. The primary reason given for not accessing RebelNet was that they had no reason to. Some students mentioned that they did not have an available internet connection.

Probably the most helpful information gathered from this survey can be found in the comments and suggestions section by the students. One student commented, "I had no reason to use RebelNet. Have more teachers give work on-line for us to do at home."

Another student commented, "I love RebelNet. It makes it easy to talk to my teachers and my friends."

In order for students to learn how to utilize technology as a tool rather than just a distraction, they need to be given the opportunities to use it properly. What is stopping teachers from posting more assignments online? What is keeping students from being engaged inside and outside of the classroom? Feel free to post your comments here.

What is RebelNet?

RebelNet is a platform used by Godfrey-Lee staff and students to access several district-provided network resources from any device, any where, any time. It provides users with a simple web page where they can log in and see a personalized, customizable web desktop with icons and links to familiar web applications.

There are three types of applications that can be accessed through RebelNet: private, hosted, and public applications.

A private application is one which is managed by the district and runs on district-owned servers. Examples include Infinite Campus (our student information system) and Moodle. These applications can only be used by Godfrey-Lee users. RebelNet provides a secure portal to these applications from inside or outside of the district’s network.

A hosted application is one which is managed by the district but runs on servers belonging to entities outside of the district. The primary example of this is Google Apps for Education. The district manages Google accounts for all staff and students, but everything is stored on Google’s servers. RebelNet provides easy access to these applications by logging you in automatically so that you don’t have to remember an additional username and password.

A public application is one which is completely managed and operated outside of the district. Examples of this include, but are far from limited to, Glogster, Prezi, and VoiceThread. Users must create their own separate accounts on these websites in order to use the applications. RebelNet provides links directly to these applications and can store your usernames and passwords in order to log you in to them automatically.

On top of the different types of applications, RebelNet also provides web-based access to personal and shared files stored on district-owned file servers.

RebelNet provides a single point of access for all of these different types of applications and resources whether you’re on a district computer, a school netbook, a personal laptop, a public library computer, or even your smartphone. Just go to https://portal.godfrey-lee.org.

RebelNet is built on a product called Stoneware webNetwork. For more information on RebelNet, including how-to documents and screencasts, go to http://sites.godfrey-lee.org/rebelnet.