Back to School 2024
It is August and as I am writing this if school hasn’t started already, it will begin shortly. Last year I worked as the Security Architect for another very large school system in the region and learned about things which many parents may be unaware. I will try to touch on some of these as well as cover the basics I touch on annually.
Passwords
I write at least one article for our community every year on creating secure passwords. It is that important. If your children are old enough to go to school, they are old enough learn at home the importance of security.
Schools handle security differently for children at different ages. When a child is too young to read and write they use different processes to access computers. These vary from school system to school system. When you meet your child’s teacher make sure to ask how the child connects to the computer systems they use at school. For example, some systems for young children might provide a card with the student’s image, name, and a QR-code to login. Ask if this card comes home or if it stays at school.
As the child gets older, the processes change reflecting the child’s new capabilities. By the time the child arrives in middle and high school the process looks familiar with the ones we use at home and work. It is important for the child to know how to create secure passwords and not to reuse passwords between different systems.
Parents also have access to systems related to the school for tracking student progress and exchanging information with the teachers and administrators. Don’t forget to make these passwords secure and use multi-factor authentication if it is available. I suggest that both the student and parent write these down and put them into sealed envelopes to recover these passwords later if needed. Store these envelopes in some place secure in the home or if you have password manager or a secure cloud store then store the passwords there.
What kind of computer should my child have?
If your student needs to carry the computer between school and home, a laptop is required. Desktops may work for a computer kept in one place in the home and possibly shared. However, the current trend is to provide each student with access to their own computer.
During COVID many schools provided computers for the students. This practice seems to be changing due to the lack of funding. If you are purchasing a computer for your child, find out what the school supports.
Chromebook Computers
Typically, younger children through Middle School are using Chromebook computers. These are less expensive and easier to support in a school environment and can run software needed for students at these ages. Some schools are even using Chromebooks for High School students. Check with your school for the older kids. Some may require Windows PC’s depending on the curriculum.
Windows Computers
In general, Windows laptops are more expensive than Chromebooks, but are also more capable. They have the abilities to run software like image, video, and sound editing tools that are not as available for Chromebooks.
If your student needs a Windows laptop, make certain it includes Windows 11 or can be upgraded to Windows 11. Windows 10 support is supposed to end in October of 2025. After that date, you will have to pay Microsoft for security updates until Microsoft ends support entirely.
Software
The school will normally provide free or inexpensive access to an Office Suite. An Office Suite provides a set of tools typically including a Word Processor, a Spreadsheet, and a Presentation Package. Many schools use Google Workspaces or Microsoft 365. These tools both work on Chromebooks and Windows. Windows 365 for Windows is more powerful when working on Windows. Many schools also provide limited email accounts allowing communications with other students and their teachers. They also provide access to conference applications like Google Meet or Microsoft Teams. These are usually restricted, allowing only access for school-related communications.
Other things to Provide
Make certain the computer has a battery that can last the entire school day. Many schools do not have enough outlets to plug in all of the computers in the room. When I travel, I carry a multiple outlet plug with me. This allows me to share when I need as well as plug in everything, I bring with me.
A headset with a microphone is important to work without disturbing others and participate in meetings and conferences. Teaching now frequently happens over the computer screen.
Also, buy a USB memory stick or thumb drive. Show your child how to back up the computer to the thumb drive and have them do it each day. You can do this form if they are too young. This has saved many disasters from accidentally erased homework assignments and lost work than I can remember.
A mouse if needed. Many kids use the mouse pad below the keyboard. I still find these to be awkward. I prefer a Bluetooth mouse because it doesn’t waste a USB port, it has no dongle to lose, and no cord in the way. However, younger kids may have difficulty reconnecting the mouse if the Bluetooth signal is lost.
Create a Study Area
The Internet is a dangerous place. To help protect your students I encourage not allowing your children to use their computers behind closed doors. Let them use the computer out in the open and observed. This also makes it easier for them to reach out and ask for help as they work. As they get older and more experienced, the rules can be relaxed.
I also suggest using a service like OpenDNS (https://www.opendns.com) a free service that protects your family from things you don’t want them to see.
Well, I am running out of space. Enjoy the rest of your summer while it lasts. Ta-Ta for now!
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