PPS Instructional Technology

Logging into computers, and learning passwords can be an annoying, frustrating, but critical aspect of using technology with our students.  Setting up accounts, and deciding what passwords to use for students on outside sites can also be a challenge. We know we should be using strong password protocols , but we also need students to be able to remember the passwords and be able to get into the sites in a timely way.  Whenever you can find a site with the “Login with Google” button, that is the best bet.  However, even though we all love the "Login with Google" button for its ease and security, that isn't always an option.  So, what do we do? Use a password that is NOT their PPS password.  Why?  Students' PPS passwords should not be shared, even with other websites.  Students' passwords are the keys to all their personal data within Skyward, our PPS network, and Google.  By entering their PPS passwords on sites outside of PPS, you are giving ...

Let's be honest, we have all been guilty of poor password practices at some point in time or another.  Maybe you have kept a notebook on your desk with all your passwords, used the same password for "everything", used a simple password (ex: Winter2017) or kept your password on a sticky note next to your monitor.  Unfortunately, all these practices set us up for having our passwords compromised or stolen, and in return put our data at risk. There are many things we can do to increase our security when online, including avoiding phishing scams .  In this post, we are going to focus on what makes a strong password. What do I need to make a strong password? When creating a strong password, it's recommended that we... Have at least 8 characters Include upper and lower case letters Include numbers Include characters, like ~!@#$%^&*_-+=`|\(){}[]:;"'<>,.?/ Avoid using words found in the dictionary Avoid using your username as part of your passw...

There are several times a year when it is important to change your password.  Your password will expire every 90 days. When your windows computer informs you that your password will be expiring soon, CHANGE IT THEN! It is also always a good idea to change your password before going on break so that you do not get locked out of your computer, email or gradebook.  Here is how you change your password from the school windows computers. On your Windows desktop/TEC computer , press the Alt, Ctrl and Delete buttons at the same time. Click on "Change a Password" on the menu below: Enter your username, if needed, and follow the directions on screen. If you are off site or working solely on a Chromebook , you can use the VDI (Virtual Desktop) to change your password.   Simply go to vdi.portageps.org.  Click "VMware Horizon HTML Access."  Click "Accept."  Login with your portage username (leave off the @portageps.org) and password.  Click "Login." ...