If your work computer looks a little different lately, it has probably been updated to Windows 11. This brings a fresh look and a few helpful new features (but yes, the first thing I did was move the Task Bar at the bottom back to the left). Another new update-we have the opportunity to test Microsoft Copilot’s “Study & Learn” for students 13+, designed to support student understanding and practice in new ways. Here’s a quick overview to help you get comfortable with what’s new and what’s coming next… Oh, and if you are interested in bringing your class to see this year’s Code Quest Arcade at Lake Trail on May 13th let me know 😊
Here are some of the Windows 11 Changes:
📍 Start Menu is in the Center
Your Start button and apps may now be centered on the taskbar instead of the left.
👉 Want it back on the left like me?
Right-click the taskbar → click on Taskbar settings → then bar Behaviors →Taskbar alignment → Left
Easier Window Snapping
- Hover over the maximize button on any window
- Choose a layout (side‑by‑side, grid, etc.)
- Click where you want the window to snap
Great for working with email + documents at the same time!
File Explorer Has a New Look
Your files are all still there—just with updated visuals.
- New icons
- Simplified top menu
- Right-click menu is shorter
Click “Show more options” for the full version
Canva’s Built‑In Accessibility Tools
Are you a power user of Canva, just like me, but worried about creating inclusive and accessible content? Well, worry no more . . .
💡 Did You Know…?
Canva has built‑in accessibility tools?
You can:
- ️🖼️ Add alt text to images for screen readers
- 🎨 Check colour contrast so text is easier to read
- 🔠 Choose clear, readable fonts for all learners
- 🔍 Use the Accessibility Checker to catch issues before sharing
- 💬 Use the Position > Layers option to manually order text so the reading order is correct for text-to-speech and screen readers
- 💥AND so much more
Small tweaks in Canva can make a big difference for student understanding—and they only take a minute or two!
Click on the image below for a downloadable format or the link for a text-based copy of the Accessibility Tools in Canva.
CTRL + V With “Memory”
Have you ever copied something on your computer with the intent to paste it somewhere else, then got distracted and did another task, losing the original “CTRL + C”?
💡 Did You Know…?
🧠 Windows has a “memory” of the items you’ve copied to the “clipboard,” which you can access with the keyboard combo Windows Key + V. It displays a list of the items you’ve copied and lets you choose a specific item to paste.
Welcome back everyone. Hope you all had a relaxing and restorative spring break.
Inclusive Ed Technology Handbook
Today’s Tech Tip highlights something that has been a true work in progress for over a year! In addition to the Teacher Technology Handbook and the Parent Technology Handbook, we’re excited to introduce the Inclusive Ed Technology Handbook, created by Jane Rondow and Shannon Hagen.
This handbook is packed with amazing links and supports designed to help ensure all learners can be successful in the learning environment. Even if you’re not sure which specific resource or tool you’re looking for, the handbook is designed to make it easy—just complete the phrase “I’d like to…” with your Inclusive Ed goal in mind and click on the tab on the right to navigate to the resources.
The handbook is organized by content rather than tools, with clickable tabs that take you directly to what you need. Each section includes a variety of resources (including videos and print resources), links, and tools related to that area of support, making it quick and intuitive to explore.
If you would like to explore any of these tools or resources further, don’t hesitate to reach out to Jane Rondow or Shannon Hagen.
Click on the image below to access the page housing the Handbook (scroll down . . .)
Quick Way to Lock Computer Screen
The next item in today’s tech tip is a simple keyboard combination that allows you to quickly lock your computer screen before you walk away from it. With the increase in awareness in the importance of privacy & security, this is an easy way to ensure nobody but you has access to the information on your computer.