Ready or not, the 20-21 school year is coming! Technology has long been an integral part of the Overlake experience, and never has that been more true than for the upcoming 20-21 school year. On top of this, our mission and vision as a department have never been more important. Whether we are online, hybrid, or fully back on campus, here are some technology guidelines and check-points for you and your family, whether you are new or returning:
Review Device Requirements and Assess Home Internet
Since 2015, Overlake has required students to "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) for their work at Overlake. These devices are critical learning tools on campus and off. If you are purchasing a new computer for your student, please review our device recommendations and requirements. Please also assess your home internet connection - is it reliable? Does it allow you to accomplish what you need to do? If classes are remote for any portion of the 20-21 school year, a reliable home internet connection is critical to a positive learning experience.
Do you receive financial aid?
If your student receives financial aid and you would like assistance with purchasing a device, Overlake will provide either a new MacBook Air or Surface Laptop for your student. Please contact tech@overlake.org to set up an appointment in August.
Owl Technology Setup and new "Tech Tune-Up"
Every August the Overlake Technology team provides training and resources to new and returning students to orient students to the technology resources available to them, as well as the expectations for how to use them.
- Required 5th and 6th Grade Owl Technology Setup (login not needed): All 5th and 6th Grade students are required to complete the Owl Technology Setup to ensure their technology is up to speed before orientation on Friday, August 28.
- Owl Technology Setup (login not needed): new students and students with new computers may like to have guidance on how to set up their computers to work best for their work Overlake. Feel free to revisit this setup for helpful information on the recommended setup for your (student's) computer.
- Owl Tech Tune-Up (login required): any Overlake student wanting to refresh their knowledge of Overlake's recommended technology setup should join and complete this linked course! Here you can review setting up your Canvas notifications, installing Microsoft Office, running updates on your laptop, getting tech support, and more!
Owl IDs for New Students
Note that new students will not receive their Overlake username and password (called Owl IDs) until late-August just prior to orientation, which will allow them to login to Canvas, download Microsoft Office, and generally to get acclimated with Overlake services. We encourage families to do as much setup as possible prior to receiving their Owl ID.
Download Microsoft Teams App
In addition the basic requirements of our device program, this year we want to be sure that students have also downloaded and installed Microsoft Teams on their laptops. Upper School students should also download Teams on their smartphones.
IMPORTANT-RUN UPDATES: If you already have Teams downloaded, please run updates and check the box for New Features. Continue Click here for instructions Teams Updates.
Download Zoom App
Zoom for Ages 13 and Up
Zoom is available to login for students who are 13 or older. Students under the age of 13 may use school Zoom meetings but should NOT login to Zoom with their Owl ID.
Important to Sign in to https://overlake.zoom.us/ using your Overlake email (SSO). For details click Overlake Zoom instructions.
There have been a lot of updates to Zoom over the summer and this will continue so please check often for updates! Click here to Update Zoom App.
Technology Use Policy and Online Learning Expectations
The powerful technology tools that we expect our students to use come with great responsibility. To that end, our Technology Use Policy and Overlake Online Learning Expectations are meant to give students an understanding of how to use technology in a way that upholds the mission of The Overlake School.
More Questions?
Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Technology Help Desk at tech@overlake.org, or call 425.602.7007 7:30-4:00pm, M-F.