Providing Digital Literacy & Support to Families
To help students and families access remote learning platforms and technology, and obtain reliable wi-fi and internet services and Chromebooks, the South Ward Promise Neighborhood partners with over 20 organizations and schools to provide digital literacy and support services.
Use this webpage to access:
- Online video tutorials for Zoom, Google classrooms, Webex, Clever and Gmail
- Access one-on-one and phone technical support
- Obtain affordable wi-fi, hotspots and laptops
Online Video Library
Video Explanation: To help kids and parents cope with moving to online learning better, this video offers a practical step-by-step guide on how to use Zoom with your teachers to learn at home.
For teachers who are helping their students learn with Zoom, feel free to use this video in your Zoom instruction manual and let us know if you need any additional support.
Here’s an overview of what is covered in this Zoom video:
0:00 Introduction to Zoom
0:28 What is Zoom and how does Zoom work
0:44 Common questions about Zoom
1:20 How to join a zoom meeting
1:29 How to set up Zoom
2:32 How to make your presence know – Voice and Video
4:06 How to see who else is in class
5:15 More actions that you can do
5:26 How to interact in class – Chat and Screen Share
6:02 How to use the Whiteboard
6:55 Let’s help one another tide through this Covid-19 period
Video Explanation: This getting started tutorial using Google Classroom shows students and parents how to effectively use Google Classroom
Video Explanation: The district has adopted Cisco Webex as the standard solution for Video Conferencing and as an added component to the district's other remote learning platforms including Google Classroom.
Visit this website to learn more about:
- Logging onto the Webex Portal
- Instructions for Attendees
- Instructions for Hosts (Teachers & Admins)
Video Explanation: Short video from a student perspective showing how to log into Clever from home.
Creating a gmail account on your MAC or PC (6 Min)
- Video Link
- Video Explanation: In this tutorial, learn how to create a gmail account on your MAC or PC.
Creating a gmail account on your iphone (2 Min)
- Video Link:
- Video Explanation: In this tutorial, we show you how to setup a Gmail account on your iPhone.
Creating a gmail account on your Android (5 Min)
- Video Link
- Video Explanation: Android OS supports various types of emails. In this video we show you how to use the default email app on any Android smartphone and connect it with any email provider that you would like. These instructions also work for most Android tablets.
TECH SUPPORT PHONE & ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT
Customer Support Services which is responsible for providing prompt, courteous and effective service to the user community of the District’s network resources and telephone services. Customer Support analysts are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM via email at csupport@nps.k12.nj.us or 973-733-7339 x8700.
Or visit here.
The technical support department serves all users of NorthStar Academy.
The IT staff are able to help you with things such as:
- Login issues including username and passwords
- Software access issues including Microsoft app downloads
- Minimum technology requirement questions (We want to buy this computer, will it work at NorthStar?)
- Course issues including file submissions, lesson access difficulties, and peripheral concerns such as microphones (Please contact your teacher first for these issues)
- and more!
Staff are available by email at support@northstar-academy.org or phone at 1-888-464-6280 or 1-662-892-4380
For Great Oaks Legacy Students who need Tech Support:
In order to streamline support requests and better serve Great Oaks students, Great Oaks utilizes a support ticket system. Every support request is assigned a unique ticket number which you can use to track the progress and responses online. For your reference we provide complete archives and history of all your support requests. A valid email address is required to submit a ticket.
If you are having issues with your Chromebook and/or Wifi, please the Tech Support Center:
Email: techsupport@brickeducation.org
Phone: 1.855.416.4961
Monday - Friday 7:30am -6:00pm
AFFORDABLE WIFI, HOT SPOTS & LAPTOPS
Major telecommunication companies are offering free Internet Services during the COVID-19 Crisis. Below are three options for free Internet Access offered by Altice, USA which is the Telecommunications Company covering the city of Newark.
The Newark Trust for Education is happy to provide your family with a new Google Chromebook for virtual learning.
If you need access to free wireless internet services and your family lives in the South Ward or your child attends school in the South Ward, please see the instructions below.
South Ward Promise Neighborhood
hotline information
Text Number: 1-206-222-SWCA (7922)
Leave the Message: Name, and
“I need Wifi support”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What kind of WiFi is available?
SWPN has three available options:
Log-in information for the BRICK Optimum WiFI network
Individual Optimum hotspot licenses (if option 1 does not work)
Physical hotspot devices (if option 1 or 2 does not work)
What happens after a family member sends a text to the hotline?
A representative from SWPN, either Ellen McGovern and/or Jennie Crespo, will call back the caregiver/family member within 24 hours. All families are required to do a 5-min intake to capture key information. Then Ellen and/or Jenny will provide families with the BEN Optimum Wifi and the log-in information and assist with logging on to Optimum.
What happens if the family member can’t log on to the BRICK Optimum Network?
If a family CANNOT access wifi using the BRICK network, SWPN will request the child's computer IP Address. Once they have this information, SWPN will provide an Optimum hotspot license - turnaround time is 72 hours. Vanessa Tervil will call back each family and provide the license information and help families throughout the process.
Can a family get a physical hotspot device?
If neither the BRICK Optimum Network nor the Optimum hotspot license works, SWPN will purchase a physical hotspot device for the student(s) - turn around time is 3-5 days.
Who can the school and/or family follow up with if they do not receive a call within the above timeframes?
Ellen McGovern, LCSW
Director Family Hub, South Ward Promise Neighborhood
Cell: 201.638.1209
E-mail: emcgovern@brickeducation.org
The Digital Divide Initiative is brought to you by:
