2026
Issue 134 | Term 2 | Week 9
Update - Upcoming Year 7-12 student password standards
From Day 1, Term 3, an updated password standard will be introduced for students in Years 7-12. This change will only apply when a student resets or chooses to change their password, including when a teacher performs a password reset.
New password requirements
Students in Years 7-12 will need to create passwords that meet the following criteria:
- Minimum 8 characters
- A mix of upper and lower case letters
- At least one number (0-9) and optional use of special characters (Eg. !, @, #)
- Previous 24 passwords not to be reused.
Students with support needs
For students identified in ERN within a Support Class, the K-2 password standard will apply:
- Minimum 1 character (may be a letter - upper or lower case)
- It may include any characters: numbers (0-9) or special characters (e.g. !, @, #).
For further information, staff can view all password standards here. A simplified version is available to share with students who may choose to update their password.
Tip - Split windows now in Chrome
Did you know Google Chrome now lets you split a single tab into two tabs, side by side within one window? This handy feature is a game-changer for multitasking and research. To try it, right-click a tab and select ‘Split Window’, or use the split window icon if it appears on your tab bar. Instantly, you can view two pages at once, perfect for comparing documents, watching a video while taking notes, or cross-referencing info.
Give it a go and see how much easier managing multiple tasks becomes.
Information - Collaborative whiteboards in Canva
Did you know Canva has whiteboards as a design type? This cheatsheet shows how you can use Canva Whiteboards to brainstorm ideas, organise content, and collaborate in real time. This hands-on activity will also teach you to use tools like sticky notes, drawing, comments and timers, as well as how to collaborate live with colleagues and students.
Try Canva whiteboards in an upcoming lesson or next meeting today!
Info - Digital Field Services - handy tips
Laptop trolley cabling
Laptop trolleys are a great way of storing, charging and moving your laptops and other mobile devices in your school. However, cable management can be challenging, especially as multiple classes may use the devices throughout any given day.
Consider using velcro ties to bundle together groups of cables, making sure the cables are not too tight when plugged into the laptop. Check for any worn or frayed cables and replace immediately. If you choose to replace devices in the trolley make sure you also replace the chargers as well. Lastly, as best as possible, try and use the same style of charger (USB-C or barrel) in the one trolley.
Dell mini PC CMOS battery
Is your Main Learning Display showing no signal even after you thought you’ve turned on the mini PC? Or have you seen an orange and white flashing light on the power button on some of your mini PC’s? This may indicate an issue with the CMOS battery. Simply log a ticket with EDConnect and your Digital Field Services team will be able to support you by replacing the battery.
MLDs and managed devices
Main Learning Displays (MLDs) are interactive panels used to display content digitally either from a mini PC attached to the back of the panel or another DoE managed device.
These panels are “smart” devices meaning they have the ability to connect to wireless networks. ITD does not permit schools to connect MLD's to the school WiFi as they are unmanaged devices.
To access the DoE network in a supported method, MLDs must be connected through a managed device, such as a DoE-managed laptop or mini PC, using an HDMI connection. A USB connection is also required to enable touch functionality.
News - EDUtech 2026 wrapped up!
In Week 7, the T4L Team joined thousands of passionate educators at EDUtech 2026, where attendees came together to listen to practical tips, exciting projects, and inspiring school stories shared by schools themselves. From assistive tech to spotlights on digital tools, engagement and stem.T4L there was something for everyone.
The NSW DoE theatre sessions were also a hit, covering everything from cyber security to inclusive technology, designing in Canva, school website uplift and supporting digital engagement in schools.
A huge thank you to all of our exceptional school and ITD presenters, as well as everyone who stopped by, asked questions, engaged in our presentations and shared ideas. We loved connecting with you and can’t wait to keep supporting your teaching journey with technology.
EDUtech School Stories
One of the highlights of the event was the sharing of nine school stories, each presenting their unique journey in technology across their community, which can be further explored in our most recent special edition of magazine.T4L.
News - EUDR Wave 1 device allocation begins!
Schools participating in the End User Device Refresh (EUDR) Waves 1 to 3 have been populating dedicated laptop users into their device asset management portals. As a result of this massive collective effort, the EUDR team has successfully progressed through the first rounds of device allocations for eligible permanent, full-time teachers across Waves 1 and 2.
We have officially approved and released over 250 brand new devices, which are currently on their way to support teachers in these schools.
Thank you for all your hard work and patience as we build this new capability across all schools. We cannot wait to get these devices into teachers' hands over the next couple of weeks.
What’s coming up?
Schools in waves 3 and 4 continue to move through their respective allocation and data verification processes. We are excited to begin working with Wave 5 schools shortly.
Further questions?
For questions and support, please contact the team at: EUD@det.nsw.edu.au or visit our intranet page for updated FAQs.
Info - Social Media Day
Think before you post!
Recognised globally on 30 June this event highlights the significant role social media plays in how we connect and communicate online. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on how much personal information we may unintentionally share.
Photos, comments, videos, and check-ins can reveal details about our routines, locations, schools, workplaces and family members. Cybercriminals can use this information to create convincing scams or target people online.
Schools and families are encouraged to review their online safety habits and take simple steps to stay safer online.
Tips for staying safer online:
Review privacy settings regularly, as app updates can change them.
Think before posting and avoid sharing personal or location-based information.
Check photo and video backgrounds for school uniforms, street signs or landmarks.
Be cautious when accepting friend or connection requests from unknown people.
Talk with children, teens and family members about safe online behaviour.
Be aware that fake content and scams online are increasingly common.
Schools and families can also access a range of online safety resources, including classroom learning materials, eSafety guidance, and practical advice for using social media and messaging apps safely.
This Social Media Day, consider: what small change could improve your online safety?
Update - MacBook Neo is now available!
MacBook Neo is now available in the EdBuy catalogue. As Apple's most affordable Mac, it brings all day battery life, four colours - Silver, Indigo, Blush and Citrus - and the power of the A18 Pro chip to everyday learning.
MacBook Neo works seamlessly with the tools your school already relies on, including Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, so students and teachers can hit the ground running from day one. All four colours are available for purchase on EdBuy today.
Remember, all Apple devices sold through EdBuy include a 4 year Jamf Pro license attached for remote management of your devices.
Tip - Timely time-saver - Importing into Canva
Did you know you can bring your existing resources into Canva and easily edit PDFs, documents and slide presentations?
Import directly from the menu in the projects tab or from an existing folder. Simply click the plus symbol and select upload file or folder then select the file or folder you want. You can even just drag and drop your resource onto the Canva homepage!! Once you’ve finished editing your design you can download it back into it’s original format.
Try importing your existing files today and edit with Canva!
Info - NSWEduChat staff resource library
Did you know there's a dedicated Staff Resource Library to support you in teaching and learning with AI?
The NSWEduChat Staff Resource Library is a growing collection of resources and professional learning opportunities - developed specifically for teachers in NSW public schools.
Whether you're just getting started with AI or looking to deepen your practice, the Staff Resource Library has you covered. Browse resources across a range of categories, including:
- Professional learning opportunities
- Stories from NSWEduChat trial schools
- Teaching resources
- Student learning materials
Every resource has been designed with your professional needs in mind - just find what's relevant to you and get started at your own pace.
The Staff Resource Library is your go-to hub for building confidence and capability with AI, helping you focus on what matters most - your students.
Check out the Staff Resource Library now.
Info - Unlock creativity with Google Vids
Have you tried Google Vids, the easy-to-use video creation tools available through Google Workspace? Users can create impactful visual stories, learning reflections and how-to videos utilising a variety of features including:
- Pre-made templates
- A vast royalty-free media library
- Simple transition adjustments
- A variety of backgrounds and filters
- A built-in recording studio and teleprompter
- Transcript trimming to make video production stress-free.
To streamline the workflow, teachers can also create a Google Vids template for students to use as an assignment directly within Google Classroom.
How might you use it?
Students can produce engaging podcasts or create insightful video documentaries. Teachers can design clear video explainers or record effective parent communication updates. Leaders and admin staff can create engaging professional development videos and communication updates can be easily created for the school community.
Click the link to learn more about Google Vids or find tips and tricks to get started!
Info - Lockdown browser for online exams
ICAS Exams
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) provides students in Years 2-12 with the opportunity to participate in assessments across six literacy and STEM subjects: English, Writing, Spelling Bee, Science, Mathematics and Digital Technologies.
The 2026 ICAS testing window will run from 3-28 August 2026. The Janison Replay lockdown browser is required only for the Spelling Bee and Writing assessments.
From Friday 26 June the browser will be available for NSW Department of Education managed devices through the following methods:
- Windows: available for deployment via CDM and UDM
- Mac: available through Self Service
- iPad: schools will need to use Apple School Manager and Jamf Pro to scope the Janison Replay app to required devices
- Chromebook: available from the Apps menu on the Chromebook login screen as ICAS Assessments.
For additional support, please contact EDConnect and a member of your local Digital Field Services team will be in touch.
HSC Respondus Lockdown browser and sample exams
An updated version of the HSC Respondus lockdown browser (LDB) will be released by NESA from Friday June 26, 2026. This version will be required for any HSC Minimum Standards testing and the HSC Online Exams scheduled for October 2026. The updated versions are 2.1.3.09 for Windows and 2.1.5.02 for macOS.
The software will be automatically deployed to managed Windows devices and available in Jamf Pro for managed macOS devices. For students with BYO devices the LDB is available for download through Schools Online and Students Online.
HSC online sample exams are now available for Enterprise Computing, Science Extension and Software Engineering. These sample exams enable students to:
- confirm device compatibility with the online exam platform
- verify that the lockdown browser is installed and functioning correctly
- successfully log in and launch the exam environment
- become familiar with the platform’s features and functionality.
Please note that the sample exams are hosted on the same platform used for official HSC online examinations, which differs from third-party and trial exam platforms.
NESA will continue providing updates to schools following communications issued to principals and nominated Exam IT Coordinators on 28 April 2026. Additional communications are scheduled for Term 3, Weeks 2 and 5.
Fun - ICT thought of the day
news.T4L - back in Week 3!
ITD publishes three issues of news.T4L each term. Share each issue with your staff! Subscribe to get email notification as soon as a new issue of news.T4L drops.
Tell us about your school's great ICT initiatives! Send us an email to T4LNews@det.nsw.edu.au
Last modified date
15/06/2026
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Executive director
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