Ready or not, the new school year is coming! Technology has long been an integral part of the Overlake experience and every year we find new and creative ways to better live the school's mission through the lens of technology. In the spring of 2022, the Library and Technology departments combined to form the Information Literacy & Technology (ILT) Team - our department's mission has never been more important:
Provide leadership, resources, and structures to develop multi-literate, adaptable learners.
As a combined program, we will be providing integrated training and orientations to ensure the best information and technology experience for students and employees alike. Here are some factors to consider for the new school year.
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. If you plan to buy a new device we recommend you not delay your purchase. Please also assess your home internet connection - is it reliable? Does it allow you to accomplish what you need to do? A reliable home internet connection is critical to a positive learning experience.
Do you receive financial aid?
If you receive financial aid and are interested in receiving financial assistance for devices or internet access, please contact the Director of Technology at dot@overlake.org.
Owl Information and Technology Setup
Every August, the ILT 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.
Owl IDs for New Students
New students will receive their Overlake username and password, called Owl IDs, in early July. This will allow them to log in to Canvas, download Microsoft Office, and generally get acclimated with Overlake services. Before you log in to Microsoft we recommend reviewing our Password and Security Guidance to change your password from its default value.
Download Microsoft Teams App
In addition to the basic requirements of our device program, please ensure that students have also downloaded and installed Microsoft Teams on their laptops. Upper School students should also download Teams on their smartphones. Overlake employees will communicate with students using both Teams and Canvas messages as per our Online Learning Expectations.
Check for Updates!
If you already have Teams downloaded, please be sure you are running the latest version.
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 ILT Help Desk at help@overlake.org, or call 425.602.7007 from 7:30am - 5:00pm, M-F.