# Software and Applications

# Software: What's Available and How to Request It

This guide explains how software is managed on FVSD devices and how to request new applications.

## How Software Works at FVSD

FVSD computers are managed centrally by IT. This means:

- You **cannot install software yourself** — your computer does not have admin/install permissions
- Software is deployed and updated by IT remotely
- Some standard applications are already installed on your computer (Microsoft Office, Chrome, etc.)

## Requesting New Software

If you need software that isn't on your computer:

1. **Submit a ticket** through the IT helpdesk or **email** helpdesk@fvsd.ab.ca
2. Include the following:
3. **Name of the software** (and a link to the product page if possible)
4. **What you need it for** — a brief explanation of the use case
5. **Is it free or paid?** — if it requires a license or purchase, note that in your request
6. **How many people need it?** — just you, your department, or the whole school?
7. IT will review the request to ensure the software is:
8. Compatible with FVSD systems
9. Safe and free of security concerns
10. Properly licensed

## What to Expect

- **Standard requests** (common, free, or already-licensed software) are typically completed within **1-3 business days**
- **New software** that requires evaluation, licensing, or purchasing may take longer
- IT will follow up if there are any questions or issues with the request

## Software Updates

- Most software updates are pushed automatically by IT
- If you notice an application is out of date or prompting you to update, **do not attempt to update it yourself** — submit a ticket and IT will push the update

## Common Questions

**Q: I found free software online — can IT just install it?**

A: Possibly, but IT needs to review it first. Even free software needs to be checked for compatibility, security, and licensing terms. Submit a request and we'll let you know.

**Q: I need software urgently for a class or project.**

A: Mark your ticket as urgent and include the date you need it by. IT will prioritize where possible.

**Q: Can I use a web-based tool instead?**

A: Web-based tools don't require installation and are often a good alternative. If the tool handles student data or sensitive information, check with IT first to make sure it meets FVSD's privacy requirements.

**Q: An application stopped working or keeps crashing.**

A: Submit a ticket with the name of the application and what's happening. IT can often fix this by reinstalling or updating it remotely.

## Contact IT

- **Submit a ticket** through the IT helpdesk
- **Email:** helpdesk@fvsd.ab.ca

# PowerSchool Basics

PowerSchool is the student information system used by FVSD for managing student records, attendance, grades, and reporting.

## Accessing PowerSchool

1. Go to your school's PowerSchool URL (ask your school office or IT if you don't have it)
2. Sign in with your PowerSchool credentials

**Note:** Your PowerSchool login may be different from your FVSD email login. If you're unsure of your credentials, contact your school office.

## Common Tasks

### Taking Attendance

1. Log in to PowerSchool
2. Navigate to your class
3. Mark students as present, absent, late, or excused
4. Submit attendance

Attendance should be taken **every period/block** as required by your school.

### Entering Grades

1. Navigate to your class gradebook
2. Click on the assignment or create a new one
3. Enter scores for each student
4. Save your changes

### Viewing Student Information

- Use the **student search** to find a student by name or ID
- View contact information, schedules, attendance history, and more
- **Remember:** Student information is confidential — only access records for students you work with directly

## Common Questions

**Q: I can't log in to PowerSchool.**

A: Double-check your PowerSchool credentials (they may be different from your FVSD email). If you've forgotten your password, contact your school office or IT to have it reset.

**Q: I need access to PowerSchool but don't have an account.**

A: Contact your school office or submit a ticket to IT. Access is based on your role and is set up by your school administrator.

**Q: PowerSchool is slow or not loading.**

A: Try a different browser, clear your browser cache, or restart your computer. If the issue persists, it may be a server-side problem — contact IT.

**Q: I entered something incorrectly — can I fix it?**

A: Most entries (grades, attendance) can be edited by going back to the record and updating it. If you're unable to make a correction, contact your school's PowerSchool administrator.

## Contact IT

- **Submit a ticket** through the IT helpdesk
- **Email:** helpdesk@fvsd.ab.ca