Everything_Session

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 * ** Q&A from our Pre-class survey… ** ||

Q:How to use various tech programs that are new to our school. How to set up dragon speak and type. A: Dragon is currently not on the image for all users, but it is installed on some classroom computers and mobile devices. Is it on your computer, or a device like an iPad or iPod Touch? I have used the Dragon Naturally speaking app on the iPad. I did a Podcast on it here: [] = = = = = = = = Q:How to send pictures via email? A: In any message, you can click the paperclip to insert a file, then browse for the picture. You could also drag the picture from the folder where it is saved into the body of your e-mail. You could also copy the picture and paste it into the message.

Q: Features of Outlook beyond the inbox A: Creating folders is a good way to manage your inbox. You can drag messages into the appropriate folders, or create rules to automatically send certain messages into certain folders as you receive them. Here is a podcast we did on managing folders: []. You can also make a signature (or several) to automatically appear in your messages. Here is a podcast we made on making a signature: []. The calendar is also an important feature. We will show you how to create an appointment or a task in your calendar during this session.

Q: What are some Power Point tips/short cuts? A: We will cover a few tips and tricks, as well as right-click and shortcuts in the session. We also have a separate training session just on PowerPoint. You can see the notes and agenda for that session on this wiki: http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/PowerPoint+Training

Q: Tips for managing Email? A: Live by this rule for new emails as they come in: Do, Decide, Delegate, or Delete. Instead of keeping things in your inbox for an extended period of time, make a decision about each one as it comes in. If it is simple, do it now. If it will need to be handled later, drag the message into your calendar and set a time and date when you will do it. Save it to a folder if necessary. If it is something that needs to go on to someone else, forward it along right away. If it is something that you just need to read, do so, then delete the message. The goal in staying on top of your email is getting your inbox down to ZERO messages every day. Here is our podcast on the “Inbox Zero” movement: []

Q: I am still not sure of the options on email. Could use some updating. A: What about making a distribution list? Here’s a podcast we did on that topic: []

Q: How to make a power point presentation A: Check out our training session on PowerPoint: http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/PowerPoint+Training

Q: Making forms using excel A: You can use Google Forms to easily make great surveys that collect data in spreadsheets that work very well in Excel. Check out our notes and agenda from the training session we offer on Google:http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/Google+Your+World+in+a+Click

Q: How to type in excel boxes and wrap the text A: Highlight any cell, column, row, or the entire spreadsheet. Next, click on “Wrap Text” in the “alignment” group under the “Home” tab.

Q: How to use PowerPoint. How to use YouTube and use it in Power Point presentations. A: You can embed a YouTube video in your PowerPoint, but it involves a lot of steps. In my opinion, it is easiest to just paste a link to the YouTube video in your PowerPoint, then click on it when viewing the presentation to open the video directly from YouTube. If you’d rather embed, follow the steps described in the wiki for our PowerPoint training session, here: http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/How+to+embed+video+in+PowerPoint

Q: What is Moodle? A: Moodle is an acronym for “Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment.” It is a classroom management system that can be difficult to operate when getting started, but can provide teachers with a secure environment for students to get assignments, write, discuss, blog, turn in assignments, take assessments, and collaborate with each other.

Q: How to set up and follow tweet links for our school. A: Join Twitter. Find your school’s Twitter account, and click “Follow.” For more specific information, check out the podcast we did on using Twitter as a Professional Learning Network! Click here: []

Q: Wiki options. A: Wikispaces is all about options! There are countless ways to use wikis. Think of Wikispaces as a bowl that holds the ice cream, and all its various toppings. You can embed countless widgets like videos and calendars, link to web pages, add files, and collaborate to share information with people from across the district or across the world. Check out the online, self-paced training session we offer on Wikispaces: http://npmmc.wikispaces.com/ … or the agenda and wiki for our training session we offer on doing Projects with Wikispaces: http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/Project+wiki

Q: How to import things into documents. A: To import pictures, tables, clip art, shapes, links and charts and more into Word Documents, click on the Insert Tab, where you’ll find all the options for importing. Select the one you want, and follow the steps as you are prompted.

Q: I need to know how to formulate a chart for varied uses, i.e, a student's behavior chart and other forms. Forms and their creation are my most needed items A: You can use Google Forms to easily make great surveys that collect data in spreadsheets that work very well in Excel. Check out our notes and agenda from the training session we offer on Google: http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/Google+Your+World+in+a+Click

Q: Make an Excel data chart. A: Excel is not as difficult as it may seem. To make a chart, you simply open a new Excel spreadsheet and start typing. The top row can be your “header,” and you can sort all the data below by any column in your header.

Q: I would like to learn more about Edmodo and different ways it can be used to communicate with students and parents A: Edmodo is great for education. It is highly engaging and effective for communication. Students, parents, and colleagues can share information, links and files, as well have discussions, and everyone can receive this information on their cell phones, computers, or mobile devices. Check out our tech tip podcast on Edmodo: []

Q: How do you animate an entire powerpoint presentation without doing it line by line? A: Click on the first slide from the left-hand slide preview, then hit shift and click on the last slide. With every slide highlighted, go to the “Animations” tab, and click on the transition of your choice.

Q: How do you do the basics on Excel? Cut and paste of tables to keep formatting, headings, etc. A: Excel is surprisingly user-friendly. You can copy most tables you find online or in other spreadsheets and documents and paste them into Excel and they will automatically go into Excel as they were originally formatted. If they don’t, click the drop-down box that appears when you paste anything into Excel, and select “keep original source formatting.”

Q: I would like to know how to put together fancy power points. I know the basics, but do not know how to add in pictures and web sites etc A: To add a website, just paste the link to the web address you desire, and it will automatically become a link. To put in a picture, just right-click on the picture and click “Copy.” Then, on any slide in PowerPoint, you can right click and click on “paste.” If the picture is saved to your computer or network, just go to the “Insert” tab, and click on “picture,” then browse for the picture file to import it.

= = = = = = = =
 * Q&A from previous sessions… **

Q: How do you get things to stop "auto-whatever" in Word? A: Without knowing exactly which things you would like to turn off, my first suggestion is to hit “control-Z” when some unwanted auto formatting takes place. This usually gets rid of the formatting, without undoing what you actually typed. Want more? Check out these “10 Annoying Word Features and How to Get Rid of Them” via this link: []

Q: I just would like to be able to use excel to keep track of quizzes and assignments, but every time I do I get all kinds of formulas that I don't know how to use. A: Since we need to get a little more information about what you’d like to create, JASON will talk about this question with you and work toward an answer.

Q: I could benefit from everything asked from all the participants. It would be nice to be able to get a copy of presentation (if it is a powerpoint), or a "cheat sheet" of topics covered. ie how to capture a picture, how to do a spreadsheet, etc. A: You’re looking at it! While we won’t print this whole handout for everyone, it will always be right here, at http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com.

Q: How to make spreadsheets A: Since we need to get a little more information about what you’d like to create, JASON will talk about this question with you and work toward an answer.

Q: How to attach files A: Look for the paperclip!

Q: How to add to webpage A: Which webpage? Since we need to get a little more information about what you’d like to create, SCOTT will talk about this question with you and work toward an answer. If you are asking about Schoolwires Teacher Web Pages, please look down this page and see the four questions and answers about Schoolwires.

Q: List of cool sites A: Here’s a nice, ever-growing list: http://nptechtools.wikispaces.com/Web+2.0+Tools

Q: How to download pictures off a camera A: To get pictures from your camera, plug it in to the computer with the cable (usually USB) that came with the digital camera. If an “import wizard” does not start when you connect it to your computer, find the camera device you connected (from “Finder” on a Mac, or from “My Computer” on a Windows computer), then find the individual pictures you want, click on them, and drag & drop to an appropriate folder on your computer. We will model this during the session.

Q: How do you design templates that do not move? A: We need more information on this question. What would you like the templates to do? Let's check Microsoft online.

Q: How do you do a mail merge? A: We will cover this in today’s agenda, but here are two videos that you might be able to use to follow along step-by-step if you need a refresher at some point in the future: [] []

Q: How can I prioritize my emails in Outlook? A: To be honest, the best way I can think of to prioritize the emails in your inbox is to not have them in your inbox! There is a movement called “Inbox Zero” which suggests that keeping messages in your inbox can become a huge distraction from your focus on the task at hand, and encourages you to make a decision about each email as it comes in. You can either reply to the message, make a task or calendar entry to deal with the subject of the message at a certain time, save the message in a file somewhere else if it is something that must be saved, or read and delete the message. Once you stop using your inbox as a “holding pattern” for the things which require later action on your part, you’ll notice that you can focus on the messages as they come in, instead of thinking about all those loose ends sitting in your inbox every time you open your email! I made a podcast on this topic here: [] If you simply MUST keep multiple messages in your inbox, try flagging or color-coding them to help you sort through and prioritize them, or right-clicking on “Arrange by” at the top of your inbox to sort the messages in a variety of ways.

Q: How to organize info into folders in outlook A: If you would like a new folder in Outlook, simply click on “Mail,” then right click near “inbox” and select “New Folder” to create and name a new folder. You can then set up rules that divert messages from certain senders, or messages with certain subject lines, into certain folders. However, storing files here does not help stop the warnings that your inbox is over its size limit. Instead, save the emails that are necessary to a folder in your h-drive, or to a removable device such as a flash drive, CD, or external hard drive.

Q: How to use excel so that it will help organization with classroom duties. A: There were several questions like this one, including “how do I make up class lists, seating charts, etc.” Due to high interest, this is something we will cover in the regular agenda of today’s class. In short, export your class list from Gradebook into an Excel spreadsheet (click on scores > printable > export to Excel). Then remove the columns you don’t need, and you’ll be left with the data you do need, which can be sorted, graphed, arranged, etc., to fit your needs.

Q: How to use word and outlook so that it is more helpful in the classroom A: We really need more information to answer this question. What skills do you want your students to learn? We don’t want everyone to be the “computer teacher.” We would like to help you match up the best tools for the job you are already doing, and that will be a different process for every standard and skill you are teaching. May we have a specific example from your curriculum to discuss with you?

Q: I would like to enhance my general knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook. A: We hope to give you some things to think about with Office ’07 applications is steps 5 – 7 of our agenda for today. Q: I could use more info about inserting pictures from the internet into documents. A: Typically, pictures from the Internet can be inserted into a Word document by right-clicking on a picture and clicking “copy,” then going into Word, right-clicking where you want the picture to go, and clicking “paste.” If the picture appears in the Word doc, but then will not move where you want it to go, try right-clicking on the picture, clicking on “layout,” and then changing the layout to “behind text” instead of “in line with text.” This will enable you to move the picture anywhere in the page. There can also be problems with this copy-and-paste approach if the picture you copy is not the right kind of file. If this is the case, try pasting the picture into a PowerPoint slide, then right clicking on the picture and clicking “save as.” When you save the picture, change the file type (in the pull-down menu at the bottom of the Save dialogue) to a .jpg file. A .jpg file is basically universally accepted to insert into documents and web pages. Then, when you insert the picture into your Word doc (from the insert tab in the ribbon), you might need to change the layout so it can be moved wherever you’d like it.

Q: How can I use more of the keyboard functions to navigate...? A: All of the Office 2007 programs have shortcut keys built-in. If you hold down “alt,” they will appear like notes on a transparency sheet laid over your screen. While holding “alt,” you just press the letter or number key that appeared over the action you wish to complete. In addition to these alt commands, the same control commands that have always existed for keyboard shortcuts will still work. Here is a basic list of some of the more frequently used keyboard shortcuts: [|http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut.htm#01]


 * Shortcut Keys || Description ||
 * ** Alt + F ** || File menu options in current program. ||
 * ** Alt + E ** || Edit options in current program ||
 * ** F1 ** || Universal Help in almost every Windows program. ||
 * ** Ctrl + A ** || Select all text. ||
 * ** Ctrl + X ** || [|Cut] selected item. ||
 * ** Shift + Del ** || Cut selected item. ||
 * ** Ctrl + C ** || [|Copy] selected item. ||
 * ** Ctrl + Ins ** || Copy selected item ||
 * ** Ctrl + V ** || [|Paste] ||
 * ** Shift + Ins ** || Paste ||
 * ** Home ** || Goes to beginning of current line. ||
 * ** Ctrl + Home ** || Goes to beginning of document. ||
 * ** End ** || Goes to end of current line. ||
 * ** Ctrl + End ** || Goes to end of document. ||
 * ** Shift + Home ** || Highlights from current position to beginning of line. ||
 * ** Shift + End ** || Highlights from current position to end of line. ||
 * ** Ctrl + Left arrow ** || Moves one word to the left at a time. ||
 * ** Ctrl + Right arrow ** || Moves one word to the right at a time. ||

Q: How to create a secure document to list all of the different passwords used for online access. A: DON’T! But if you really must…

If you are worried about sensitive data in your Microsoft Word document you can both encrypt and password protect the document to keep it secure. This feature is very useful if you have to store your documents in a shared location, such as a network folder or home computer. To encrypt your document, click on the Microsoft Office Button in the upper left hand corner, select Prepare from the left-hand menu and then choose Encrypt Document.  In the Encrypt Document dialog window type in your password for this document.  You will then need to enter in your password again for verification and click OK. You will not receive any type of confirmation message, this window will simply disappear.  By default Windows Office Word 2007 will save your document with 128-bit advanced encryption. Now when anyone goes to open the document it will automatically ask for the password.  That’s all there is to it. SOURCE: []

Q: How do you get things to stop "auto-whatever" in Word? A: Without knowing exactly which things you would like to turn off, my first suggestion is to hit “control-Z” when some unwanted auto formatting takes place. This usually gets rid of the formatting, without undoing what you actually typed. Want more? Check out these “10 Annoying Word Features and How to Get Rid of Them” via this link: []

Q: How can I prioritize my emails in Outlook? A: To be honest, the best way I can think of to prioritize the emails in your inbox is to not have them in your inbox! There is a movement called “Inbox Zero” which suggests that keeping messages in your inbox can become a huge distraction from your focus on the task at hand, and encourages you to make a decision about each email as it comes in. You can either reply to the message, make a task or calendar entry to deal with the subject of the message at a certain time, save the message in a file somewhere else if it is something that must be saved, or read and delete the message. Once you stop using your inbox as a “holding pattern” for the things which require later action on your part, you’ll notice that you can focus on the messages as they come in, instead of thinking about all those loose ends sitting in your inbox every time you open your email! I made a podcast on this topic here: [] If you simply MUST keep multiple messages in your inbox, try flagging or color-coding them to help you sort through and prioritize them, or right-clicking on “Arrange by” at the top of your inbox to sort the messages in a variety of ways.

Q: How to organize info into folders in outlook A: If you would like a new folder in Outlook, simply click on “Mail,” then right click near “inbox” and select “New Folder” to create and name a new folder. You can then set up rules that divert messages from certain senders, or messages with certain subject lines, into certain folders. However, storing files here does not help stop the warnings that your inbox is over its size limit. Instead, save the emails that are necessary to a folder in your h-drive, or to a removable device such as a flash drive, CD, or external hard drive.

Q: I am interested in learning to use excel to make up class lists, seating charts, etc. A: Due to high interest, this is something we will cover in the regular agenda of today’s class. In short, export your class list from Gradebook into an Excel spreadsheet (click on scores > printable > export to Excel). Then remove the columns you don’t need, and you’ll be left with the data you do need, which can be sorted, graphed, arranged, etc., to fit your needs.

Q: I also use publisher to make a monthly calendar and since we are using the new version I am having trouble with some of the options. A: Publisher, like most of the Office 2007 programs, made some changes for this version. There are many good templates available from Microsoft online. In publisher, under “Publication types,” click on “Calendars.” Please feel free to show us the specific problems you are having and we’ll take a look.

Q: I could use more info about inserting pictures from the internet into documents. A: Typically, pictures from the Internet can be inserted into a Word document by right-clicking on a picture and clicking “copy,” then going into Word, right-clicking where you want the picture to go, and clicking “paste.” If the picture appears in the Word doc, but then will not move where you want it to go, try right-clicking on the picture, clicking on “layout,” and then changing the layout to “behind text” instead of “in line with text.” This will enable you to move the picture anywhere in the page. There can also be problems with this copy-and-paste approach if the picture you copy is not the right kind of file. If this is the case, try pasting the picture into a PowerPoint slide, then right clicking on the picture and clicking “save as.” When you save the picture, change the file type (in the pull-down menu at the bottom of the Save dialogue) to a .jpg file. A .jpg file is basically universally accepted to insert into documents and web pages. Then, when you insert the picture into your Word doc (from the insert tab in the ribbon), you might need to change the layout so it can be moved wherever you’d like it.

Q: Which device is best to use and easiest when saving info (external hard drive)? A: I use a 1 TB external hard drive from Western Digital. It has been excellent. Here are some links to external hard drives in the $75 - $100 range: []

Q: How to download pictures from internet sites and external (cameras) A: To get pictures from your camera, plug it in to the computer with the cable (usually USB) that came with the digital camera. If an “import wizard” does not start when you connect it to your computer, open “My Computer,” find the camera device you connected, find the pictures you want, click on them, and drag & drop to an appropriate folder on your computer. We will model this during the session.

Q: How to retrieve lost or deleted information A: Perhaps this depends on the information lost and the program you are using, but if you are looking for files you didn’t save, or deleted and also deleted from your recycle bin, it is usually not something that can be easily retrieved. At home, you might have set up some type of back up assistant, and Mac users have the Time Machine, but often there is nothing you can do to retrieve lost files, especially if you’ve deleted and “double deleted.” On our district computers, network administrators are able to go back to the “tape” and retrieve lost files if you can tell them right away. As far as I understand, their backup is pretty extensive and difficult for them to search through, so I’m sure it is not convenient for them to have to retrieve our lost files. The best offense here is a good defense – save files early and often, and think twice before you hit the delete button!

Q: I understand that in order to learn Mail Merge that I should have a made a list already. Where should that list be? in Word? then Save as? I really need to learn this (at the suggestion of my Principal at my Portfolio review)! A: I recommend using Excel for your list. Each name should be in a cell, and each other piece of information you would like to pull from the spreadsheet into the mail merge should be in a cell in the same row as the appropriate name.

Q: Which shortcuts can make life as a teacher easier? A: Here’s a good list: [|http://www.computerhope.com/shortcut.htm#01]

Q: How can you put all your classes’ email addresses together so that you can send something to the whole class at once? A: I recommend pasting each email address into a cell in Excel, all in one column. You can also populate this spreadsheet with other important contact information to set up a mail merge. Another option is to enter each into a distribution list in Outlook. We’ll go over both approaches today.

Q: How do I save my hard drive to a disk and do I have to? A: Saving a back up is always a good idea. Insert a writable DVD, or connect a flash drive or external hard drive through the USB port. Open the folder with your files in one window and a folder for the disk or device in another window. Drag and drop the files you would like to back up.

Q: I have a portable hard drive for small videos I make with a Flip, am I doing it right? A: Saving a back up copy of each video on an external hard drive is always a good idea. Bring in yours and we’ll take a look.

Q: How do I post student artwork or save it? A: This depends on the medium of the artwork. Is it something you can scan or take a digital photo of? If you can take a picture or scan it, save the file, then upload it to your web page. Specific directions for posting on your web page will depend on whether you are using a Schoolwires teacher web page, a Wikispaces site, a Moodle page, or another type of website.

Q: I have a crude power point and a Flip video for many of my lessons, should I keep them on my H drive or move them to my portable external drive? How do I transfer them? A: Saving a back up is always a good idea. Plug in the external hard drive through the USB port. Open the folder with your files in one window and a folder for the drive in another window. Drag and drop the files you would like to back up.

Q: Help with the differences between the current version of Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc., and the previous version. A: Press F1, then click on “Getting Help.” Click “Interactive: 2003 to 2007 command reference guide” for a quick and easy way to find where the things you were used to using have moved.

Q: How to use digital camera and then send it as a slide show to show things we do throughout the year. A: This couldn’t be easier using PowerPoint 2007. First, take the pictures. Then plug in the camera through the USB port and copy the pictures to your computer. Then, open PowerPoint, click the Microsoft Office Button, click “New,” click “Installed Templates,” and select the photo-album-style of your choice. When prompted to do so, browse for the pictures you would like to import into the slide show.

Q: How do you add and change pages to SchoolWires? A: Log in to Schoolwires and click “Site Manager,” which takes you to a list of all your pages called the “Section Workspace.” To change an existing page, simply double (left) click on the page you would like to edit. To create a new page, click “New Page” near the top and follow the steps to create and name a page. We recommend making a flex page if you would like a page that functions exactly like your main welcome page.

Q: What are some of the newer features of SchoolWires? A: The “In the News” section of Schoolwires’ website details new features: [] Many teachers like using the blogs. I am a fan of Schoolwires podcasts. It is very easy to put a video or audio file on a podcast page for students or parents to easily download and watch/listen.

Q: How do you input things to SchoolWires? A: You can input files by going to “tools” then “files” and insert. Then, when editing a page, click on the paper clip button to insert the file into your page. Select the radio button next to the option to insert a file already uploaded to your site, find the file you uploaded, and click “OK.”

Q: What's with the underlining going on in SchoolWires? At least on mine! A: We might need to look at the code behind your page to see if the whole page is underlined. However, if you highlight the parts you don’t want underlined and cluck the underline button, the underlining should go away. Let’s take a look at your specific page during the class today.

Q: How do you use the new version of Power Point? A: PowerPoint has many educational uses. Slide shows for presentations, non-linear PowerPoints for learning games or projects, and photo albums for publishing pictures, are three of the most common uses. If the question is what has changed, or how is it different from XP, that answer takes (at least) a full two-hour flex session (offered on mylearningplan.com in October, November, February, and March). In the meantime, here’s a link to a “Getting Started” guide from Microsoft.com: []

Q: How do you input things into Power Point-pics, links, sounds? A: In the “Insert” tab, click on the type of media you would like to insert.

Q: Can you input a word document into Power Point? A: Yes. Type a word you would like people to click to open the file. Highlight that word, then click on the “Insert” tab, click “Hyperlink,” and use the drop-down arrow in the “Look In” field to select the file from whatever location you have it saved.

Q: Above the inbox there is a button for “instant search”- what does that mean and do? A: We encouraged our district teachers NOT to enable Instant Search for now, since it slows down the performance of Office ’07 programs on our network, but if you’d like to know more about what Instant Search can do, check this link: [] Here’s information on turning Instant Search on or off: []

Q: I would like to know what all the tool bar signs above mean and how to use them. A: This guide to the commands on the Ribbon in Office ’07 programs is a good place to start: []

Q: How to change margins on a word document? A: Here is a link to demo on setting or changing page margins in Word 2007: []

Q: How to create power point? A: PowerPoint has many educational uses. Slide shows for presentations, non-linear PowerPoints for learning games or projects, and photo albums for publishing pictures, are three of the most common uses. If the question is what has changed, or how is it different from XP, that answer takes (at least) a full two-hour flex session (offered on mylearningplan.com in October, November, February, and March). In the meantime, here’s a link to a “Getting Started” guide from Microsoft.com: []

Q: How to create excel spreadsheet? A: Check [|www.mylearningplan.com] for dates of upcoming flex training sessions on Excel. In the meantime, here’s a link to a “Getting Started” guide from Microsoft.com: []

Q: Also, how do I put all my parent’s e-mails in the computer so I can send them all the same e-mail when I need to and not do individual mailings. A: I recommend pasting each email address into a cell in Excel, all in one column. You can also populate this spreadsheet with other important contact information to set up a mail merge. Another option is to enter each into a distribution list in Outlook. We’ll go over both approaches today.

Q: Where can I find first grade classroom project ideas? A: This really depends on the content area and curriculum, but here are a few sites we came across in a Google search for “First grade classroom projects” this week: Collection of First Grade Websites: [] Teaching First Grade: [] Websites of North Penn Grade 1 Teachers: Mrs. Bertoti Mrs. Sell Mrs. Chiodo Mrs. Bell

Q: How can I brush up on basic computer skills? A: One answer to this question is to search, one topic at a time, for whatever you need to know at any given time. Since there are so many skills that could be considered “basic computer skills,” there is probably not going to be a one-stop website or class to answer all of your questions. Some sites offer video tutorials on frequent questions (such as this one: []), but more likely, your questions will arise as you need to know them. For questions like, “How do I take a screen capture of what is on my screen?”, or “How do I get the number lock to be on at startup?”, try searching in Google or Yahoo, using as specific language as possible.

Q: How do I keep number lock on? A: You will __need to see your building’s tech assistant__ to do this on a **school** computer. If you are trying to have number lock always on at start up from your **home** computer, try following the directions at this link: []

Q: How do I set up basic Power Point and then add stuff from outside sources? A: Open PowerPoint. Under “Design,” find a template and color scheme that you like. You can click in the boxes that are there by default to give each slide a heading and subtext. Clicking “insert” lets you put in pictures, clip art, audio, shapes, charts, text boxes, and just about anything else you can imagine. You are not limited to the options you see. Powerpoint will let you insert (and resize, if necessary) anything you can right-click on and copy from web pages, Word documents, or other sources. Remember, you don’t need to follow a template. You can completely scrap the boxes that are there by default and design your own slides by putting text boxes, pictures, and word art wherever you want.

Q: What is the easiest way to transfer word documents and power points into the smart boards without losing graphics and equation editor boxes? A: __Word Documents__ - Drag and drop the text from the Word document into an open SMART Notebook page. Here’s how: open Notebook (SNB) to a blank page then minimize it; open a Word document and highlight the text to be used; click and drag the text down to the SNB page and hold until SNB opens; click to drop the text into SNB (a text box will open that you can work with). __PowerPoint Presentations__ – Convert the presentation into a Notebook file. Here’s how: To convert a PowerPoint, open up Notebook and click on File. Select Import and make sure it is set to find “All PowerPoint files.” Browse for your PowerPoint file and select it. Important Note: Make sure the PowerPoint file you are converting is not open on your computer.

Q: How do I convert PowerPoint files to SMART Board? – A: There are different ways to accomplish this task. Through trial and error you will find which method works best to transfer your particular presentation. Some will better replicate images while others may better maintain transitions and animation. A. 1. In the “File” menu of SMART Notebook, choose “Import”. 2. Find and select the PowerPoint file you want to transfer. 3. Click “Open” B. 1. Open the PowerPoint file you want to transfer. 2. Select “Print” from the “File” menu. 3. Choose “SMART Notebook Print Capture” from the pull-down menu. C. 1. Open the PowerPoint file you want to transfer. 2. Open SMART Notebook. 3. Copy the slide(s) you want from PowerPoint and paste them into Notebook.

Q: How do I write my signature in Outlook for email? A: To create a signature line for your email, click on “Tools,” then “Options,” then “Mail Format,” then “Signatures,” type your signature, and save it.

Q: How do I burn a CD? A: Each building has different procedures for doing this, simply because the computers in each building (and in each classroom) are different. Please see your building’s tech aide for assistance in burning files to a CD or DVD.

Q: Why are all the really good image websites blocked on our internet? A: I’m not sure which image sites are being blocked; a Google image search turns up many results for virtually anything a student or teacher could want. However, right-clicking on an image we find online, copying it, and taking it for our own use, while easy to do on the computer, is wrong when it is a violation of someone else’s intellectual property. Our district is encouraging teachers and students to use images that we create ourselves, are copyright-free, or are intended for shared, common use. Here are some alternatives: PA POWER Library: [] AP Images: [] Creative Commons: []

Q: What are some good websites to use in the classroom with the LCDs? A: Short answer? ANY websites. The great benefit of the LCDs is that they enable teachers to show students every step of a process they are teaching, including which websites to use to find information. LCD projectors are particularly useful when showing videos, so sites like United Streaming, Teacher Tube or YouTube also come to mind. And how about this one? The best sites to display on the LCD are often sites that your students create or contribute to, such as wikis, blogs, Voicethread, Google Docs, Moodle, or other interactive websites. Showing these sites enables you to show the rest of the class any one student’s (or collaborative group’s) thought process or steps to creating an original work or solving a problem.

Q: What is the difference between Microsoft word, works, word pad, excel etc? A: Word, Works, and Word Pad are all word processing software, ways to use the computer like a typewriter to oversimplify it. Each of them uses a different “language” and therefore compatibility can be an issue without a way to “translate” to convert one file type to another. Excel is a spreadsheet software. Several questions in today’s class will cover uses of Excel. For more information about Word go to [].

Q: How do I use Excel to design data sheets specific to each child/skill...not for sort/track/list in the Traditional Excel use? Q: How do I make a useful excel spreadsheet? Q: How do I make a Spreadsheet to use with lists in my classroom? A: Examples will be shown of several different spreadsheets for classroom use, as well as ways to use Excel in conjunction with Word to create mail merge documents for use as labels, reports, and more.

Q: How do I create a web page for the teacher directory? A: The web pages for teachers on each school’s website under “Teacher Webpages” are set up through a program called Schoolwires. These sites are very straightforward and easy to use, but our district requires teachers to attend a training session (2 hours, elective flex, available on [|www.mylearningplan.com]) to cover the rules, guidelines, and basics before starting. If you would like to get to work, but are unable to attend a scheduled session, please send an email to Eileen Franklin at the ESC to set up a site, and to Scott Swindells at the ESC to come to your building for training at your convenience.

Q: What can I do with right-click? A: Please see the screen captures of right-click options for each Office program (in the session handout).

Q: How to make lists of items in boxes? A: This really depends on what program or application you are using. One trick that works well for many different programs is to type a list using Excel, then copy the list and paste it into Word, Outlook, or whatever program you are using. The list will appear in a box, just like the cells in Excel.

Q: I forgot how to add a link to a webpage. A refresher is needed. A: To add a link to a webpage in Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and many other frequently used programs, one can simply type (or copy and paste) the web address. A link automatically appears after pressing the space bar. You can also highlight any word, right click on it, and select “Add hyperlink” to make a much cleaner-looking link. To add a link to a webpage FROM a webpage, this really depends on which type of webpage you are using. For Schoolwires, Wikispaces, and Moodle, one can insert a link in the same manner as most Microsoft Office applications, or simply highlight a word and clikc on the “insert link” button when editing your page.

Q: Two email topics… sending attachments and creating a signature line (Name, position, etc.) that I can bring up when I send an e-mail, instead of writing it each time. A: To send an attachment, begin to compose a new email as you would normally. Add your recipients, and give the message a subject and body, if you desire. Then, click on “attach file,” which will open up a window for you to browse your computer or network for the file you desire to send. Click “insert,” and the file will be ready to send with your email message. To create a signature line for your email, click on “Tools,” then “Options,” then “Mail Format,” then “Signatures,” type your signature, and save it.

Q: What's the best way to store email addresses you use often? A: In Outlook, click on “Contacts.” Create an entry for each person. Or, when receiving email from a new contact, right click on the sender’s name or email address, and click “Add to contacts.”

Q: What's the best way to store email addresses you use often? A: In Outlook, click on “Contacts.” Create an entry for each person. Or, when receiving email from a new contact, right click on the sender’s name or email address, and click “Add to contacts.”

Q: What's the best way to store websites you want your students to go to when at the computer? A: Here are some options: 1) Your Schoolwires teacher web page 2) A Wikispaces web site 3) Del.icio.us.com

Q: Where is the best place to keep favorites? A: Here are some options: 1) The Intranet (home page). Click “Setup” and add link. 2) Del.icio.us.com

Q: How do you cut down your options when doing a search? A: Use Boolean logic (covered in this year’s required flex), such as “and,” “or,” and “not” (explained on this site: [] ) and use “+,” “-.“ Google also offers this guide to searching: []

Q: How do you store all your passwords and important info. you need for access to websites? A: This depends on the nature of the web site. For 99% of the web 2.0 sites I use, where there would really be no reason for anyone to hack into them, I use the same user name and password for all of them. For something more important, such as an online bank account or bill-paying site, etc., I use a very secure random combinations of letters and numbers, and I do not store them electronically at all. I keep them written down (in code) in a book.

Q:How to Mail Merge and make some charts/schedules mostly. A: In Office 2007: [] In Office 2003: []

Q: What are the F keys for? A: []

Q: What are some helpful things I wouldn't even know to ask about? A: I’m glad you asked! Have you tried

[|**Skype**] ? I’ve been using it with other tech integrators as a quick and easy instant message tool. What about **Wikispaces** ? Students can collaborate on research and projects, publish original content, and even transfer files from school to home and vice versa.

Q: How do you make web links? A: In most programs, you type a word, highlight it, right click, and select “hyperlink.”

Q: I would like to learn how to use the computer to create data collection sheets. A: Try [] ; click “create new,” and select form. Creating a google form is an incredibly easy way to collect information into a spreadsheet. In fact, the survey for this flex session was created using Google.

Q: How do I create graphs to display student's progress? A: This depends on what program you are using. If you export your grade book into Excel, there are lots of tools at your disposal, as long as you set up the data the right way. After highlighting the items you want (i.e., students’ names and a test score), you can go into “Insert,” then click “Charts,” then click “Pie Chart” to get a nice visual representation. If you are using the Gradebook program, there are graphing tools here as well. Which would you rather discuss?

Q: How do I create folders? A: On the desktop, or in other folders, just right click and select “new folder.”

Q: How do you take documents and put them on G-drive? A: In most programs, you can click “File,” then “Save As,” and open the G-drive folder where you want the file to go.

Q: How do I save documents? A: “File” > “Save” or “Save As”

Q: How do my students save things so I have access to them? A: This is an issue of frequent concern in our district, since our students do not have email access. If students do not have a memory stick or flash drive, a great solution is to use a wiki. Students are able to save files, open them from anywhere they have Internet access, edit, and re-save.

Q: How do you use the outlook calendar so that items can be automatically entered? A: Click on calendar. Click “Create new,” and select “meeting” or “appointment.” Enter a date, time, and description. If you are inviting others, click “invite attendees.” You can even check the scheduling of the other attendees to see if they are available.

Q: What can Google be used for, other than searches? A: We could fill an entire flex session just answering this question! Some of my favorites are Documents, Presentations, and Spreadsheets, which can be simultaneously edited by several users, from different computers, in real time. For collecting data, Google Forms are easy to create, and automatically enter the data you collect into a spreadsheet. Google also has an excellent “Reader,” which allows you to enter your favorite web sites, and receive notification every time any of them changes.

Q: Tips for creating games on Powerpoint? A: There are some great templates out there (a few links are provided in today’s agenda). For those of us who like to make our own, the “hyperlink” is your best friend. **Option A** – make a slide for the question, and for each possible answer (in a multiple-choice question) make a slide. Then highlight each possible answer, right click, and select “hyperlink.” Link to the slide that explains why that answer was right or wrong. This way, a student clicks on the answer he or she believes is correct, and instantly finds out if it is right or worng, and why. **Option B** – Make a question and answer on one slide. Cover the answer with a box or other shape / object. Right click on the object, and click “Custom animation.” Click “Add Effect,” and “exit.” Then select the type of exit you want to use to have the object disappear on a mouse click. This way, when a student makes a guess, he or she can click the mouse and have the object disappear, revealing the answer.

Q: How do you make a contact list? A: Under “Contacts,” click “New” and select whether you are making a single contact, or a distribution list. All district employees appear in the directory, searchable by name, so building a distribution list within the district is easy. You can also add email addresses from outside parties, but you’ll have to paste or type the name and email addresses, as well as any other pertinent information, for each one. Creating an individual contact is similar. You enter the name, email address, and any other information, then click “save.” After doing this, the contacts or distribution lists will appear in your contacts whenever you log in to a district computer, or check remote email from [|http://mail.npenn.org].

Q: How do you use the folders in outlook? A: See the answer to the next question.

Q: I would like to learn more about how to send E-mail and managing it (i.e. printing it out, permanently deleting it). A: One option is to create a folder in your h-drive in which to store your important emails. Right click on an email in your inbox, and click “Save as,” then save it into the folder you created. Another option is to create a folder in Outlook (by right clicking on your inbox and creating a new sub-folder), then making a rule that all emails from a certain sender or with a certain word in the subject line automatically go there. Here is a screen capture of the Rules Wizard (found under Tools > Rules and Alerts) that allows you to create these rules.



Q: I would like to review what the different icons are (and their use) that are on the internet screen. A: This depends on which toolbars you use. You can add different tools bars in addition to or in place of the default toolbars. Here’s an extreme example: Typically, you’ve got “Back” and “Forward,” to go back and forth between sites you’ve recently visited, “Home” to go to your home page, “Refresh” to update the page if changes are being made, and buttons to minimize or close the web browser. Here’s the typical look in Internet Explorer 8:

Some questions we couldn’t (or need more information to) answer…

Q: What are more options with the internet? A:

Q: I use outlook and word here at school, but I only know the basics. I would like to know more. I am sent spreadsheets on Excel, and get into trouble when adding information because I don't know much about how to move info around. A:

Q: video streaming A:

=Documents from today's session...=

 You will need to log in to Google Docs account to open these files. Click to open:
 * [|Interim.doc]
 * [|HR locker list.xls]
 * [|gradebook template.xls]
 * [|equation.ppt]
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[|Course Leveling Data.xls]
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[|conversions.xls]
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[|Class Summary.xls]
 * <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[|Vocab Books.xls]

Many of the same files, but as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files. For others, e-mail, sinkinwd@npenn.org: