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T. Coaches
District Administration
6746 Carlisle Pike
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050-1796
(717) 697-8261
site last updated: 1/19/12
Cumberland Valley School District
6746 Carlisle Pike,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone:(717) 697-8261
Welcome to the Tech Coach Blog!
This is an open discussion for any staff member. Feel free to comment on each blog topics as they become available.
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Weekly Tech Tips |
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1. End of Year Technology Announcements Good Morning! Now that the end of the year is winding down, I wanted to use the last tech tip for this school year to share some important announcements from the technology department. Storing Equipment for the Summer · Please gather the following materials in your classroom and lock them in a secure place in your classroom (drawer, cabinet, closet, etc): o Television Remote o Projector Remote o SMART Board Tools (pens, eraser, USB connector) · Please unplug SMART Board from the electrical outlet. If possible, please place SMART Board power cable on the tray. · If you have an Airliner Wireless Slate, allow it to become fully charged, then lock all components in a secure location in your room. · Elementary Staff – Please lock all of your netbooks and their power supplies in a secure location in your classroom. · High School Staff – Please deliver all wireless carts (including CFF carts) to the High School IMC before the end of the day on Wednesday June 9th, 2010. Important updates will be installed on those machines over the summer. If you deliver a cart to the IMC, please make sure you record the cart number so that you can retrieve the same cart next year. For Teachers Transferring to Another School in the District · If you are moving from one elementary building to another, please retain your laptop. · If you are transferring from one middle school to another, please retain your laptop. · If you are transferring from an elementary school to the middle school, please retain your laptop. · If you are transferring from the high school to either of the middle schools or elementary schools, you will receive a different laptop. · If you are moving from an elementary school or middle school to the high school, you will receive a different laptop. Please email Mr. Brian Schmick at bschmick@cvschools.org if you have any questions about this process.
Please return your laptop to the District Support Facility as soon as possible. The machine will need to be prepared for your replacement or for another teacher who needs it. Summer Technology Tuesdays Please see Mr. Brian Schmick’s email regarding the procedure for placing technology work orders over the summer. Please let me know if you have any questions! Have a great summer! Darren posted 6/6/2010 9:14 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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2. Importing Outlines into PowerPoint Last week, I showed you how to easily create outlines using the Multi-Level Lists in Microsoft Word 2007. This week, I am going to show you how to use that same outline to easily create a presentation in PowerPoint without having to retype all of your information.
To view the video podcast of this week's tip, click here. posted 5/31/2010 1:54 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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3. Quick and Easy Outlines Microsoft Word 2007 provides a quick and easy way for you to make detailed outlines. By using the Multilevel List feature, you can access pre-formatted outline styles or create your own customized outline list. Just follow the links below to get started!
To view the video podcast of this week's tip, click here. posted 5/23/2010 6:11 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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4. Spring Cleaning: Your H-Drive Spring is here and it is time to do a little spring cleaning of your H-Drive! Because your H-drive is backed up on a regular basis, large files stored there can put a strain on the network over time. It is a good idea to periodically clean out some of the excess files that may be stored there. With this week's tip, I will show you how to:
To view the video podcast of this week's tip, click here. posted 5/16/2010 12:11 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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5. Downloading SMART Notebook Files I am pleased to announce that his week's Technology Tip was created by Marsha Rohrbaugh, computer teacher at Shaull elementary. Marsha created this tip while completing an internship for her Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) certification this spring. If you ever downloaded a SMART Notebook file from the internet and could not properly open it or if you are an elementary teacher and use word sorts from Words Their Way, then this tip is for you! Note for Elementary Teachers: The Words Their Way interactive word sorts can be found on the Intranest, just download, save and you are ready to go. Log into the Intranest and follow these directions to download and use these word sorts in your classroom! Special thanks to Marsha for creating this tip... and special congratulations to Marsha Rohrbaugh, Bryan Hower, and Angie Dolheimer for completing their Instructional Technology Specialist (ITS) certifications!!!
To view the Podcast of this week's tip, click here. posted 5/9/2010 6:04 PM | comment | view comments (1) |
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6. AppRiver This morning you will see some changes with how GroupWise handles Junk Mail as we switched to a product call AppRiver over the weekend. AppRiver is an email filtering application that will help to reduce spam, junk mail, scams, and viruses from being sent to your email account. AppRiver generates a daily report of "held" email that is being blocked from reaching your inbox. You simply have to view this report on a daily basis and select which email entries should be resent so that they can be delivered to your email account. This report will be generated at 11:00 p.m. on a daily basis. Ironically the first daily report about junk mail was sent to your junk mail folder. Please go there to find your first report. We have made the appropriate change so they will no longer be sent to your junk mail folder. You also received an email that gave you account login information. Please disregard this email. This option has been disabled but was automatically sent by the system. To view this tip as a printable PDF, click here.
posted 5/2/2010 8:49 AM | comment | view comments (0) |
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7. Image Editing in Office 2007 One of the greatest advantages to using Microsoft Office 2007 over older versions is the increased ability to edit images. You have the ability to adjust brightness, contrast, color, image size, picture styles, borders, shapes, and effects. By using the Picture Tools menu tab, you can make any document look like a professional publication. Special thanks to our student intern, Justin Eberly, for putting together another great tip!
To view the Video Podcast for Image Editing in Office 2007, click here posted 4/25/2010 2:54 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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8. Citation Machine Last week, Justin Eberly (a high school senior and technology department intern) shared a method of using Microsoft Word to generate citations and works cited pages. As it turns out, MLA recently updated the citation requirements (special thanks to Michele Casey for compiling this list of the major MLA changes). With this week's tip, Justin will show you an alternate method for creating these citations. Citation Machine is an online resource that will organize your key information to generate in-text citations and works cited entries. This information can just be copied and pasted right into your document. Special thanks to Justin for putting together another great tip!
To view this week's tip as a printable PDF, click here.
To view the Video Podcast for using Citation Machine, click here. posted 4/18/2010 6:42 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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9. MLA Formatting and Citations:A Student perspective For this week's tip, we are doing things a little bit differently. I am pleased to announce the first "guest" tech tip in the history of Monday Morning Tech Tips! This week's tip was created by High School Senior, Justin Eberly. Justin has spent this year as a student intern with the Technology Department. Justin created this week's tip as an overview for teachers and students to learn how to set-up Word 2007 documents for MLA formatting. In addition, he describes how use Word's Reference tab to generate in-text citations and a works cited page. Thanks Justin! To view this week's tip as a printable PDF, click here.
To view the Video Podcast for setting up MLA Formatting, click here.
To view the Video Podcast for creating In-text Citations and a Works Cited page, click here.
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10. Airliner Wireless Slates Are you interested in using an Airliner Wireless Slate with your students? Made by the same company that created SMART Boards, the Airliner Wireless Slate allows you to control any computer application from up to 52 feet away from your computer. The Airliner allows you to teach from anywhere in your classroom and allows students to interact with your projected information from their seats. Since it is designed to work seamlessly with SMART Notebook Software, you can save class notes, screen captures, images, and entire lessons into one computer file. Attend an Airliner Wireless Slate Training to Receive A Wireless Slate For Your Classroom! Who is eligible to receive a wireless slate for their classroom?
What do I have to do to receive an Airliner Wireless Slate for my classroom?
When will the training sessions be offered?
What will be covered in this Airliner Wireless Slate training session?
Is there a limited number of Airliner Wireless Slates available?
When do I need to sign up by?
posted 4/5/2010 6:05 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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11. Reduce Image File Sizes As digital cameras are developed with the ability to shoot at higher resolutions, the quality of the image increases dramatically. Along with the increase in quality, there is also a tremendous increase in file size. Unless you are planning on having that image made into an enarged print, there really is not a need to keep the file in the large file size format. You may want to manually reduce the size of the image files if you are planning on using the images on your webpage, in a digital presentation, sending them in an email, or just storing them in a computer folder. This tech tip will show you how to use Microsoft Office Picture Manager to reduce the size of the image files. To view this week's tip as a printable PDF, click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 3/28/2010 9:58 AM | comment | view comments (0) |
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12. File conversion made easy! Did you ever have a student turn in a file that is not compatible with the district supported software? Have you ever needed to convert a file into a different format or download a video from a website? If so, Zamzar is for you! Zamzar is a free online file conversion program that allows you to upload just about any file type and convert it into similar file types. When the conversion is complete, you will receive an email with directions for downloading your newly converted file (be sure to check your junk mail folder for their email). I have shared Zamzar as a tech tip in the past, but the website has added support for a greater number of file types including documents, images, audio, video, compressed files, and even some CAD file formats. For a complete list of supported file formats, please click here. To get started using Zamzar, just go to www.zamzar.com and follow their three easy steps to file conversion!
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 3/21/2010 4:51 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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13. Selecting Multiple Files Managing multiple files can be a rather tedious task. Sometimes, it is easier if you could select multiple files at the same time instead of each one individually. This tip will show you a quick way to select sequential and non-sequential files using Shift+Left Click and Ctrl+Left Click. It is not software specific, so it can be applied to most of the district supported software programs and applications. Whether you are organizing files into folders, selecting data in an excel spreadsheet, uploading multiple files to a website, or organizing your iTunes library, this tip will save you time and frustration.
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here.
posted 3/14/2010 4:28 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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14. Performance Tracker and Aesop For this week's Technology Tip, I would like to share with you two important announcements. The first announcement describes an update that was conducted with the Performance Tracker Website. The second announcement is a reminder about the new automated substitute request system (Aesop) being implemented by our Human Resource department. Performance Tracker Update Performance Tracker has recently upgraded their website with a cosmetic overhaul. This update does not impact the functionality of the website, it only enhanced the visual appearance. As part of this update, you will be greeted with a message upon visiting their website. You will be prompted to access the site via a new web address (URL). After clicking on the new web address, you will need to log in with your username and password. It is highly recommended that you bookmark the new web address for easy access in the future. Aesop Implementation The Automated Substitute Placement program becomes effective this evening. Please make note of the following items: · Aesop will become effective on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. · Prior to implementation, you will be able to do the following o Create your “Favorite Five” list o Record your name and title on the Aesop Phone System by dialing 1-800-942-3767 (select option #5) o Add your email address to your personal information enabling you to use the email function in the system (i.e. if you forget your PIN number, Aesop can email it to your email address listed in your personal information) · Aesop will allow you to utilize the system up to a half hour prior to your reporting time. Absences occurring after that will need to be reported to your building secretary. · Utilize the upload features to communicate with your substitutes (i.e. lesson plans, notes, etc.) · Don’t forget to use the feedback option to rate your substitute experience. If you were unable to attend a training session, please view the Basic, Advanced and Favorite Five training videos available to you on your Homepage. If you have any questions or experience any problems, please contact a member of the HR Department: Cindy Westbrook, Substitute Coordinator: 717-443-2780 (agivler@cvschools.org) Vicky Weidner, HR Coordinator: 717-506-3314 (vweidner@cvschools.org) Vangie Unti, HR Generalist: 717-506-3307 (eunti@cvschools.org) Irene Scheib, Assistant Director of HR: 717-506-3385 (ischeib@cvschools.org) Michelle Zettlemoyer, Director of HR 717-506-3339 (mzettlemoyer@cvschools.org) posted 3/7/2010 9:49 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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15. Creating Surveys on your Teacher Web Page Back in the fall, I shared with you a way to use the form feature on your teacher web page for students to submit assignments to you electronically. This week, I am going to show you how to use the same form feature to create a survey to gather data from your students, colleagues, or the community. Surveys are a great way to check for student understanding and gathering additional data to help guide your instruction. You can even use these surveys to create sign-up lists and to have parents schedule appointments with you for conferences!
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 2/28/2010 6:35 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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16. Shelfari Good Morning! Your input is needed! We would like to acknowledge teachers who are using their web pages in innovative ways. If you know of a colleague who is deserving of recognition for outstanding or creative use of their web page, please click here to let us know! A special thanks goes out to Tracy Panzer for creating the form! And now... on to the Monday Morning Tech Tip... This week, I would like to share with you a Web 2.0 site called Shelfari. Shelfari is a website designed for individuals who love books. It is a social networking site that allows you to "create a virtual shelf to show off your books, see what your friends are reading and discover new books" (www.shelfari.com). Shelfari allows you to create a piece of embeddable code which allows you to display your virtual book shelf on your School World Teach Page. If you enjoy books and want to encourage reading with your students, then this tip is for you! Note: You need to establish a free account with Shelfari in order to create your virtual book shelf. This will allow students of all ages to view your book shelf as well as read reviews for that book. If you wish to encourage students to create accounts in order to participate in the social networking features of the website, be aware that Shelfari requires that users of this feature must be at least 13 years of age and need to have a valid email address. If you choose to use this feature as part of your curriculum, you must receive written parent permission.
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 2/21/2010 10:43 AM | comment | view comments (0) |
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17. Glogster This week, I want to show you Glogster. Glogster is Web 2.0 application that allows the students to create immersive and interactive posters using a variety of media. The free Basic EDU account allows teachers to create safe online classes for students to create their own Glog. Glogster is best defined by examples. Please go to http://edu.glogster.com/ to view student work and educational resources Here is what the Glogster website has to say about the benefits of using their product in your classroom (from http://edu.glogster.com/classroom-benefits/): 1. A fun learning experience 2. A new way to express creativity 3. Private, secure, safe virtual classroom monitored by teachers 4. Drives new interest levels around subjects that may have been seen as “boring” before 5. Adds needed audiovisual aspects to traditionally text-oriented subjects 6. Fosters teamwork and collaboration with classmates 7. Increases drive to be independently creative 8. Unlimited shelf life 9. Improves student-teacher relationships by allowing both to explore Web 2.0 & learning concepts together 10. Keeps teachers and students up to date with modern technology
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here.
posted 2/15/2010 6:00 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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18. Setting Default Font in SMART Notebook Over the last few weeks, I shared tech tips showing you how to set your default font in Microsoft Word 2007 and in GroupWise. This week, I am going to show you how to set the default font in SMART Notebook. Please click the links below to view the podcast tutorial or to view a printable PDF. To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 2/7/2010 2:10 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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19. Taking Outline Notes Using Inspiration Many people are aware that Inspiration is a great program for concept mapping. Few people are aware that you can use this program to take detailed outline notes. To make things even better, you can seamlessly switch between concept map and outline view on the fly.
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here.
posted 1/31/2010 5:29 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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20. Setting the Default Font in Word A few weeks ago, I shared a tech tip showing you how to set your Default Font in Microsoft Word 2007. Since then, I have received many requests asking if it is possible to set the default font in GroupWise as well. This week's tip will show you how!
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 1/23/2010 3:22 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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21. Performance Tracker Resources Performance Tracker Resources As a follow-up to last week's Performance Tracker training, I wanted to share with you some helpful resources. Feel free to user these resources to help guide you in the use of this program. If you experience any technical difficulties with the program, please click here to submit your issue to the Performance Tracker Help Desk. Performance Tracker Website: Performance Tracker Help Desk: Training Materials:
Additional materials can be found by logging into the Performance Tracker website and clicking on the Help Documents Icon. Have a great week! posted 1/18/2010 3:34 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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22. Changing Default Font in Word 2007 Setting the Default Font in Word Do you want to change your default font in Microsoft Word 2007? If so, then this tip is for you!
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here.
posted 1/10/2010 11:43 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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23. Photo Story 3 Creating Projects using Photo Story 3 Happy New Year! Photo Story 3 for Windows is an excellent free program that allows you to easily create multimedia presentations. You simply upload your images to the program, then you can add titles, special effects, narration, and music. You can use this program to create enhanced podcasts, introduce new topics, or review important information. Photo Story 3's easy to use interface makes this a great option for students of all ages to create dynamic projects to demonstrate learning and understanding of curriculum content.
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here.
posted 1/3/2010 9:49 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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24. Allowing Visitor Uploads Allowing Visitor Uploads to your Teacher Web Page A few weeks ago, I shared a tip that showed two different ways that students can digitally submit assignments to you via your teacher web page. The first method involved using an assignment drop box in the advanced homework feature and the second method involved using the form feature. This week's tip will show you a third option of having students submit assignments to you in a digital fashion through your web page. This option allows students to upload directly to a specified web page. What makes this option unique is the fact that the files can then be made available on the website for other students to view. This is ideal if you want students to view, present, and critique each other's work.
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here.
posted 12/20/2009 5:00 PM | comment | view comments (0) |
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25. Create a PDF using Word Create a PDF using Microsoft Word One of the nice additions to Microsoft Office 2007 is the ability to create a PDF version of your document or presentation. The advantages of using PDF documents are that anyone can open the file (as long as they have the free version of Adobe Reader), the file size is usually smaller, and that the integrity of your document will be preserved. You can create a PDF of using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
To view the this week's tip as a printable document , click here.
To view the this week's tip as Video Podcast, click here. posted 12/13/2009 9:33 AM | comment | view comments (1) |
