TechKNOW Tips: Week of 12/15/14
TECHnology that you should KNOW!
Psst...New Laptops are Coming!
The moment most of you have been waiting for has arrived! Staff laptops are already being replaced on several campuses, and yours will soon be next! Our department has put together some important information that you will need to know to prepare for the arrival of your new laptop:
- Begin backing up NOW!: You must backup any files that you saved to the computer (*not including files saved to any network drives...those will be transferred to and available on your new laptop). Use your network home drive, a flash drive, Google Drive, or Skydrive to back up your files.
- Check your software!: If there are any software titles that you feel need to be on your new laptop, you must fill out this form. *please don't include common titles like Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, etc. Check this list first to see if the title has already been made available on the new laptops.
- New "Stuff": with the new laptop will come a new operating system (Windows 7), a new IM solution (Lync 2013), a new client e-mail program (Outlook 2013), a new Microsoft Office Suite, and a new login procedure and network structure which replaces Novell (Active Directory)
- Need more info? Check out this helpful guide on the laptop distribution and Active Directory migration initiative.
Any questions? Please contact me!
Get Smart with SMART Cohort!
Do you want to get smart with SMART boards and other SMART products? Here's your chance to learn from SMART-trained professionals how to navigate the world of SMART. In this five-class cohort, you'll join other novice teachers on a journey to become expert users of SMART products in your classrooms. Click here for more information and to sign up (sign in with your Google account) for this awesome opportunity!
FREE Technology Cheat Sheets!
Sign up for a FREE account with Custom Guide and have access to dozens of FREE technology cheat sheets. The titles range from Microsoft Word to iPads to Adobe Photoshop. You can choose to download and/or view these two-page reference sheets. Once you sign in, select "Quick Reference" to view the available titles. Here are the ones that I recommend:
- Outlook 2013 (*e-mail program available on new staff laptops; see "Psst...New Laptops Are Coming")
- Lync 2013 (*IM program available on new staff laptops; see "Psst...New Laptops Are Coming")
- Windows 7 (*operating system on new staff laptops; see "Psst...New Laptops Are Coming")
- iPad iOS 7 (*new operating system available on student and staff iPads)
Holidays Stressing You Out? Get Calm...
This time of the year can be stressful. Why not take a break and take in the tranquil sights and sounds of calm.com. With Calm, you can select a relaxing theme, set a timer, and even download their iPhone app. Great background music for the classroom!
Need an iPad Stand? Librarians to the Rescue!
Often while using an iPad, there is a need for a stand to hold the device upright. If you are in need of a stand, ask your librarian! The book stands that librarians use are a GREAT option for holding iPads.
Quietube: Safer Way to Watch YouTube Videos
Want to show Youtube videos, but are afraid of what might pop up on the sidebar or as a "related video?" Enter Quietube. Quietube allows you to view Youtube (and Vimeo) videos without the distraction (and sometimes inappropriateness) of additional content.
- Quietube Instructions
- Quietube Tutorial
- Google Chrome user? Use this Chrome Extension
Christmas Fun!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Here are some fun ways you and yours can prepare for Christmas!
Google Santa Tracker
There is a new fun activity that is unlocked every day at Google's Santa Tracker Village! You can watch videos, play games, and--my favorite--receive a customized message from Santa! Warning: you can get lost for hours on this site! Have fun!
Northpole.com
Northpole.com has everything you need to celebrate the season. There are fun activities, recipes, and even a shopping list! There are lots of things for classroom, as well, as this site is geared towards supporting parents and teachers.
Portable North Pole
Portable North Pole is one of our family's favorites! On this site, you can sign up for a FREE personalized video message from the big guy in the red suit! As an added bonus, Santa will send the recipient a customized video message on their birthdays.
Chad Belford-ITS
Do you need assistance OR do you have something you'd like to see showcased on "TechKNOW Tips," please contact me!
Email: cbelfo@neisd.net
Location: San Antonio, TX
Twitter: @chadbelfordITS