Innovate
integrate. inspire. impact.
In this edition ...
If you have a hard time getting links to work in this email or others like it, don't miss the quick tip titled "Links not working?"
Back up those files!
When the computer is re-imaged, all personal files (documents, pictures, music, video, etc.) will be deleted. Each employee is responsible for backing up their own files before leaving for Summer Break. Flash drives, CDs, or removable hard drives are all good options, but you must know where those devices are when you return in August to be able to use them. This year, we are recommending that employees back up most* of their files to their SkyDrive. The SkyDrive is free, cloud storage, provided by Microsoft. EM-S ISD employees get 25 gb of storage (that's much more than you can get on the average flash drive!) and those files will be accessible from home, school, or anywhere. There are even apps available for many smart phones and tablet devices.
Your Campus Technology Integrator (CTI) will share more information about SkyDrive soon.
*Because SkyDrive is cloud-based storage and not hosted on EM-S ISD servers, please do not upload files related to SpEd, Discipline issues, or confidential student data/information.
Back-up Options
Flash Drives
Pros: easy to use, easy to carry with you, they're cheap and you can buy them anywhere Cons: easy to lose, they may not hold all of your files, they can break
T: Drive
Pros: easy to save files from your school computer Cons: can only access from a district computer, all staff members can access files, network servers are computers and occasionally fail
SkyDrive
Pros: 25 gb of space (that's HUGE!), free, access it from anywhere (home, school, smartphone or tablet devices) Cons: somewhat time consuming to organize files and folders
More SkyDrive Information
Do you like step-by-step instructions with screenshots? Then this document is for you!
If you'd rather watch a video, check out this Microsoft webinar (14 minutes). It gives a general overview of SkyDrive and how it can work for you.
Looking for more help? 7 Tutorials and GCF LearnFree offer many free, top-quality, interactive tutorials.
If you're looking for ways to share files with a group of people, you can create Groups in SkyDrive. Each group has 5 gb to store documents, images, videos, or any other type of file.
Learn how to create a group in SkyDrive here (7:33 video).
Online Learning with Microsoft E-Learning!
Online Microsoft Courses are now available for EM-S ISD employees! Microsoft E-Learning allows you to improve software skills with self-paced, interactive, and engaging online training available anytime, anywhere.
Sign up through Eduphoria: Workshop (search eCourses) and follow the directions to complete the coursework on the Microsoft E-Learning Site. Follow the directions in Eduphoria to submit your certificate for credit, and it can all be tracked in your Eduphoria portfolio. (See the simple steps below.)
Sign in to Eduphoria: Workshop
Search eCourses, select and registered for the desired course
Once registered, click the Course Content tab, then click VIEW for Chapter 1
Links not working?
Once you're viewing it in a web browser, all functionality should be available.
How can we help you?
Website: www.emsisd.com/it
Phone: 8178477793
Facebook: facebook.com/emsisdits
Twitter: @emsisdits