Dec. 2013 Tech Tips
TPS Instructional Technology
Computer Science Education Week - Hour of Code
Hour of Code is one of several activities available for students and teachers as part of national Computer Science Education Week, December 9-15. Find out how to participate at http://csedweek.org/. Here's a snippet from the website:
What's an Hour of Code?
It's a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code" and show that anyone can learn the basics to be a maker, a creator, an innovator.
We'll provide a variety of self-guided tutorials that anybody can do, on a browser, tablet, or smartphone. We'll even have unplugged tutorials for classrooms without computers. No experience needed. Watch this "how to" video for more information.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Many people have their favorite keyboard shortcuts, quick presses that seem to make work a bit easier. Here's one of Emily Bannon's favorite and a list of others linked at the end.
Locking Your Workstation
If you need to be away from your computer for a short time but don’t want to close all your programs and log out, press Windows + L to lock your workstation. This brings up the login screen and requires your password to be entered again to access the desktop. We recommend that you save your work before locking in case you’re away longer than anticipated. While others can’t use the computer until you login again, the power button still works. Someone else can power off the computer, losing everything you haven’t saved. But again, we recommend securing your computer with Windows + L when you step away.
Go here to see a list of other commonly used keyboard shortcuts for your Windows computer.
Broadcast Live - Baker Middle School
A day that will live in the history books of Baker Middle School. On November 19, 2013 the Baker Media Lab broadcast their first live program from the studio center. Broadcast Media Teacher Librarian, Ms. Indie Berg and a staff of enthusiastic students worked hard along with others to make this a memorable show. The students did a great job of getting prepared for the first ever live telecast. Many people from the school district played a part in getting this vision off the ground. A big thank you to the following people: Kevin Medford, Lance Cadena, Jeff Edwards, Teresa Brady, Monte Gibbs and Principal Scott Rich.
Podcasts
The TPS Instructional Technology Department produces podcasts, short videos clips available through our Intranet.
Your favorite "techies" are back and will let you know about free apps, sharing what is going on in Tacoma classrooms and upcoming professional development opportunities. Expect to see new content every month. TPS staff will need to be logged in to see the videos. Go here to see our podcasts.
Visit our Instructional Technology department website to view any of our past newsletters.
https://employee.tacoma.k12.wa.us/it/Pages/tech_tidbits.aspx
Instructional Technology
Professional Development Center
Email: ebannon@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Website: http://tpsit.org/
Location: 6501 North 23rd Street, Tacoma, WA 98406
Phone: (253) 571-3541
Twitter: @tps_tech