We’ve put together a few tutorials on useful features of our new phone system.
-Creating a contact
-Speed dial
-View missed calls
-Use the voice directory
Take a look and let us know if you are curious about other features.
Category Archives: How To
Apple TV Tips
If you are connecting your iPad or Laptop to your projector via Apple TV you will want to refer to the Apple TV Instructions below. Please note whether your remote is silver or black and chose the appropriate link below.
These instructions are designed to print/download easily if you would like to have them handy for future use or for a substitute.
If you are connecting your MacBook Laptop to a Projector using the cords you will want to refer to the Connect MacBook Laptop to a Projector Instructions.
Connecting a MacBook Laptop to a Projector
This post covers the basics on how to connect a MacBook Pro Laptop to a projector. If you would like to download or print out a one page sheet to keep handy or to leave with your lesson plans for a substitute teacher click here.
Connecting a MacBook Laptop to a Projector
Make sure your laptop is connected to a power source (especially for long presentations). With the HDMI cable No Adaptor is needed. Connect the black cord to the HDMI port located on the right side of the MacBook Pro in the center input (see below). With HDMI video and audio go through the same cable so there is no separate hookup for audio. Now Turn on the projector with the classroom remote.
Sometimes, additional steps may be required for an image to be displayed from your laptop.
If an image doesn’t project and you see a blue screen with a “No Input” message, disconnect the HDMI cable from your laptop, wait 5 seconds and then reconnect. If the image still does not appear make sure that all the wires have a good connection.
Most Common Issue: If you do see an image, but it does not match your laptop screen click on the apple in the upper left of your screen and select System Preferences. Next click on Displays.
Click on the Arrangement tab and make sure that the Mirror Displays box is checked.
Another common problem: If you see a no input message on your screen press the Source button on the projector remote.
Reminder: Here is a one page sheet that you can download or print out if you want to keep it handy or leave with your lesson plans for a substitute teacher.
Click here for Apple TV tips
Zoom in on your Mac Screen
Ever wanted to zoom in on something on your computer screen so your students can see it more clearly? Use the accessibility feature called Zoom. First you need to set a few things up.
Open System Preferences and choose Accessibility.
Once inside the Accessibility options
- Select Zoom on the left
- Check the box next to “Use scroll gesture with modifier keys to zoom” and make sure “^ Control” is chosen in the pull down box.
Once you’ve done that you are ready to use the zoom feature. To use the zoom feature. Hold the control button down with a finger on your left hand. Then use the two finger scroll gesture to zoom in. See video below.
Tip: Place the cursor where you want to zoom.
Capture, organize, and share student thinking with Post-it Note Plus
Some teachers have students use post it notes to handwrite feedback about topics or as an exit ticket after class. Do you use post it notes in your class or have you wanted to try something like this? If so, the Post it Note Plus App will be a great addition to your technology toolbox. Post it Note Plus allows you to scan a group of Post it notes to a digital board where you can sort, organize, add notes, and share the board with others. Click the image below to watch a short video with specifics about how to use this useful app. Have you used this app? How might you use this app in your classroom? Share your thoughts so we can learn from each other.
Google Expeditions – Field Trips from the Comfort of your Classroom
Google Expeditions allows you to take your class on a Virtual Fieldtrip. Tour the Aztec and Mayan Ruins, the International Space Station, or Gettysburg National Military park. You can do all of this with your classroom iPads. When using Expeditions, you become the leader on your iPad and students join you on the tour with their iPads. Edtech teacher has created and quick video to show you how this works. Start by downloading the app on your iPad. After that, you will be ready to take your students on a virtual Field Trip!
Choose Your Own Adventure
Remember the choose your own adventure books? You can make choose your adventure stories using Google Apps tools like Docs or YouTube. Click here to see a really cool choose your own adventure YouTube video. Want to get the nuts and bolts of how to create these stories? The following Google Presentation has directions and examples of how to make and use choose your own adventures stories in your classroom. Here is an example created by a 3rd grade class.