Printing Issue related to WiFi Network

Tech Tip: A resolution to a common printing issue that has come up this fall

If you can’t print from your laptop a good first step is to check to be sure that you are on either:

  • PikeNet (most Faculty and Staff)
  • or PikeAdminNet (if you are located in the front office)

To check click on WiFi symbol on the menu bar in the upper right of your Mac laptop.  

See picture below:


If you are still having printing issues and have confirmed that you are on PikeNet or PikeAdminNet please contact the Tech Department.  

Winter Break Tech Message

Winter Break Tech Tip
As you prepare to check out for winter break, remember to collect all of your adapters, remotes, usb chargers, power cables etc. and put them in a safe place so you can easily find them when you return.  We hope that everyone has an awesome winter break, and that you can find time to unplug and recharge for the new year 🙂

iOS 11!
While you are off over the next few weeks you may find that you have time to explore many of the cool new features of  iOS 11 on your iPad.  This blog post by Tony Vincent of Learning in Hand highlights some of the many impressive iPad and iPhone tips and tricks.  From Tony Vincent:

Learn stunts like annotating photos without an app, compelling Siri to flip a coin, conjuring up keywords on a page, hearing highlighted text, making clutter on web pages vanish, closing all Safari tabs in the blink of an eye…the magic at your fingertips seems limitless. So many secrets are unleashed!

We look forward to working with you all next year!

– The ​Tech Department

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.

AppleTV-Black-Remote

AppleTV-SilverRemote

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

Google Keyboard Shortcuts

Do you ever forget helpful keyboard shortcuts while using Google Docs?  If so, here is one keyboard shortcut to remember that can help you out when using the Google Suite. To pull up a complete list of keyboard shortcuts that can help you save time see the instructions below:

Step 1: Open a Google Doc

Mac:  Click on ⌘ and /

Chromebook/Windows: Hold down Ctrl and /

Tech Tip – Google Calendar App

Want to access your Google calendar on your phone or iPad?  Try the Google Calendar App.  In the past, I’ve recommended Calendars by Readle but Google now has a free iPhone and iPad app.  I’ve been using it for the last few weeks and Google’s app works just as well if not better.  Just download the app and log in with your Google credentials and you’re ready to start using your personal/work calendar from your device.

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

  1. Select Zoom on the left
  2. 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.

Projector and Apple TV Review


In response to some recent requests for projector help we thought that it would be worthwhile to remind everyone of these 2 handy past posts on this blog. 

If you are ever stuck and need a reminder of the basics or with troubleshooting problems when Connecting a MacBook LapTop to a Projector (with cords and no Apple TV) this post can come to your rescue.    

If you need help connecting to an Apple TV our Apple TV Tips page could save the day.  There are instructions for both types of Apple TV’s, so just click on the link that matches your remote.