Tech+Tools

1. __**Wordpress Sites**__ - Logins should be changed to reflect your new grade level / team. If you are unable to login to your team or individual site, please send me an email if you are having difficulty logging in or need a refresher.
 * Please remember that your sites need to be updated by the first day of school (or open house depending on your leadership)
 * Lesson Plans should be loaded weekly (depending on your leadership)
 * Newsletters should be updated (depending on leadership)
 * Do's - keep everything updated, have contact information, be sure it is "user-friendly," refer to your site with parents for communication
 * Don't - post pictures of students unless approved by parent, keep materials that are out of date, keep items on your site longer than 9 week

2. **__ActivBoard__ - Refresher / Questions**
 * 1) Cleaning - cotton cloth / damp / mild soap such as Ivory; pencil marks - you can use an eraser then clean board
 * 2) Troubleshooting - Light in left corner should be white / any other color, turn in a work order
 * 3) If the board does not appear to be functioning correctly, first option is to restart computer. If it is still not functioning, turn in a work order.
 * 4) Need a refresher on creating a flipchart - please schedule time with me to go over the ActivBoard tools and how to effectively use the Board in your classroom.
 * 5) **ActivInspire** - downloading at home - [[file:Inspire home download.doc]]

3. **__Document Camera__ - ImageMate Software -** if you need a refresher on how to use this tool, please let me know.

4. __**Clickers**__ - The software is still not playing well with Windows 7. Right now, Andy is waiting for all computers to come back online so that he can pull off the software and reload CPS. You may get an email from us stating that you need to restart your computers in order for the new CPS software to take effect. If you don't remember how to use the Clickers (since the software was malfunctioning at the end of the year), please let me know and I would love to do a refresher lesson with you. Don't forget that Clickers can be used in "Verbal Mode" with Compass Learning as a whole group activity.

5. **__Windows 7 Accessories__** -
 * 1) The **Snipping Tool** is already included in the new Windows 7. If you go to the Start Menu (window in bottom left corner), click on Accessories, and find the Snip-Tool, you can begin playing. You will LOVE this tool. Whenever you find it difficult to copy, paste, or save an item, image, etc., you can use the snip-it tool to create a separate image or copy of the item.
 * 2) **Search option** above the window (start menu) allows you to easily find documents, tools, etc.
 * 3) **Pinning Programs** or Items to your Menu Bar below or in your Start Menu.