#6 Todd's Tuesday Tech Tip: How to Print a Poster

Dear Colleagues,

Most of you know that we have a beautiful poster printer.  However, many of you have not used it.  So, today's tip is a quick tutorial on how to create and print a poster using this tool.  A PDF of this tutorial is located just above the poster printer in the RC for your reference.

Here we go:

• Begin by designing your poster; Pages is recommended, but it can be done in any program.  If you are wanting to convert a PDF into a poster, you’ll need to first open a blank document in Pages.  

• The poster printer prints images that are 24” wide.  They can be as long as you desire, but the width is fixed.  

• You can start by opening pages and choosing a blank document.

• Go to the File Menu and select Page Set Up.  Click on the Paper Size and then go to Manage Custom Sizes.

• You will need to change your document’s size from regular to 24” by the length; usually 24” by 36” is a perfect size.

 If you have a PDF or an image that you want to insert into your poster, you can simply drag it to the document once it has been resized.  If you go to View and then Zoom you can choose Fit Page and the entire poster will be visible.  This lets you get a sense of its size and the layout that you are creating. 

• Resize the image/PDF as needed. 

•  When you are done, you will need to select the poster printer from the available printers and you are done!

Now that you know how easy it is, I hope more of you will try this fantastic resource!

#5 Todd's Tuesday Tech Tip: You Now Have a Scanner In Your Pocket/Bag

This week's Todd's Tuesday Tech Tip is an app review.  Some of you may not know that when Apple upgraded to Mavericks over a year ago, we lost support for desktop scanners.  That means our HP Scanner up in the RC will no longer work on the desktop iMacs.  Bummer right?  Well, maybe not.  


Last year I did a tip on how to scan and email from the Xerox machine.    That's pretty awesome, but did you know that you can scan and even fax from your phone or iPad?  You can.  For the past two years, I have used the free version of an outstanding app called Doc Scan.  

Now, before I go on, I have to tell you that there is a paid and a free version.  I've used the free version successfully and haven't needed the do-dads that are included in the paid version.  Just last week I received a purchase order that I had to sign and return to one of the library vendors.  I printed the document, signed it, scanned it with the app and attached it as a PDF in an email.

 Moments later, I got a confirmation email from the vendor and it was done.  I really like that the app will consolidate multiple scans into one PDF document.  

For a fee, you can even fax documents.  Is this as good as a desktop scanner?  Probably not on an iPhone, but from an iPad it beats it completely.  If you're like me, you are continually amazed at what that little computer in your pocket or bag can do for you.  I hope that you will give this app a try!

#4 Todd's Tuesday Tech Tip: How to Use Common Sense Media's Tools to Make Your Life Easier

I've written about Common Sense Media in a prior post.  It is a terrific resource for parents and teachers.  The video below will give you an overview of one of their newest and most valuable resources: Graphite.

One of my favorite features on Graphite is the App Flow.  This is designed to help teachers think about how different tools fit into the process of planning and delivering a lesson.  What app would be terrific to help teachers 'hook' their learners?  Which one would be perfect for reviewing or expanding on basic concepts?  App Flow helps teachers do this.  Check out the overview:

As we are being asked to do even more in our classrooms, I think these tools make it easier for us to do them smartly.  

What do you think?  Will you try these tools?  Where do you look for inspiration and guidance on using new technologies in your classroom?

#3 Todd's Tuesday Tech Tip: How to Set an Email Signature

Have you ever gotten an email from someone and you know you know them, but you aren't quite sure how?  Well, put yourself in the shoes of someone who works with every single person in the district, namely our new Tech Director Maureen Miller.  She gets hundreds of emails with requests and try as she may, she can't always remember where someone works and what they do.  So, she's asked that we all take three minutes and set up an email signature.

What is an email signature? It is simply a 'return address.'  Think of it as the return address on a letter, except for email.

How do you set up an email signature?  I'm glad you asked.  It is simple.  Just follow these five easy steps:

Click on the little gear up in the top right corner of your email window.

 

When you click on the gear, a drop down menu will show itself:

 Here you need to click on the settings tab.

 

You will need to scroll down to the signature section of the settings.  

Here is where you'll enter your contact and job information. 

When you are done, make sure you click on Save Changes.  

There you go.  Now, whenever you send email from your school mail account, there will be a signature with all your contact information at the bottom of the email.  I am sure Maureen and others will appreciate this small gesture!

#2 Great Back To School Tips From Common Sense Media

Dear Colleagues,

This week my tip is less a tip and more talking points.  By now I hope you've had the chance to explore Common Sense Media's website.  If you haven't stop what you are doing and do it now!

This week they have an outstanding article entitled:  "18 Questions to Ask at Back to School Night."  As I read the questions, my mind spiraled from the diversity of my son's seventh grade expectations and that of my high school junior's.  Much of what happens in the classroom is reinforced with web based content and resources.  It is a given that the students will be proficient in navigating a myriad of online tools

Most of us either have a student of our own at home, or have nephews and nieces that we care an awful lot about.  This article is for all of us.  What I really like about it is that it is broken into several 'bite size' chunks.  For instance, it has questions based on:  "Have five, ten, fifteen minutes with the teacher..."  It also has some questions to ask an administrator if you have time to speak with them.

I'm a big believer in being prepared for all situations, it must be my Boy Scout training.  As you are preparing your Go To School Night presentations, you might want to take some of these questions into consideration.  If you end up with a question you don't feel ready to answer, feel free to send them to me!  These questions are great to take with you to your own child's "Back to School Night" too!

I hope that both the Common Sense Media site and this particular article are helpful for you!