Tech Bytes
April 2015 Volume 1
Just In Time Technology
Welcome back to Tech Bytes. In this newsletter you will find information on checking for updates for your SMART software and Office 365. I have also included a tutorial for Padlet, an uber easy web based tool that can be used for any subject. For more information, email robesl@pwcs.edu. If you have a special interest you would like to see in this newsletter, let me know.
This Month's Featured Web Sites
Click on the icons below to learn more about this months featured web sites.
This Month's Featured Web Sites
Haiku Deck
Haiku deck is a presentation software that is fun and creative to use. You can upload images or choose from the gallery. Choose layouts and add your text to improve upon the old boring Power Point. Haiku deck is creative and is great for poetry and storytelling as well as for sharing your message. Their motto is Keep it Simple, Make it Beautiful, and Most of All--Have Fun. Haiku Deck!
Padlet
Padlet is a virtual wall that allows you to type in your ideas easily. It is like a sheet of paper or whiteboard where you can put any content ( images, videos, documents, text, urls) anywhere on the page. This can be done on any computer or an iPad. It is "ready to go" technology and requires little preparation and set up. Background images can be imported so that inserted content aligns with the background image.
Lync
Lynch is part of the Microsoft 365 2013 package for PWCS. Lync replaces groupwise instant messaging and can be used for online meetings, instant messaging, audio and video calls, availability information, and screen sharing. Virtual meeting are similar to Google hangout and Skype. Meetings can be set up in advance with invitations sent to meeting members.
Check Your Updates
Everyone who is a full time employee of PWCS receives five licenses for Microsoft 365 2013. It can be download by right clicking on the 365 on the left side your OWA screen and following the directions or by using the information found on the PWCS technology site http://tinyurl.com/kdl2437. Eventually your 2010 version will stop working so you need to install the 2013 version.
Office 365 has several applications, Lync, One Drive, and Calendar, that can make work more efficient. Lync allows you to create presentations, share your screen, and participate in and produce video conferences. Powerpoint, Excel, and One Drive are also included in the 365 update. For more information on this Microsoft software, go to http://bit.ly/1y8vhVy. If you have questions or need help, send me an email.
Updating to SMART 14
SMART 14 is available for downloading. Click on the SMART icon in the lower right margin of your screen and check for updates. If you are using SMART 11, you need to update to SMART 14. You can install it yourself and it requires an access code. See me and I will give it to you. When installing make sure to install all updates. These include ink and gallery. If you need assistance, I am here to help. http://smarttech.com/Home+Page/Support/Browse+Support/Download+Software
Coming Soon! Edline-Your New School Website
Beginning this spring, PWCS will be transitioning from the outdated School Fusion web platform to an updated system, Edline. Edline is more flexible and easier to use than Fusion. The transition will take place behind the scenes with web managers moving pages to the new system over the spring and summer. The transition should be complete and ready to go by the beginning of 2015-2016 year. After the SOLS, I will give you your log in and provide training. If you want to learn more you can access tutorials using the links below.
Readers can access tutorials here: http://help.blackboard.com/en-us/Edline
If you prefer a video: http://help.blackboard.com/en-us/Edline/Video_Tutorials
Technology Needs Survey
A six question technology survey is embedded at the bottom of this page. Your responses will help me to customize our technology program to best meet everyone's needs.