The Horns

Your Media Center Technology & Professional Resources

Let's collaborate!

One of my favorite things to do is collaborate with you on lessons.

Do you have an idea that incorporates more tech, but you need support? I'll teach/support the tech while you handle the content.
Would you like to offer students better resources for their research, but you aren't sure where to go or how to use the databases we pay for? I'll show students how to use our amazing databases or where to locate better search engines than Google.
Are you thinking about ways to make lessons more engaging but not sure what to try next? I'll help you brainstorm how to turn a humdrum lesson into a life-applicable experience, where to find some apps or websites that might make review a little more interesting, or a way to incorporate technology that adds to the learning experience.

Just send me an email or stop on by and let me know when we can sit down and start the 'amazingness'! :-) It is even better if it is a project down the road as it gives me more time to check around.

*Quick shout-out to the amazing Amy Sims for designing my new "The Horns" logo!!*

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Portage is on Social Media

Portage Middle School is on social media! We are doing great things at Portage, and our parents, community, and the world should know!

To do this, I need your help. Please share news and pictures with me as often as possible. Doing an interesting and engaging activity in class? Let me know! I'll come take a few pictures or even a short video. Are you a coach? Update me on the game scores, MVPs, or anything else you would like everyone to know about your team.

I will essentially copy/past what you send me, so keep it short and sweet! :-)

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Youtube - Not up and running just yet, but I hope to have some videos soon!

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Office 365

Have you started using Office 365 OneDrive yet? It is pretty amazing that I can access my files from anywhere at anytime. Just this morning I was kicking myself because I forgot to save a file from my home computer. My husband uploaded it to my OneDrive from home, and I had it at school in 60 seconds. Sweet!

A few of you mentioned that Outlook looks different. I have only seen it in current form, but I do hear that missing folders is the biggest concern. Look at your Inbox in the left hand menu. See a triangle pointing sideways? Click it...this should drop down your folders. Whew!

Until our next training, let me know if you have any specific needs. I'm here to help!

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Featured Website: Webpath Express

Destiny is a tremendous resource not only for students but you as well! Last week I shared how you can find resources right on the home page. Now I want to draw attention to an AMAZING feature.

Open up Destiny and click on the Catalog tab. On the left hand side you will find "Webpath Express". This is a great resource for you as a teacher. You can quickly find webpages to support your lessons. Students doing research, whether for a paper or for their own interest, will also find lots of useful websites.

All of these websites have been reviewed for content and authority. No worrying about "spammy" or risque websites popping into your search results.

Even better, login and you can save websites to your resource list. Share with your class or keep for your personal use.

Destiny login = novel login Password = media

Quick Tech Tip of the Week!

Nothing is worse than going to fire up your projector and not being able to get your laptop screen to show up. It is also frustrating when suddenly you see one thing on your laptop but something different on your projection screen.

I mean, it worked 5 minutes ago. What is going on?

Here's what to do....

1. My projector is on and I have tried changing input/source with no luck

* Click the windows button on the lower left portion of your keyboard and the letter P

* Select "clone" or "extend"

* You should see your screen pop up!

2. My laptop was cloned (meaning you see the exact same thing on laptop and projection screen) but now I see something different (often you see blue screen on projection screen and normal laptop screen).

* Are you showing a PowerPoint? For some reason this automatically changed your mode into "extend screen".

*To switch back to "clone", click the Windows button and the letter P at the same time.