Phase+I+-+Technology+Scavenger+Hunt

This is a page designed to assist teachers with improving their technology skills as they complete the three different phases of the Technology Scavenger Hunt. This page will grow and evolve as questions arise and each phase of the Scavenger Hunt is revealed so keep stopping back for updates. Remember to email Carol Roth with questions any time you are stuck or would like to bounce some ideas around.

=Twitter= //Important tips://
 * Tweet - sending out your own message
 * Mentions - someone's Twitter username, preceeded by @, to include them in your tweet
 * Hashtags (#)- allows the following of a specific topic of interest (see list to the right or try this link for more)

=Skype= //Important tips://
 * Think about how you can enhance engagement and authenticity in your classroom by connecting to people outside of your classroom via Skype.
 * Things to consider: time zones, pre-planning with your students with expectations, can project on bigger screen and use a videocamera to show your class if you would like, connections could be near or far.

=Edmodo= The secure social learning network //Important tips://
 * Can give parents viewing rights.
 * Can have co-teachers.
 * "Reply" vs. "Turn In" - when giving an assignment in Edmodo
 * "reply" would be used to ask a general question about the assignment
 * "turn in" is used so that only the teacher sees the responses and will give a grade.

==

=iPod Touch/iPad Carts= //Important tips://
 * Sign out via the internal website at the Cart Sign-out Link for the school.
 * Sign out entire cart for the classroom **OR** share with another class for students to work in pairs **OR** have just a few to use in a station or two set up in a series around your classroom.
 * How could this device supplement what is going on in the classroom to help many types of learners be more successful? Check out Apple's ideas.

=Poll Everywhere= //Important tips://
 * Polls can be done using a cell phone or computers.
 * Download the app on your computer to run during presentations. No matter what the tool (Powerpoint or Keynote) the app will be accessible for you to use when you are ready for voting.

=Google Docs= Log in from internal district site with your cypanthers account for all work within the district //Important tips://
 * Not just documents but, spreadsheets, drawings, and presentations within Docs.
 * At the top of the page if you click "more" and "even more" there are choices in which to participate such as Google Sites, Blogger, and Reader.
 * More @Google Docs information.

==

=Wordle=

//Important tips://
 * The easiest way to get the finished Wordle onto your computer for use somewhere is to take a screen shot of it. Press command, shift and the number 4 all at the same time to be able to chose the area in which you want to take a snapshot and it should save it to your desktop.
 * Saving as a pdf document is another option.

=Discovery Education= Log in from internal district site. //Important tips://
 * The district pays for an upgrade to this fantastic tool for you to use in the classroom. In addition to the full length videos and video clips that we traditionally think of there are also many other resources, such as: clip art, sounds, simulations, games, speech transcripts, and writing prompts.
 * Be sure you have registered with the district codes to receive the upgrades and see all of the students to set up classes. Email Carol Roth if you need to set up your district account.

=Creating a Group in your Address Book=

**Creating Groups or Folders**
Use groups and folders to organize your contacts by categories, such as family or friends, or to easily send email messages to several people at once.
 * To create a group or folder:**
 * Open your Address Book (this is separate from your email because it can be used in many programs, not just Apple Mail).
 * If the Group column isn’t displayed, choose View > “Card and Columns,” or click the Column button in the upper-left corner of the Address Book window.
 * Click the Add (+) button at the bottom of the Group column and then enter a name for the new group or folder.
 * To add a contact to a group:**
 * Click All Contacts in the Group column.
 * Select one or more contacts in the Name column and drag them to the group or folder.

=Tech Support Wiki= Access from the internal district website. //Important tips://
 * Use the search window on the left for finding information on just about anything technology related.
 * Join the wiki to be able to add to and update pages within the wiki. (You will ask to join and someone will verify that you are an employee here prior to approval.)