All Categories - Updates Happen!

No more closet DVD/VHS players

7/22/2021

The problem? - It is the inputs to the sound system /amplifier! There are two; one for your microphone and one for your PC. I am looking for a work around but it is time to move past these devices too.

Instead you should be playing DVD's or videos on your computer. Now the question is WHICH COMPUTER?
Or which computer hook up!

Options

Teacher desk with DESKTOP computer DVD drive and VLC player.
*Teacher desk with LAPTOP set up.
You will need an external DVD player to plug in to your dock.
*Second desk with DESKTOP computer DVD drive and VLC player.
You will NOT have audio from your TEACHER laptop desk.
Screenbeam video to projector.
DOES not send audio to speakers. Sound comes out projector speaker.

Seems like a "no-brainer" to do #1 and use your laptop "as a laptop" as needed.
Don't forget that subs will need access to a computer to play videos as well.

No more VHS

You may notice that none of the options include an analog VHS player. Sorry those are just too old to use anymore.

Three monitor problem

6/30/2021

If you use your projector as a third monitor, which is a good idea, keep in mind that Windows does not "let go" of it at shut down.

A future update may fix this.

I restarted the laptop WITH the projector OFF, but Settings still sees 3 displays. I assume since they are plugged in to the dock.

Because Chrome was on that display at shut down. When I opened Chrome up it went back to that display.

Fixes

1. Unplug the projector (HDMI) from the dock
2. unplug the dock from your computer. But you will also loose everything plugged into your dock.
3. MOVE any windows off the screen BEFORE shutting down.
4. Turn the projector on!

Display settings

6/30/2021

Here are your options for monitors with your laptop. There is a lot to digest here, I know. Take it one item at a time. Also why record on my phone and not as a screen recording? So you can see the projector as a 3rd monitor! There is one more option NOT here here and that is an actual 3rd "square" monitor that you could mirror to your projector. Pretty that would work too! But do you really want 3 monitors on your desk? Two monitors and your laptop.

The basics

How to change your monitor order. "Switch monitors" left to right...
Right click on desktop/Display Settings/Click and drag your screens wherever you want them!

Set your main monitor. The one with the icons and you log in screen. I suggest your large monitor.

ScreenBeam

Projecting from a district issued laptop to your local ScreenBeam which is connected to your projector. This allows you to project your screen and allow you to move about your room either in tablet mode or full computer mode.

Use "Windows/K" to connect to your classroom screenbeam (634-267-sb01 in my movie). Connect to 634 - ROOM# - SB01 !

Three Monitors

I think this is your best set up from your desk as it will give you more monitor space.

There is one big problem, but there is also an easy work around.

Click here to learn about it.

Two monitors. 1 being mirrored

This set up is more of what you are used to and has it's pros and cons too.

Settings - Accounts

6/28/2021

Sign-in options

Tired of typing your password so many time to get back in to your computer? You now have options!

You may start seeing some "Sign-in options" on your laptop. No fear, here is what they mean from the picture on the left.

Key = password (most secure)
Ten key = 6 digit PIN
Squigly lines = fingerprint
Smiley face = your face.

Keep in mind... the more sign in options
you use, the less secure your device is.

And here is how to set them all up!

Click the Windows icon (bottom left)
Start to type "Settings"
Click on "Settings" or hit enter.
Click on "Account"

Once in Account Settings...

Going down the left side...

Your info. Take your picture!
E-mail & Accounts SKIP IT. Use Outlook. It will be pre-configured.
Sign-in options (click each one and follow the instructions!)
- "Windows Hello Face"*
- "Windows Hello Fingerprint"*
- "Windows Hello PIN"*
- Password is already there with your AD Credentials.
  *Will only be ON your laptop - not other machines.
Access work or school? SKIP it
Sync your settings? SKIP this is a School PC!

Or, just watch the video!

Keep in mind... the more sign in options you use the less secure your device is.

Background

Power Settings

Default apps

New Mics

6/28/2021

The new mics have been installed in each room. YES we did order these at the start of last school year to use while masked up during the pandemic. They are still great mics and you will enjoy using them more than the older ones.

PLEASE DO not put other items on that shelf with the classroom electronics. Keep it clear of all other items.
I left the mic IN the cabinet but feel free to move it to an outlet near your desk.
PLEASE make sure your audio FROM your computer WORKS. If it does not let me know. E-mail is fine.
The plan is to have BOTH computer (audio) inputs work.

Pros

The are NOT line of site. Which means they WILL work from anywhere in your room.
They only work in YOUR room
USB Charged only
No base or other parts
No more "blue boxes" (amps) turning off.

Cons

They are NOT line of site. They will work from the hallway or bathroom!
They are not interchangeable per room.
No AA batteries if your forgot to charge it.
No student mic!
NO closet DVD/VCR players. There is only two inputs. Computer, and mic. are priority.

All these puzzle parts get put together.

Then installed in each room.

Adobe software install

6/1/2021

A lot of people say they "want Adobe installed". Adobe is a company that makes many products. So what exactly do they mean? Perhaps "they" only really mean Acrobat which is a .pdf reader and is pre-installed already. Below is a video on how to install other Adobe products of your choice on different computers.
- Click the icon. Log-in. Click install!

Yes, I/we can install the whole package to your computer but you probably do not need it and it will take a long time to load. Graphics labs (and their teachers) do get the whole package, but do individual teachers or students need it all? Probably not.

Kami

4/30/2021

Ever want to edit a .pdf? You can with Kami and yes Granite students and teachers have an account using their @granitesd e-mail.
YES, this video is specifically for the BlackOutPoetry - BUT Kami CAN be used to edit any pdf!

Nearpod ideas

12/7/2020

I did not created this but here are some ideas on how to use Nearpod. Please open it full screen and view at your own pace.

Zoom Update

12/3/2020

Now that we have our own Zoom account via Granite District and not the state there are a few, but slight, differences.

We found that many users had the Breakout room options turned off. It is still there but you may need to turn it on.
You can now for a log-in with a school e-mail. Which will display their "proper" names. Also good for attendance purpose.
Turn individual chats, screen sharing, backgrounds and name changing on or off!

There are too many options to go through them all but watch the video below for some import basic ones for teachers.

These options are best set using the https://zoom.us/ website and can be "somewhat" edited in individual meetings.

Search Google Drive

11/23/2020

... and NOT see all the student files!

Remember that Google thinks you want to see and find EVERYTHING and ANYTHING. But in reality you're only looking for YOUR own files!

Watch the video to see how to search or display only YOUR items.

I forgot to mention... After you click your icon it will say "owner:me" in the search bar. Then type what you are looking for!

It is different in Drive, than in your Document type. Either;
Click "Your icon" in the search box or
Click "Owned by ..." in the column heading.

This may not seem like that big of a deal to most. But when you have 150 students and 10 assignments (at least) that turns into 150 x 10 or
1500 extra documents you may (not need to) see!