BOCES Instructional Technology Newsletter

December 2012 In this Issue Digital Resources

Funding Opportunity

Tips and Tricks

Digital Citizenship

Digital Resources

Share My Lesson is a place where educators can come together to create and share their very best teaching resources. Developed by teachers for teachers, this free platform gives access to high-quality teaching resources and provides an online community where teachers can collaborate with, encourage and inspire each other. Share My Lesson has a significant resource bank for Common Core State Standards, covering all aspects of the standards, from advice and guides to help with dedicated resources that support the standards. Share My Lesson was developed by the American Federation of Teachers and TES Connect, the largest network of teachers in the world.

A Web Whiteboard is a touch-friendly online whiteboard that lets you use your computer, tablet or smartphone to easily draw sketches, collaborate with others and share them with the world. If your computer is not touch sensitive, you can use your mouse or keyboard to post information. A Web Whiteboard allows for simultaneous collaboration amongst students and teachers. Take a minute to check out this tool! You won’t regret it.

December 2012 Funding Opportunity

Is there a project you would love to do with your students, but funding is a little low? Check out DonorsChoose.org. This site allows you to submit a project by describing what you need, why you need it and how the activities will change your students’ lives for the better. Donors then have the opportunity to support your project by donating money to your cause. This site is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has numerous high-profile supporters. Take a minute or two to peruse the site and see the types of projects other teachers are working on. If you decide to submit a project, please let Cathy Armisto (carmisto@pnwboces.org) know so this information can be included in the next newsletter.

Tips and Tricks Using Tables in Microsoft Word for Document Layout Being creative with Word document layouts can sometimes be a challenge. Try using tables. Tables allow you to place pictures and text anywhere on the document you choose without worrying about columns or margins or tabs. Once you create the table and place your picture or text in it, you can hide the borders to make it look like you’ve artfully arranged your document with no problems at all.

Here’s an example of a table with the borders showing and the same table without the borders. It makes the arrangement look simple and easy.

To make a table, click on the insert tab, choose the down arrow under the table icon and decide what size table you need. Now you’re ready to enter content into your table.

December 2012 Function Keys

Ever wonder what those F1 through F12 keys at the top of your keyboard do? These keys may operate differently depending on the installed operating system and software program currently open. Here is a list of the particularly useful function keys…

F1 - Help For most programs, the help screen will pop up. This screen allows you to search for answers to any questions you may have about the specific program.

F5 – Refresh This key will refresh or reload the page or document window (particularly useful when using the internet).

F6 – Address Bar For most internet browsers, this key will move the cursor directly to the address bar. It highlights the current address allowing you to type your new internet destination without even touching the mouse.

F7 – Spelling and Grammar Check Check your document for spelling and grammar errors with the click of a button!

F12 – Save As This function key will give you quick access to the “save as” window.

Professional Development

edWeb.net hosts professional learning communities (PLCs) that offer free webinars and CE certificates. Join one of our online communities to get advice from experts, exchange ideas and resources with peers, ask questions/get answers, and discover ways to improve teaching and learning. Join edWeb – it’s free!

December 2012

Cyber Bullying

Legal Definition Cyber bullying is defined in legal glossaries as  actions that use information and communications to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm another or others.  use of communication technologies for the intention of harming another person.  use of internet service and mobile technologies such as web pages and discussion groups as well as instant messaging or text messaging with the intention of harming another person.

It is critical that we educate our students about cyber bullying. The iSafe Foundation has reported the following statistics…  Over half of adolescents and teens have been bullied online, and about the same number have engaged in cyber bullying.  More than 1 in 3 young people have experienced cyber threats online.  Over 25 percent of adolescents and teens have been bullied repeatedly through their cell phones or the Internet.  Well over half of young people do not tell their parents when cyber bullying occurs.

Below are some ready-to-go lessons for teaching your students about cyber bullying.

Elementary:

What is Cyberbullying?

Intermediate:

Cyberbullying: Be Upstanding Cyberbullying: Crossing the Line

Secondary:

Turn Down the Dial on Cyberbullying and Online Cruetly Taking Perspectives on Cyberbullying

Next Month’s Topic:

Privacy and Security Is there a lesson on Privacy and Security that you do (or are there great resources that you know of)…would you like to share? If so, please email your lesson/resources to Catherine Armisto at carmisto@pnwboces.org. Your colleagues will thank you!

December 2012