SRRMS Media

ELM Databases

2011-11-30T11:44:00.005-06:00

What is ELM?

ELM (Electronic Library for Minnesota) gives Minnesota residents online access to magazine, journal, newspaper, and encyclopedia articles, eBooks (online books), and other information resources.
ELM provides information on a vast array of topics, including consumer information, arts and humanities, current events, health, science, social science, politics, business, and more.
ELM is available to Minnesota residents of any age with any subject interest. ELM is available online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from school, home, work, or @ your library. The current license covers the following Minnesota institutions: school media centers (K-12); public libraries that are members of regional public library systems; college and university libraries; and local, state, and federal government libraries.

Why use ELM?

It is...

Convenient ELM is your source for information. Get access to what you need, right at your fingertips.
Thorough ELM resources are loaded with thousands of encyclopedia, magazine, journal, and newspaper articles, plus multimedia, primary sources, and more.
Accurate Pinpoint the information you want. Fast. No more wading through thousands of Internet search engine results. Whew!
Accessible ELM is available online all the time. Minnesota residents can access ELM 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from your local library, school media center, home, or work.
Reliable Information is from reputable and respected sources. No more wondering if what you're looking at is quality information.

Some Purposes:

Curriculum Development (materials aligned to standards)
Professional Development
Finding materials for topics of curriculum or interest
Reading Level Materials
Student Reference

ELM4you.org is a great place to send students...but most likely you need to send them to a specific database within ELM.

Click here for a list of the databases available through ELM.
Click here for a handout of information about ELM.

Using Google Sites

2011-11-23T12:08:00.009-06:00

Some examples of Google Sites:

Step by Step Guide to Using Google Sites

Understanding Pages

Changing a Page Location

Google Sites How to Guide/ FAQ

Google Docs

2011-10-19T12:54:00.008-05:00

Intro to Google Docs Movie

An Overview of Google Docs

Creating a Document

Edit and Format a Document

Insert a Link
Insert an Image

Share your Document

Publish a Document
Print a Document

Downloadable handouts:

Screen Shots

2011-10-19T09:21:00.001-05:00

Taking a screen shot can be a very useful way to show someone what is happening on your computer, capture an image that may be difficult to re-format, etc. For example, if you're getting an error message on a computer, you could take a "screen shot" and email me that message to see if I can help.

To take a picture of your entire screen, hold down: command + shift + 3
To take a picture of a portion of your screen, hold down: command + shift + 4 and the cross hairs should show for you to specify which part of the screen you want.

As you take the picture, you should hear a camera shutter sound and the picture file will automatically be on your desktop.

Tech Trainings

2011-10-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

Please see below for 5 upcoming short staff technology training sessions.

Sessions will take place from 7:35-8 AM in Lab 216.

Attendance is optional. Please attend those that you would like!

Wednesday, October 19

Demo intro to GoogleApps--This session will show you what Google Apps is all about. See how you can work on documents that live "in the cloud" and are accessible at any Internet capable computer. See how you can create acalendar and web site for those at our school to share with you.

Wednesday, October 26

Hands on work with GoogleDocs. Explore Word Processing,Presentation, Forms, Spreadsheets and more!

Wednesday, November 9

Microsoft Word-This morning will provide an overview of getting started with Word. Word will become our next district standard in the Fall of 2012.

Wednesday, November 30

ELM Databases-The state of Minnesota offers MANY free online databases. These are filled with great, "prescreened" information accessible online. Using these when teaching research is highly recommended. Much is also available for curriculum development and aligning with standards. Come see what's available!

Monday, December 5

Google Sites-This session will focus on Google Sites. You'll see some examples of how Google Sites can be used in the classroom and have some time to explore how to create your own Site.

PROS AND CONS OF CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES

2011-10-04T13:55:00.002-05:00

Procon.org

Presents two sides of 42 different issues.

Contains a teacher section. (Link on the left side.)

From the web site:

ProCon.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that has no government affiliations of any kind. Our purpose is to provide resources for critical thinking and to educate without bias. We do not express opinions on our research projects ("issue websites").

Our mission statement is:

"Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, primarily pro-con format."

Plagiarism Resources

2011-09-20T09:25:00.007-05:00

Purdue Online Writing Lab has extensive resources on all aspects of the writing process. There are resources for teaching about Avoiding Plagiarism.

Paper Rater is a free online service that helps to improve writing but also helps avoid plagiarism. Text can be typed into the service or pasted.

Similar to Paper Rater, Plagiarism Checker lets you type or paste text into a box and will let you know if the material was copied. There are also some handouts available for use with students.

Creating a Class in Study Island

2011-09-03T23:08:00.000-05:00

How to Create a Class:

1. Click “Class Manager” on the left-hand side of the screen.
2. Enter a title for your new class and click “Next.”
3. Click the maroon arrow by the preferred grade level, then check off the students you wish to add to the class.
4. Click “Save” at the bottom of the screen.

Enchanted Learning

2011-08-30T09:37:00.002-05:00

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/

Enchanted Learning is a is a subscription-based website with resources and activities for teachers.

Please contact the media center for password information.

Brain Pop

2011-08-30T09:29:00.003-05:00

SRRMS has a subscription this year to Brain Pop.
http://www.brainpop.com/

BrainPop is an online collection of videos.
You can read more about it here.

http://www.brainpop.com/about/

This subscription was purchased as a tool for teachers to use in demonstrating/sharing/presenting in a group setting. It is NOT to be used for to take students into a lab and let them all watch videos. This method takes up too much bandwidth and is a struggle for all of our computer systems. Please use this with projectors/ActivBoards etc to share with the whole class.

Please contact the media center for passwords.

Enchanted Learning

2011-08-11T11:17:00.002-05:00

We have a building license for Enchanted Learning.

Enchanted Learning has K-12 educational material that is published online. They have 30,000 pages on our website covering a wide range of topics,

Please contact Laura for the log in information.

EdHelper

2011-08-11T11:00:00.003-05:00

Directions for Accessing your EdHelper account (if you requested one in Spring 2011) are available here.

Infographics

2011-04-27T10:50:00.022-05:00

Infographics--What are they?

Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge. These graphics present complex information quickly and clearly. (From wikipedia.org)

Some examples: from www.coolinfographics.com

Check out this video:
David McCandless: The beauty of data visualization | Video on TED.com

More examples at:

ISTE standards and some of the new Common Core standards state that students should be able to communicate information, draw conclusions, and make strategic use of visual displays.

So...how might these be used in the classroom?
The New York Time Learning Network has many ways Infographics can be used in classroom.

In 2010 the NY Times did a week long series about using Infographics in education.

The daily articles are all linked from this article.
An April 2011 article is here.

Below are links from the Times with ideas for integrating Infographics into various subject areas:

Study Island Tips/Speaking Text

2011-03-02T09:48:00.001-06:00

Mrs. Christie asks, "Can I have Study Island read a passage to my students?"

The answer, "Yes......"

Use Safari
Highlight the passage
Go to the Menu Bar under Safari-->Choose Services-->Speech--> Start Speaking

This option is also available in select other programs.

Study Island Tips/Tricks-Adjusting Passing Parameters

2011-03-02T09:33:00.001-06:00

Mr. Olson asks: Can I adjust the grade scale (passing parameters) for one student within Study Island for just one subject area?

The answer is Yes!

Here are your directions:

To adjust passing parameters, go to the “School Stats” page and click “Adjust Difficulty Level” at the top of the screen.

Under Option 1, select the Program and Class, then click “Next.” Check the boxes to the left of the students you want to change.

From the box next to “Subject to Change,” select which subject you would like to change. Then, from the dropdown box next to “Passing Level,” select the level you prefer. When finished, click “Set Passing Level.”

Interactives Web Site

2011-02-28T14:08:00.003-06:00

"Interactives" provides educators and students with strategies, content, and activities that can enhance and improve students' skills in a variety of curricular areas.

http://www.learner.org/interactives/

Sponsored by Annenberg Learner/Foundation

Pocket Mod--Small Personal Organizer

2011-01-05T12:55:00.005-06:00

Check out Pocket Mod for a way to make a small, pocket sized booklet/organizer that you can customize.

Consider using it to make a study guide for students (math facts, prefixes, vocab words), a formula sheet, a storyboard for them to use to create their own stories or other ideas.

You could make one to give to all your students, or use the site and have each student make his/her own PocketMod.

Read the Help Tab on the web site to get you started.

Study Island Flash Cards

2010-12-15T10:37:00.002-06:00

Study Island has a newer option to let you use flash cards for select topics.

Users will see a flash card icon next to the available topic title.

Upon clicking the icon, users may choose between interactive digital or printable flash cards.

Consider having students print flash cards for outside of class study on topics they need extra practice.

Downloading Videos

2010-12-08T20:25:00.013-06:00

Downloading videos to your computer can be a very good idea.

Downloaded movies don't use our bandwidth to view.
Movies that are on your computer will be available when you need them.
Downloaded movies can be inserted into Flip Charts, PowerPoint, Keynotes etc.

Downloaded movies should most often be saved to your computer's hard drive--shared folder. You can back these up to an external hard drive or to a CD/DVD.

**Remember that copyright needs to be considered.

Below are several suggestions for downloading videos. The "best" way to download a video will vary depending on the video, what you're using it for, and other things. Trial and error will likely help you find the best way for what you're doing.

My recent favorite way to download videos is to use an add-on for Firefox called Download Helper. This puts some spinning balls at the top of your browser window that are active whenever a video is playing. By clicking on the balls, you can choose to download the movie.

Then, using an application called MPEG Streamclip (on many machines at the MS, ask for it to be installed, or download it here. Likely you'll want to convert it from the .flv to a quicktime movie.

From there, you can use it as is, or put it into iMovie and edit it before exporting/sharing it in it's edited version.

Other methods of converting videos you may want to consider include:

www.savevid.com
www.keepvid.com Converts many files.
www.zamzar.com Zamzar will convert various types of files (documents, audio, video, pictures etc) and email you the converted file. Can sometimes be slow to email files.
www.online-convert.com Converts multiple types of files. Provides a link to download the converted file. May email the file to you if the site is busy.
idesktoptv.com You need to register, but this site is free and allows you to convert files.

A handout with some of this information is located here.

One more thing---

Video Ant is a program that lets you annotate a video. It's created at the U of M!
See the tutorial here for a 5 minutes video on how to use Ant.
Here's an example.

Where do I save???

2010-12-08T14:22:00.002-06:00

As we create more files that are a larger size...see the attached for ideas on where to save your files.

If you are an ActivBoard user or a person who is using movies and other large size files, please read this carefully and consider where you are saving your work.

Study Island Reports

2010-12-08T12:25:00.002-06:00

Click here for a handout on the reports that are possible to generate within Study Island.

There are MANY reports available.

While it may take some time to find "just the right report" once you do, you can have it automatically emailed to you on a regular basis.

Common Research, Outlining, and Works Cited

2010-11-12T12:07:00.004-06:00

A web site that addresses a Common Research Strategy, Outlining, and Works Cited Format for SRRMS has been created and is available at:http://sites.google.com/site/srrmsresearch/home

It can also be accessed from the District Web Site-->SRRMS-->Media-->WWW Links--->SRRMS Research.

Consistency in these areas will aid students in meeting state standards within Language Arts, Media, and any other courses requiring research.

A common format is intended to save time and energy for both students and staff.

This is a “work in progress”---please share what can be changed/updated/revised/etc. to make it better.

Lab Seating Charts

2010-09-24T09:13:00.009-05:00

Lab 212 AppleWorks Spreadsheet or PDF

Lab 309 AppleWorks Spreadsheet or PDF

Lab 805 AppleWorks Spreadsheet or PDF

Media 2 AppleWorks Spreadsheet or PDF

Labs Open During Flex

2010-08-19T10:24:00.002-05:00

7th Grade 9:40-10:00 Mr. Johnson Lab 212
8th Grade 10:05-10:25 Mr. Farmen Lab 216 (Media Tech Lab)
6th Grade 1:10-1:35 Mr. Daniels Lab 922 (Industrial Tech Lab)

Computer Lab Use

2010-05-28T12:26:00.001-05:00

Lab and Media Center Sign Up

* Use the web calendars to sign up for media center and/or computer lab spaces. A link to the calendars can be found on the media blog.

Lab Use

* All students in a lab must be under direct, active supervision of a teacher. Vandalism and inappropriate computer use occur when students there is a lack of supervision.

Computer Labs Opening

* Computer labs will be open by Thursday, September 10. Students must have Network Agreements turned in and access must be given (may take up to 24 hours after agreement is turned in).

Color Printing

2010-05-28T12:25:00.002-05:00

The preferred method of having students print in color is:

Teachers have pages to print on USB drive, collect money (25¢ per page) from students, and bring to media where we print all the saved documents as time allows.

Alternately, if a student drops off a USB drive and money, the printing will be done as time allows during the day.

Student computers are not connected to the color printer.

Media Center Use

2010-05-28T12:24:00.003-05:00

Classes, language arts book checkout times, and flex time will all be using the media center at the same time this year. Students are welcome and encouraged to use the media center when they need media resources.

Due to the multiple simultaneous uses:

* One class may sign up at a time.
* Language arts classes should come at their assigned times.
* Flex time students should only come during the scheduled times. (6th grade 1:10-1:35, 7th grade 9:40-10:00, and 8th grade 10:05-10:25)
* Grade level teachers should attempt to open a computer lab for student use during flex time.

Numbers of students:

* Each Flex teacher should send no more than 3 students to the media center. If more students need media resources, please call ahead to confirm space (x1501).
* No more than 3 students should be sent to the media center from any core class. If more students need media resources, please call ahead to confirm space (x1501).

Other guidelines:

* All students coming to the media center without a classroom teacher must have a completed planner pass and no overdue books.
* Students may not check out books if they have overdue items.

Morning Hours

2010-05-28T12:24:00.001-05:00

Beginning Monday, September 13 the media center will be available from 7:45 a.m. to 8:10 a.m. Tuesdays through Fridays for book check out and quiet study.

Students may stop in the office upon entrance to the building and pick up a media pass.
Computers will not be available for use in the morning. Teachers should continue to open labs as needed for student use.

Lab Sign Up

2010-05-28T12:21:00.000-05:00

Sign out for these will be online again this year.
A short cut to each calendar is on the right side of this blog.

Or, you can sign up for what you need by following this path....
www.isd47.org -->Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School-->Media-->Staff Sign Up (You will probably want to set a bookmark here for future use.)

Contact media staff for passwords.

Reading Comprehension Strategies

2010-03-30T08:33:00.003-05:00

This post has a quick summary of the 7 Reading Comprehension Strategies--including definitions and quick suggestions on how to implement them into your classroom.

Some online, informal tech training

2010-03-17T12:13:00.005-05:00

Have you ever thought, ”Gosh, I wish I had time to learn more about Flickr, wikis, or (enter your Web 2.0 tool here)?” Well, this is your chance to take the time to focus on your personal and professional development around Web 2.0 (interactive---read/respond) tools. It’s fun to explore these tools and figure out ways to use them.

These programs were designed for "library people" in Minnesota. However, the programs are over and done....and the prizes offered are no longer available.

Basically each program has several topics of "new technologies" that you can explore. You can spend a lot of time on any one topic...and skip quickly through (or past) others.

2010 Version of Things on a Stick
More things on a stick. (This one was available "fresh" in 2009)
23 Things on a Stick. (This one was available "fresh" in 2007)

Google Reader

2010-03-16T12:24:00.018-05:00

What is Google Reader?

Google Reader is a Web-based aggregator, capable of reading Atom and RSS feeds online or offline

What does that mean?

Google reader will "check" web sites ---especially blogs and other things that are updated often--for changes, collect the new posts/information, and put the new information from various places for you to read at one time. .

If you see this symbol on a web site, you can subscribe to that site.

You no longer have to go "looking" to see if a web site has changed or a blogger has posted!

Here's a screen shot of my Google Reader. Notice all the sites I fall down the left side...and the articles down the right side.

How is Google Reader accessed?

If you have an account for any Google product (Gmail, Blogger, GoogleDocs etc.) you already have an account.

What can I do with Google Reader?

Find web sites you'd like to follow and when you have time---you can get the latest from all of them in one place.

Use it to do keep up-to-date on professional reading.
Use it to follow current events.
Use it to follow a topic of personal interest (bargain shopping, fantasy football, etc).

How do I get started?

Molly Piper has a blog post that explains and gets one started on Google Reader. (Skip down to the part about Setting up Google Reader.
Google has their own Help/Support section.

How do I find feeds?

Check the web sites you frequent add them to Google Reader. They'll work best (or at all) if the have the RSS orange symbol.
Search within Google for RSS and the type of feed you want.
Use the Browse for Stuff link on the side of Google Reader.

Moodle

2010-03-16T12:11:00.007-05:00

What is Moodle?

Moodle is a Course Management System (CMS), also known as a Learning Management System (LMS) or a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

How is Moodle accessed?

Moodle is a web application.
Any computer with Internet access can access a Moodle site.
Moodle is password protected.
A teacher can have a "generic" password that all students use gain access, or each student can be given an individual log in.
Varying levels of access are available (administrator, teacher, student, guest)

What can I do with Moodle?

Some ideas of the possible ideas:

Use it to post handouts, worksheets etc. for your courses. Because it is password protected, you are not as limited by copyright.
Use it as a "turn in place" for work that your students create.
Use it as a discussion forum within your class.
Use it to collect web sites and other resources for a unit/topic.

Do I have access to Moodle?

Yes! Sauk Rapids-Rice is part of a group of school who have a grant to support the use Moodle.

Can I experiment in Moodle?

Yes, there is a demo site available.

Deleting Students' Test Sessions

2010-03-09T10:56:00.004-06:00

Consider deleting students' tests scores if they have done so many problems on a topic that they have "dug a hole" and can't get back up to the passing percent. In essence, this lets them "start over" on that topic.

Teachers can delete individual test sessions by going to the School Stats page and pulling an Individual Student Report.

1. Click the number of sessions that corresponds with the topic in question (under the Sessions column).
2. Check the session you wish to delete.
3. Click “Remove Checked Sessions.”
You can also delete entire topics by checking off the box to the left of the topic title and then clicking “Remove Checked Records.”

You can also delete these from an individual students' computer when they are logged into their account and looking at the list of topics and results.

Instructional Strategies Web Site

2010-03-05T12:20:00.000-06:00

This web site lists (and gives a short description):
• 65 Instructional strategies to consider using to begin your lesson
• 25 Ways to Hook/Present/Explain your lesson
• 294 ways to have students process the material
• 25 ways to Conclude your class

Online Encyclopedia PLUS so much More

2010-02-23T08:48:00.019-06:00

The state of Minnesota has provided an
online encyclopedia
for all Minnesota residents.

Britannica has 3 levels of encyclopedias:

Elementary
Middle School
High School

Ideas for use:

Use these as a resource to find materials at various reading levels on a single topic.
Add these as an online resource to send students to for research on a topic.

So much more than "just an encyclopedia" is available:

Curriculum aligned activities and information (Click on Teacher Resources-->Curriculum Standards on the bottom gray box.) Standards are available for MANY subjects!
Biographies
Timelines
Atlas
Dictionary
Video Clips
Learning materials for subject areas. (Click on Teacher Resources-->Learning Materials on the bottom gray box.)
Educational games/activities-especially at a "lower" level. (Click on Britannica Learning Zone.)

To use this resource:

The link for students is on the Media Center web page. (www.isd47.org---> Schools--->Middle school---->Media Center-----> Research)

You can also add this link to a blog page if you are doing a project.

Britannica is accessible within the building --- or out of the building with a password/user name. (The user name and password can't be posted on the web.)

Making Assignments in Study Island

2010-02-22T12:59:00.005-06:00

Within Study Island, you can create an assignment for students to complete.

This can be a way to direct students to complete a specific area and then "check up" on them when they are finished.

The directions are available here.

Some notes and hints:

You can create the same assignment (or different ones) for all of your classes.
You can create different assignments for different students.
Don't "block other material." (If a LA teacher does this...the student won't be able to use Study Island in Math.)
Make sure your class lists are correct.
You have to Make your Class Page Active in order for students to be able to see the assignments.
You can generate "assignment report" from the reports screen to print results on just the specific assignment that you assigned.

Study Island Help Sheets

2010-02-01T12:47:00.001-06:00

Information on creating/using classes in Study Island.

Study Island Teacher Manual.

Google Forms

2009-12-09T08:28:00.001-06:00

A "help sheet" to start using Google Forms is here.

This site provides some ideas for using Google Forms in schools.

Skyward Help Sheets

2009-10-19T10:32:00.003-05:00

Click here for information on accessing student test scores on Skyward.

Click here for information on displaying/hiding dropped students in your gradebook.

Click here for information on transferring grades in with a new student.

Using Email to Update in Blogger

2009-09-28T13:44:00.002-05:00

This is a quick and easy way to update your blog from any email program. Here are the steps after signing in to Blogger.

1) Click on the "Settings" tab.

2) Click on "Email".

3) The second part of the screen will say "Mail-to-Blogger Address". Put the name of your blog in the box before the @ symbol.

4) Check the box just below it that says "Publish".

5) Click "Save Settings".

To post a message:

Address an email to the address in #3 above.
The subject line will be the Post Title.
The body of your message will go into the body of the post.

Anyone you give this email address to can post a message on your blog. (This has advantages and disadvantages...consider carefully!)

Student Network Agreements

2009-08-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

Labels with ID/Passwords will be distributed to RAP teachers’ boxes on Wednesday afternoon for RAP students on Thursday. Teachers should have students “hide” this somewhere in their planner.

As agreement sheets come in students will then be given permission to log on. (Turnaround time should be within 24 hours.)

Their sticker information will not work and students will not be able to log on until after the sheet has been returned and the student has been given access from media staff.

Teachers need to make sure students' sheets are turned in before the student gets access.

Voice Mail Directions

2009-08-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

Update your phone messages:
Dial into voicemail (2000)
U =change user options
G =change your greetings
T =primary greeting
N =change your name
P =change your password
X =exit to main menu
**If you are in a new location this year, dialing 2000 will get you started in setting up a password and messages.

Lexile Information

2009-04-13T14:46:00.003-05:00

Detailed information about what Lexiles are and how to use them is found here.

A comparison chart between Lexiles and other Reading Level formats is here.

Additional information on printing Lexiles for your classes is found here.

Lexile's web site is here.

Lexile's Find a Book Web Site is here.

Video Collection

2009-04-02T09:17:00.004-05:00

A downloadable list of the all the Videos/DVDs in the SRRMS media collection is available here.

Just the Science titles are on this list.

Just the Social Studies titles are on this list.

The LA/Math/FACS lists are on this list.

Viewing Test Scores in Skyward

2009-02-09T09:26:00.002-06:00

MCA test scores are now available within Skyward.

An instruction sheet is here.

Study Island Help Sheets

2009-02-05T12:56:00.008-06:00

Pretest Directions

Reports

Making a Class Assignment

Deleting a Session

Try these 2 reports to start.

Running a report to see use by a specific date/time
Use this to check to see if students in your class are using Study Island at home.

Reports-One page handout with a short description of each report.

Reports-8 page handout with a screenshot for each type of report.

Creating a Mailing List/Address Group

2008-12-01T08:36:00.002-06:00

To create a mail list in First Class:

Give your mail list a name and add the members. Be sure to choose the option to save it when you close the window.

If you need to edit a mail list-follow these directions.

Blogs-Part 2

2008-09-22T09:22:00.005-05:00

For those who have created blogs recently-

1. You may want to delete the top bar on it that allows people to move to the "next" blog. The
"next" here is NOT your next entry, it is someone else's blog that is hosted on Blogger. (They aren't always appropriate.)

Removing it is a bit "techie" but manageable. Directions can be found here.

2. If you want to add a spot for people to be able to enter their emails to receive notification whenever you update your blog, the directions are here.

3. If you want, you can add a counter to your blog. I have used this http://www.free-counter.com/ site, but there are others.

Creating a Blog Using Blogger

2008-09-10T10:28:00.004-05:00

For directions on getting your blog started click here to download an instruction sheet.

For directions on adding an option to have reader's be able to enter their email address for notification of changes to your blog, click here.

For a copy of instructions to share with readers to sign up, click here.

When your blogger is up and running and you want people to know it is available, email Laura and Jessica with the address and it will be linked from your web page.

Materials Selection

2008-08-19T09:00:00.001-05:00

Please let me know if there are print or other materials you would like ordered to be added to the media collection for you to use with your classes. My goal is to acquire items that will be used--your input helps assure this. Ordering is done throughout the year.

Passwords

2008-08-19T08:57:00.001-05:00

Strongly consider what your password is in various programs (logging into your computer, Skyward, FirstClass etc.) Good passwords should have a combination of letters and numbers.

Books with Reading Levels

2008-08-04T09:50:00.001-05:00

On the right side of this blog, you will find links to print out copies of our media books by reading levels. Almost every one of our fiction books has a reading level assigned and many non-fiction books. Use these lists as you need.

Language Arts Classroom Sets of Books

2008-07-30T09:50:00.002-05:00

Teachers will be responsible for checking out, returning and reshelving these materials. A clipboard for sign out/in will be provided on the back counter. They will not be checked out using bar codes via Alexandria.

Installing Copier/Printer Toner Cartridges

2008-07-30T09:40:00.004-05:00

The high tech person in each house is responsible for changing the toner cartridges in the printers and copiers this year. Extras are stored in the office area.

High Tech people should bring Marcie the empty cartridge. She will give you a new one and take care of recycling the old ones and reordering new ones to have on hand.

High Tech People
Storm-C. Johnson
Great River-Froiland
Thunder Heights-P. Johnson
Allied Arts-Farmen
Lighthouse-Christoferson

Color Printing

2008-07-30T09:29:00.003-05:00

Students and staff can print in color this year.

Color copies cost 25¢ each.

Students must have the money when they print.
Staff can charge to their department's accounts.

Staff can come to the staff work area in the media center and log into their account and print.

Students:
The preferred method of having students print in color is:Teachers have pages to print on USB drive, collect money from students, and bring to media where we print for them within 24 hours.

OR:The second circulation desk computer is designated for color printing by students. Students will need to log in and print. A line may form during ER/Flex.

Language Arts Book Check Out for 08/09

2008-07-30T09:17:00.003-05:00

2008-2009 Language Arts Book Check Out

Schedule Language Arts book check out times during the scheduled with within your house. ***Please let media staff know when you will be visiting.

The following weeks are assigned to each house.

You can download a copy of this schedule here.

Summer Learning Opportunity

2008-05-21T21:48:00.000-05:00

The Minnesota Library System is sponsoring an online, learn at your own pace, free, no pressure technology learning opportunity.

Officially it's just for "Library People" and they can get a small prize for completing the sessions. However, anyone can participate and just go through the lessons without having their blog published and submitted through the web site.

In an attempt to lure Minnesotans, it is called 23 things on a Stick.

The web site is http://23thingsonastick.blogspot.com/

From the site:
How It Works
You are in charge of your learning in this program. We have identified the 23 Things for you to do over the course of the program, but you decide when you do them—and the amount of time you spend and the depth of your exploration. Each of the 23 Things can take as little as an hour or as much more time you have to give. You document your participation by setting up and maintaining a blog (Thing 1).
Each Thing will show you one or more Web tools. These Web 2.0 tools will attempt to bring you in touch with the entire world through social networking, video, audio, and gaming sites.

You are welcome to participate and learn and try the various technology pieces (just don't register your blog or expect a prize!!---I do plan to participate and if the prize is one for sharing, I will share with anyone else who participates!) I have already started, and my blog to go along with it will be http://techsummer08.blogspot.com/

It looks like a useful, fun learning opportunity just right for the summer!

Let me know if you have questions...or if you plan to do the sessions, we could work together online this summer!

Spring Back Up

2008-05-21T21:43:00.003-05:00

To backup your data from your file to a CD for use next year:

The first recommended step is to create a folder on your desktop named your lastnamefirstinitialBU2007, and save all documents that you have created and wish to have backed up into that folder, (PLEASE DO NOT SAVE ANY APPLICATIONS, MUSIC, Personal PHOTOS, OR GAMES). Do that on a disc of your own.

It is important that this be done correctly to insure that any files you wish to keep will be available in the future. The server will be rebuilt, so you need to have, keep,and not lose this CD.

Once your folder is ready to be burned to CD, send an e-mail to MS Tech support and your CD will be burned and returned to you. Make sure all files you wish to keep are in that folder, for that is the only folder that will be moved to the CD. If you are interested in backing up your internet bookmarks, photos, e-mail, the locations of those files will be at the end of this message.

We plan to burn the cds the last week of school, targeting to be done before 3:30 on May 29th. If you wait until final workshop day, a backlog of up to 100 discs may need to be burned at the last minute. Please do this as early as possible. If you wait until the last day, your CD will be stored in the office until next school year.

If the need for personal instruction arises, please see your tech person or send a message to MS Tech Support. Thanks.

File locations:
--Favorites in Safari --> Launch Safari--> File-->Export bookmarks -->save this to your new folder.
--Favorites in Firefox--> Launch Firefox--> Bookmarks--> Manage bookmarks--> File --> Export-->Save to your new backup folderfolder.
--Photos in iPhoto----Highlight the ones you want to save (hold your apple key while you highlight to save multiple ones) choose Share-->Export-->New Folder-->export as jpeg-->and export them to your folder.
--If for some reason you have files in the Users Shared Folder, or in the Movies folder from iMovie, then those files need to be archived also, but on a separate CD or DVD. Let us know if that is necessary for you.
--E-mail messages--- First, any attachments that you wish to save must be placed on the desktop and saved to your backup folder.
--Select the messages you want to save (hold the apple key while you select multiple messages)-Go to Message in the menu bar--->Summarize Selected, then File--> Save As, and save the file to your folder. (OR-Print this file). This will be a text file, readable only, will not be archived in your email.

The same thing must be completed for any folders of saved messages that you have created
-For personal addresses that you have added Go to File-->Open-->Contacts, select the addresses you wish to save (hold the apple key while you select multiple addresses) -->file export--> Export window below appears:

Desktop-->Your save folder-->New Folder--> export.

Next year you can import the addresses.

The personal address groups cannot be exported effectively, so it is best to print the group you wish to recreate.

Adding Email Notification to your Blog

2008-05-08T08:33:00.002-05:00

Adding an email sign up to your blog:

Go to: http://www.feedblitz.com/f/?AddBloggerWidget

1. Put in your email and type in the spam blocker code.

2. Click on Install your Email Subscription Widget.

3. On the next screen, select the blog to add the email to.

4. Fix the layout if you want to change where the email subscription link is on the page.

When someone signs up, they are sent an email to confirm their subscription. They must click in this email to confirm their subscription before they are on the list.

An email should be sent to the user from Feedblitz within 24 hours of when you post a new blog entry.

Math Books for ER?

2008-04-22T09:54:00.006-05:00

The media center has 2 series of Math books that may be of interest to you for Math ER. Each has practical, real world math situations on a topic of interest to middle school students.

Math in Our World Series
Animal math
Construction math
Music math
Space math
Sports math
Time math

Mathworks! Series
Using math in the ER
Using math on a space mission
Using math to be a zoo vet
Using math to build a skyscraper
Using math to climb Mount Everest
Using math to conquer extreme sports
Using math to create a movie stunt
Using math to design a roller coaster
Using math to fly a jumbo jet
Using math to solve a crime
Using math to survive in the wild
Using math to win a Grand Prix

Peggy Sharp What's New in Children's Literature

2008-04-21T13:01:00.008-05:00

Titlewave's list of Peggy Sharp Books by topic.

(If prompted for a user name and password use srrms2 for each of them--then click on the curriculum tab at the top. Next choose Popular Subject List on the right---and finally find Peggy Sharp's name.)

-->>>Several steps, but very worth your journey to find these lists!!!!

Some ideas for introducing books to students.

Peggy Sharp's "picks" for each year.

Peggy Sharp's Reading List for 4-8 Grade.

Thinking Ahead to Spring

2008-04-02T08:53:00.002-05:00

For those of you who plan ahead....or have an extra few minutes in your lives!

The process for the end of May as regards to technology back up will be similar this year.

All staff will walk out with a burned CD at the end of year. DO NOT assume that materials will be left on the server and/or your machine over the summer. You will be responsible (with help, of course) for being sure that you have a CD burned and with you when you walk out. An exact date/schedule for burning CDs will be coming.

Email-The email server will be redone this summer. Messages that you have in your email AND in the folders in email will NOT be there when you return in the fall. You will need to print these messages on paper or print them to a PDF and save the PDF onto your CD. If you have attachments to email messages or in your folders in email, you will need to save those attachments and get them on your CD or print them.

See your High Tech person or Laura for help if you need it.

Technology Training

2008-03-20T07:35:00.002-05:00

Our district has a subscription to Atomic Learning to provide students and staff with "right now" training on many technology resources.

You can access it at www.atomiclearning.com

The movies are short...so you can watch just what you need or spend more time learning a new application.

They also have a section called Learning Accelerators that are premade, suggested lesson plans for use in classes embedding technology.

You can also access these resources from home. Please ask Laura for the password and user name.

New Professional Books

2008-03-12T12:40:00.010-05:00

PRO 371.26 WOR
Fair isn't always equal : assessing & grading in the differentiated classroom
Presents a rationale for differentiated assessment and grading, discusses mastery, and provides guidance, ideas, and examples from middle and high school classrooms, as well as a guide for teacher leaders on supporting colleagues beginning differentiated assessment and grading.

PRO 371.39 WOR
Differentiation : from planning to practice, grades 6-12
Describes strategies designed to help teachers create lessons that can be accommodated to the learning styles and needs of varied student populations in grades six through twelve, and includes samples of differentiated learning experiences from multiple subjects.

PRO 371.39 WOR
Summarization in any subject : 50 techniques to improve student learning
Shows how to teach children to summarize information and provides fifty techniques for using summarization as a teaching tool in any school subject.

PRO 809.3 CAM
Less is more : teaching literature with short texts, grades 6-12
Provides strategies for using short text--including essays, short stories, and graphic novels--to teach literature in grades sixth through twelve; and includes reading, writing, and response activities and a list of resources.

Media Center Year End Dates

2008-03-12T08:42:00.001-05:00

Media Year End 2008

Thursday, May 8-Last Day to Check Out Books

Friday, May 9-All books Due (Student, Staff, media books checked out for RAP, Carts of Books, etc.)

Friday, May 16-Last Day Media Center is Open

Friday, May 30

-Last Day Media 2 is Open
-Last Day Computer Labs 212, 309, and 805 are open.
-All iBook Carts Due
-All House Technology Equipment Due

Science Online Testing Dates and Information

2008-03-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

Science Online Testing
SRRMS Staff
What you need to know.
Current as of March 12. (Of course---subject to change!)

Tuesday, May 6 will be an alternate schedule for all students in the building. Each 8th grade student will test for 2 hours in the morning or 2 hours in the afternoon. A schedule will be coming.

All middle school computer labs and computers for use in the media centers will be closed Monday, May 5-Thursday, May 8.

3 iBook carts (Allied Arts, 1 from Storm and 1 from Great River) will be used for testing from May 1 to the end of the year.

There will be NO INTERNET use in the district on:
Tuesday/Wednesday, April 29 and 30
Tuesday, May 6
Tuesday, May 13

On these days, you may use the labs on days they are open to do word processing and other activities that are within our district. You may not use the Internet (google, online databases, ER web based games etc.)

Student Transfers

2008-02-11T12:54:00.000-06:00

When a student is transferred between sections of the same course, click on the yellow NEW button next to the student's name.

The box that appears will let you know about the data that is available to transfer. Make your selection/choice on the right side.

Resources for Math Teachers

2008-01-28T14:22:00.001-06:00

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Check out the Activities, Lessons, Standards, and Web Links on the side

A Maths Dictionary for Kids
An animated, interactive dictionary for kids that explains math terms "in their language."

Figure This!
Helping families enjoy mathematics outside school through a series of fun and engaging, high-quality challenges. Demonstrates challenging middle school mathematics and emphasizes the importance of high-quality math education for all students.

Interactivate
Activites designed to help learners of all ages improve their math skills.

Archimedes
Mind and visual puzzles.

Algebra Help
Algebrahelp.com is a collection of lessons, calculators, and worksheets created to assist students and teachers of algebra.

ESPN Sports Figures
Lesson plans and classroom materials to hook reluctant learners.

Web Sites for Testing Supplementary Material

2007-11-26T08:58:00.000-06:00

To link to MCA Practice materials, click here.

This is linked through the district web site---Middle School-->Media--->WWW Links

Editing Grades & Entering Comments

2007-11-25T21:10:00.000-06:00

Follow these directions if you need to :

Edit a grade that was posted ("over ride" it for some reason)
Add comments for a student
Just put in letter grades without entering scores for a course

When you log into Skyward, choose My Classes (instead of My Gradebook).

Then, select Class Options.

Next, choose Report Card Posting.

Now, you can "change" a student's letter grade, add comments, or put in letter grades without having scores in a gradebook.

BE SURE YOU SAVE at the top when you are done!!!!

Check the Dates

2007-11-25T20:55:00.000-06:00

As one trimester ends and another begins, be sure the dates you put on each assignment are correct for the term in which you want it to be counted.

Any assignments dated Thursday, November 29 or before will count in Trimester 1.

Any assignments dated Monday, December 3 or after will count for Trimester 2.

To See Classes from all Terms

2007-11-25T20:17:00.000-06:00

To see classes from both the current term and previous terms, click on the link that says Show All Classes at the top of your gradebook list of courses.

Spring Testing Computer Lab Dates

2007-11-20T09:55:00.000-06:00

For those who plan ahead :)

All middle school labs and media centers will be closed May 5 and 6.
There will be no Internet use on April 29, May 6 and May 13. (This includes labs, iBook carts and teacher machines.)

Science Online Testing Spring 2008

Monday, April 28-Elementary Set Up
Tuesday, April 29-5th Grade Testing

Monday, May 5-Middle School Set Up
Tuesday, May 6-8th Grade Testing

Monday, May 12-High School Set Up
Tuesday, May 13-10th Grade Testing

***All middle school labs and media centers will be closed on May 5 and 6th.
***Some middle school iBook carts will be used during this process.
***No internet will be allowed on any testing day.

Printing Missing Assignment Reports

2007-11-13T14:17:00.000-06:00

You can print a list of missing assignments for any student in the building.

This could be useful for students in your Flex, RAP, or during EXCEL

Directions can be downloaded here.

ActivBoard Users

2007-10-24T08:24:00.000-05:00

If you have an ActivBoard and have not already done so, be sure you check out

http://www.prometheanplanet.com/us/

and register as a user. (It's free!)

There are many premade flip charts and other resources available for you.

Advisor Reports in Skyward

2007-10-16T14:32:00.000-05:00

Using Advisor Access, you can print various reports for selected (or all) students in your RAP.

You can print a missing assignment report, or print a progress report that includes all the student's classes.

When you log in to Skyward, Click on Advisor Access-->My students on the left.

Then choose the report you want to print.

On the next scren, you can choose the student(s) for whom you will print the report and be able to make a few choices on what prints on the report. (There are not as many choices on this template as there are in reports for your classes.)

(Some of these reports when you run them for all students take a while to run---they are gathering information from many places within Skyward.)

Adding a Counter to your Blog

2007-10-15T19:29:00.000-05:00

Go to www.blogpatrol.com and sign up for a free counter.

Eventually you will get to a long HTML code that has the counter in it, copy this.

To add a counter to your blog, go to Template and add a page element (probably a footer) in which to put your counter.

Choose HTML/Java Script from the pop up window. Paste the code in that you copied above.

Removing the Next Choice from your Blog

2007-10-09T08:29:00.001-05:00

At the top of your blog in blogger, their is a Navigation Bar with a choice to see the next blog. When a blog reader clicks on this, they are taken to a random users Blogspot blog. Some of these are very inappropriate!

To remove the Navigation Bar, follow these directions:

Go to your blog
Go to Templates
Go to Edit HTML

Back up your template by downloading it.

Find these lines of code

They are near the bottom (about 7/8 of the way down)

Just above these copy and paste this code:

#navbar-iframe {height:0px;visibility:hidden;display:none}

Back up your template again.

Emailing with Parents

2007-09-24T15:01:00.000-05:00

1.Encourage parents to use the links off our web page to your address. This should eliminate them misspelling your name.

2. If you send a message to the parent, have them reply to it.

3. Have them send you a message and then call to be sure you check your spam message.

4. Have them try sending to your firstname.lastname@mail.isd47.org (Add the word mail between the @ and isd47.

5. Have them send to a different teacher who can forward it to you.

Spam Mail Summaries

2007-09-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

You will receive a Spam Mail Sumamry overnight on the days that a questionable message has been received by the Lightspeed Filter. (To make this message easier to read, use the percentage scroll at the bottom right corner and make it 200%--easier on old eyes :)

Be sure to read that list daily. If there are messages that you want to see, forward them. If the message is from someone that you want to always receive messages from, whitelist that person.

If you save one of these messages in your inbox, you can at any time also go in and click to View Current Messages held as SPAM. This will get you a list of messages up to the current time. (See the diagram below.)

Changing your Reply Preferences

2007-09-06T14:33:00.001-05:00

To change the preference in First Class so that you reply only to the sender (and not the whole group)

Go to First Class-->Preferences-->Click on the Messaging tab-->and change Reply Preference to Reply Sender.

You can do a one time change in the future if you want to reply to the whole group by going to Message-->Reply Special and then choose Reply All

Media Target Start Dates

2007-08-25T17:12:00.001-05:00

Targeted Media Dates for Fall
Tuesday, September 4 Technology Equipment out to houses
Monday, September 10 Bar Codes out to students
Monday, September 10 Student Server info out to students
Monday, September 10 Labs Open
Tuesday, September 11 Media Open for Book Check Out/Class Use
Monday, September 17 Language Arts Book Check Out Begins
After September 12 iBooks carts out to house

Blogs-Posting Information Online

2007-08-25T14:59:00.000-05:00

The handout for starting your own blog can be downloaded here .

Once you have created your blog, be sure to let me know so that we can link it to you from the web page.

Magazines for your House

2007-08-25T14:43:00.001-05:00

The following magazines were ordered for each house using funds from QSP as a thank you for the magazine sale we hold each year.

They will be delivered to Johnson/Thunder Heights, Lahr/Storm, Madsen/Great River. Please see them if you are interested in using the magazines.

BASEBALL DIGEST
CAR AND DRIVER
DOG FANCY
U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
NICK MAGAZINE
READER'S DIGEST
OUTDOOR LIFE and FIELD & STREAM
GOLF TIPS
NINTENDO POWER
POPULAR MECHANICS
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS
NEW YORK TIMES UPFRONT, THE
COBBLESTONE

Setting up Voicemail

2007-08-25T14:26:00.000-05:00

Update your phone messages:

Dial into voicemail (2000)
U =change user options
G =change your greetings
T =primary greeting
N =change your name
P =change your password
X =exit to main menu
**If you are in a new location this year, dialing 2000 will get you started in setting up a password and messages.

Lab and Media Sign Up

2007-08-21T08:29:00.001-05:00

Sign up for labs and media space will again be online. This is a free calendar service that seems to do an adequate job for the set up in our large buidling. You are encouraged to sign up your own groups; however, if you want assistance, please contact the media center.

Carts of Media Materials

2007-08-21T08:28:00.000-05:00

If you need a cart of books pulled for your classes to use either in the media center or in your room, please plan ahead and give us several days notice.

Student Server Log Ons

2007-08-21T08:27:00.004-05:00

Student Servers-Students will NOT be given passwords/log ons until their Network agreement licenses are in this year. This will prevent us from still looking for these licesnes several months after school starts. Students will likely NOT get access immediately after turning their sheets in...this may take 24 hours.

Flex Time Media Use

2007-08-21T08:27:00.003-05:00

Flex/ER media use for computer space will be VERY limited. There are only 14 computers in the media center. It will be a very good idea to make use of iBooks or the lab in your house and share supervision during this time. It is very likely that there will be limits/quotas for each house/grade level during this time. As in the past, be sure that all students who are sent to the media center during the day have a completed planner pass. This is our way of knowing how we can best assist the student and keep track of the many students coming to the media center. Likewise, be check the planner when the student returns to your room to check the time and any notes we may have added.

Media Closed during RAP

2007-08-21T08:27:00.001-05:00

Media is closed during RAP. If you need boxes of books for your RAP, please let me know what you want. Students have the opportunity to check out book during Flex, their Language Arts media time, and any other time during the day that is available in their classes.

Tech Repairs

2007-08-21T08:26:00.001-05:00

Tech repairs and questions will be managed differently this year. Your first “call for help” should be to the High Tech person in your house whenever possible.

C Johnson/Storm
P Johnson/Thunder Heights
Larson/ Great River
Christoferson/ Light House
Farmen/Allied Arts

After that, this year, your request should be emailed to MS Tech Support.

This is the same model that other buidlings in the district are using. With changes in staffing this year, who ever has an opportunity first (Laura, Scott, Jason etc.) will be able to attend to the problem without first having to be in contact with others.

Acquiring New Materials

2007-08-21T08:25:00.002-05:00

Star Testing

2007-08-21T08:25:00.001-05:00

Star testing will again be done 3 times.

The Testing Windows are as follows:
September 24-October 5
January 14-February 1
April 21-May 2

Media 2

2007-08-21T08:24:00.002-05:00

Media 2 is a sign out spot for staff to bring students this year. There is no media staff assigned to that location during the day. Teachers need to supervise students in this area. There are 15 computers.

Language Arts Book Check Out

2007-08-21T08:24:00.001-05:00

Language Arts classes will again be scheduled for book check out about every 2-3 weeks. As in the past, this is a rough schedule and you are welcome to request to change your assigned days/times.

iBook Carts and Printing

2007-08-21T08:23:00.001-05:00

iBook carts will not have printers on them this year. Printing will need to be done from a desktop machine. This will require some changes in the way iBooks are used this year. Appropriate uses are research and the first day(s) of keyboarding a written project.

Passwords

2007-08-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

Strongly consider what your password is in various programs (logging into your computer, Skyward, FirstClass etc.) We had growing issues with students getting into places they shouldn’t be last year. Good passwords should have a combination of letters and numbers.