More Blogger Information

Here is some information on how to set up a blog. You may wish to create a blog to discuss a particular topic in class, keep students informed about class lessons, or use it as a class project.

Blogging in SBISD
Background of Blogging:

1. Check out the LMS blogs on technology and the library.
2.View this PowerPoint for an overview of a blog's format and see some samples of different types of blogs you may encounter during this experience.3. Read The 4 Cs of Blogging, a post about what to think about when setting up your blog, how to approach what you might write about, and how you will respond to others' thoughts.4. Read 2¢ Worth David Warlick's posting on the value of blogging.Creating Your Blog
For blogging, you may use any one of several free online blog hosting services including Blogger, Wordpress, Class Blogmeister, or Typepad.
We are recommending Blogger. It comes through the district firewall, is consistently available (no down time), and is also supported in Atomic Learning where (if you are a SBISD employee or resident) you can get additional help with the program. Take the Quick Tour of Blogger for a look at it before starting.To start your blog:1. Create an account. You will need an email address. It does not need to be a gmail account, but can be. You may use your SBISD e-mail address. 2. Name your blog. The portion that goes into the address is "permanent." It can not be changed once set up. The blog title that appears on the actual page can be changed or updated to meet the needs of your blog. A good rule of thumb...short and sweet and easy to type!3. Choose a template (or skin.) You can always go back and select another one if you don't care for the look of your blog.When setting up your preferences, please allow for comments by anyone. You CAN set it up where you have to approve them before they show.MORE HELP with setting up your blogNow that your blog is set up:Here is a fun thing to do with your blog-Create an avatar -- a representation of yourself.Go to Yahoo Avatars and create a character representing things about yourself. Here's a chance for your creativity to come out! Have fun!Save your avatar and export to your blog.HELP: Here's how to export your avatar to your blog.
a) When you are on your Avatars.Yahoo.com page, go to "home" tab and look to the right column.
b) One of the options is: "EXPORT: Use your avatar in web pages and blogs and more." Click there.
c) Then, in the Center of the page, one option is your avatar's HTML code. Copy the code.
d) Go to your blog (Sign in. When you first sign in, there is an option to add a post OR manage posts, settings, or layout; Go to "LAYOUT." You will see various page elements.)
e) Paste the HTML code in the GADGET marked "HTML/Java Script."
f) Then move that GADGET to wherever you want your avatar to appear on your blog. You can do this...yes, you can! Here are some screen shots and more directions for adding the avatar

Jessica Stockel
Librarian
Get Hooked on books @ your library.
Landrum Middle School (041)2200 Ridgecrest Drive • Houston, TX 77055Phone: (713) 365-4020 X121• Fax: (713) 365-4040

Confidentiality Notice: This electronic communication may contain confidential student record information intended solely for school business by the individual to whom it is addressed. Any disclosures (verbal or in print), copying, distribution, or use of this information by an unauthorized person is prohibited, and may violate SBISD Board Policy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Should you receive this electronic communication in error, please notify the sender immediately at the following telephone number: 713-365-4020. Thereafter, please delete the message.

Bloggers

Join Spring Branch ISD and I and become a blogger. It's very easy, just click on the Atomic Learning link and follow the step-by-step directions. HAVE FUN BLOGGING!!!

http://movies.atomiclearning.com/movie/k12/41909/play

Technology Tip

If you are connected to a projector – or you have an active classroom set up – please do the following:
(this will stop your computer from entering sleep mode)

Right click on your desktop & go to properties:
Click on POWER:

Then, go to Power Schemes & use the pull-down menu to select “Presentation” – click Apply & OK.

Brain Pop Tech Tip #5

I am happy to inform you that you now have access to BrainPOP.com during school hours (7am-5:30pm local time).

Please contact Mr. Matthew for passwords.

Atomic Learning- Technology Tip #4

Got a technology question?

Just ask AL!

AL stands for Atomic Learning, our online resource for software training.
Spring Branch ISD has taken a big step forward in incorporating technology into our classrooms. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality technology resources available. That is why we are making Atomic Learning available to staff, students and their families. It’s convenient, affordable and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year long.

Atomic Learning provides a large, online library of short, easy-to-understand tutorials. AL’s innovative approach to software training focuses on answering the common questions encountered when learning and using software. How do you cut and paste in Word? How do you crop photos using Photoshop Elements? Just ask AL.

The staff/faculty login:

1. Go to www.atomiclearning.com
2. Enter the following user name and password:
User Name: your full email account
Password: alnsbisd
3. Type your question in the search box and click on Go!
4. An answer will be provided in the form of a one to three-minute tutorial movie. The movie will walk you through all the steps needed to complete the task

Our subscription to Atomic Learning also includes closed-captioning on many tutorials, Spanish language tutorials, Teacher2Teacher curriculum materials, and online workshops on mail merge, newsletter design, charting, and more.

www.atomicLearning.com

Tip #3 Sept. 10th 2008

Attached is a list of passwords and electronic resources for the databases on the library resources page: http://library.springbranchisd.com/library-resources/default.htm

I also have some hard copies available in the library for you to take home or provide to your students.

In addition, Mr. Matthew and I have created a resource for teachers’ wiki and a blog for technology.

http://landrumtechnology.blogspot.com/

http://landrummslibrary.wikispaces.com/

Please take time to view these websites as they contain tons of resources.

All of the above information is available on the LMS library website: http://lms.springbranchisd.com/Library/tabid/4903/Default.aspx

If you need any assistance please let me know.

Happy viewing!

Jessica Stockel

Tip #1 Sept. 8th 2008

Do you loathe reading your e-mail attachments in the Reading Layout view (or having to waste the 2 seconds it takes to change the view to Print Layout)? You can change the default so your attachments don’t open this way! Follow the 5 easy steps below:

Open a Word document (not Outlook)
↓
Click Tools on the menu bar
↓
Scroll down to Options
↓
Click on the General tab
↓
Uncheck the box next to “Allow starting in Reading Layout”

I hope this makes you day like it did mine!


Jessica Stockel
Librarian