More Troubleshooting--Some Repair Procedures

Thanks, Stephanie, for sending me an email about laptops, and how to get new batteries. This prompts me to post some information that I know about how to get service for tech equipment. For any laptops that are still under warranty (which at this point are only those in the mobile labs), call Apple at 1-800-800-2775. They will ask for your name, school's name/phone, etc. and the serial number of the computer. To find the serial number, click on the apple in the top left corner of the menu bar, then go to About This Mac. Next, click on More Info... and in the next window, you'll see the serial number. Apple will have a record as to whether the computer is still under warranty. If it's not, and it's a battery issue, unfortunately, the school will have to use funds to purchase a new one--ITD will no longer replace batteries (nor mice, keyboards, etc.). Apple should be able to quote a price on a new battery or other part needed.
ITD does do many repairs on equipment, and they are good about responding to trouble calls (see one of my previous posts about how to report a trouble call to ITD via phone or online). ITD now has a webpage listing what services they provide, in their Service Catalog.

Great Online Tool for Sharing and Commenting

I was listening to a great Tech Chicks podcast today (their blog with links is at http://techchicktips.net/). These two teachers always share some great ideas for integrating technology, especially using Web 2.0 tools. Check out VoiceThread and think of how you might use this tool with your students. A great opportunity to have your students share their photos/pictures with comments, with the added advantage of allowing others to comment on their work.

Beginning of the Year Set-Up or Troubleshooting 101

OK, first things first. I hope you all had a great summer, and are ready for another fun year at Brooklyn. Congrats meeting API and AYP (good numbers are always satisfying, but remember that you are all so much more than numbers).
Now, to the computers. Basics of troubleshooting:
1. Check your connections--
a. mouse--plugged into the keyboard or side of eMac.
b. power cord--plugged securely into back of eMac, then plugged into outlet or surge protector.
c. keyboard--plugged into side of eMac.
d. ethernet cable (most likely blue or gray)--plugged into side of computer, then into ethernet port on wall, or into switch (box that can hold 4-8 ethernet cables). Note: switch box may be in classrooms that have more than 5 computers and a printer (make sure the switch box power supply is plugged in).
e. printer--make sure power cable is plugged into outlet, and ethernet cable is plugged into port on wall, or USB cable is plugged into computer you want to print.

2. Printer--if, after checking the connections, the printer is not printing, then check to make sure the computer recognizes the printer.
a. Deskjet 6127 printers or USB printers: Click on Printer Setup Utility (either in dock or in Hard Drive--Applications Folder--Utility Folder). Click on Add, then HP IP Printing, then Discover and wait till you see your printer. Click on the printer, then wait until it shows up in Printer Setup Utility window. Test it out by printing something.
b. Laserjet printer--Click on Printer Setup Utility. Click on Rendezvous, then look for laserjet printer, then click to add it.

3. Problems with software: freezing, mouse not working, 'beach ball' turns FOREVER (or it seems that way)--
a. Try restarting computer by holding Ctrl-Apple keys, then while holding them down, press eject button (the key you push to eject a CD), or,
b. Press and hold the On button until computer shuts down, wait a few seconds and turn it back on.

4. When none of the above works, you may want to get ITD involved. To do this, you can either
a. call ITD and sit on the phone for awhile--213-241-LA00 (5200), OR
b. go to www.lausd.net, then click on Employees--LAUSD ITD Service Desk--look on right for ITD Web Employee Self-Service, click on the link Web Form, and fill in the information requested.
For either of the above, they will want your employee number, the computer serial number, your room number and other basic contact information. ITD is usually pretty fast once you've submitted the trouble call (they are supposed to respond within about 24 hours).
c. In case you were wondering, the computer serial number is located in very tiny print on the inside of the CD drive door (pull it down to open).

Well, that's enough confusion for now. Post any questions or problems you're having, or post a positive note about how you got yourself up and running this year!

An Example of an Easy Way to Podcast Online

Click here to get your own player.

Tech Tip: Problems viewing Quicktime on Firefox?

During my most recent update of Apple software (which, by the way, I recommend everyone should be doing on their Macs--desktops and laptops), Quicktime was updated. After this update, I noticed in Firefox that I could no longer see Quicktime videos on webpages--I'd get this Q symbol with a question mark). After testing out Safari and finding that I could view Quicktime just fine, I found out that I needed to make a few changes in Quicktime. Here's what to do if you're having that problem:
1. Click on the blue Apple at the top left of your screen.
2. Click on System Preferences, then Quicktime.
3. Click on Advanced tab, then MIME settings.
4. You should see lots of MIME types; click on the arrow next to Images, and make sure that FlashPix image is unchecked. Then click on the arrow next to Miscellaneous and make sure that the Flash media box is unchecked. Finally, click OK.
5. Now, when you're in Firefox, you should be able to see Quicktime video ads, etc., again. If you have any problems or questions, post a comment below. Hope this helps.

Tech Tip: Yes, You Can Right Click on a Mac!

For those of you die-hard Windows users who get frustrated when you try to right-click with the Mac, don't worry, you CAN do it! Just press the Control key while you're clicking, and you get the same result as the right click on a PC mouse. Try it!

Simple Way to Record with Audacity

Remember I talked about how you could record your students' reading fluency using a simple software program? I did this with Room 47 students this year, and it's pretty easy to do. At the end of the year, it's a way for teachers, students, and parents to compare the progress students are making in their fluency (makes those oral fluency numbers mean something). Take a look at this video I found on TeacherTube--see, I told you you don't have to reinvent the wheel--it's a quick tutorial on Audacity, a free downloadable program for recording. The tutorial is using the Windows version, but it's basically the same for the Mac (and your Mac already has a built-in microphone, so you're good to go). Check out the video. If you want to try it out, just go to the free download site.

HUGE Thank You to Brooklyn Staff!

Well, enough time has gone by that I can write this without tearing up--except maybe cybertears! I can't begin to thank everyone at Brooklyn for all that I've learned while teaching there: I think/hope that I became a better teacher over the years, and it's all due to the kids, parents, and the staff at Brooklyn Avenue! It has truly been a pleasure to work with everyone at Brooklyn. You have the kids in mind with everything you do--keep that focus, and everything will be OK.
Speaking of focus, I learned a new concept (well, new to me) this summer at a technology conference: Universal Design of Learning (UDL). To find out more about the principles of UDL, go to the CAST website. But, if you want to just see the practical use of UDL for your kids, then check out A Dance with the Butterflies Project.
The other website to check out is the 90 Days of Summer. This calendar has links to help you learn more about some of the great resources available for teachers on the Web, one a day, so you don't get too overwhelmed. Pick and choose those that interest you, but TeacherTube is a great one to browse. It's like YouTube, but for teachers, and videos are being added daily (and the district doesn't block it!). Also, when you're ready to think about school and lesson plans, don't reinvent the wheel, go to Thinkfinity (used to be MarcoPolo). They have some of the greatest lesson plans, complete with links to appropriate websites. There are indeed, "endless possibilities for learning" (as the definition for Thinkfinity states); don't believe all the hype about there's only one right way for all students to learn (inherent in the often simplistic teachings of "one-size curriculum fits all"). Whoops, I'm starting to get on a soapbox, so I'll stop. Just check them out and you'll see.
Have a great summer, and keep checking back for tips/links and please post comments/questions. I don't know all the answers, but I'll try to find out!

Introduction to Computer Survival Tips

Hey, you people thought I was gone, but here I am, on the Web (or the Web 2.0/Read-Write Web).
I want this site to be a place for Brooklyn teachers to check first when they are having computer problems. The blog environment allows you Brooklyn teachers a place to post your questions and HELP statements. I'll be checking the site daily. Some of your questions may be answered through a post here, so check back often.
Just think of it as the Web equivalent of the big Batman signal in the sky. :)

Great Resources to Check Out in the Summer

Although you may not be able to view YouTube through the school website, there ARE some great educational videos available from home to check out. If you find a good one to use, you may be able to share it with your students by going to this site: Zamzar
This site enables you to convert files from one format to another (for instance, change from Mac format to Windows format), but they also advertise a way to save the video to use in the classroom.
For videos that are already available to teachers, try TeacherTube
Check it out, you don't have to reinvent the wheel!