Tech Tips

For Amherst-Pelham Elementary Teachers         Issue 5          January 2002

New Software

Have you noticed new icons appearing in the Novell Application box on your school computers? Here is a brief summary of some new programs.

Write OutLoud-word processor with auditory feedback Set Write OutLoud so a synthesized voice will say each word, sentence, or paragraph (you select your preference) as it is typed. Write OutLoud can also be used to read anything on the computer. Just copy and paste into Write OutLoud any text (from Internet, scanned text, teacher-made tests and worksheets, etc.) Who should use it?

TimeLiner 5.0-create timelines of historical events. Also students can create a timeline for their own life, a project with lots of due dates, etc.

Mapmaker's Toolkit-great maps! Zoom in to see more detail, use layers to add cities, rivers, river names, latitude and longitude grid, etc. Use stamps and drawing tools to indicate resources, animals, population centers, etc.

How Far? How Long? - 2nd grade
Turtle Paths - 3rd grade
Sunken Ships - 4th grade
Patterns of Change - 5th grade
Picturing Polygons - 5th grade

These 5 programs are part of Investigations Math units. Directions for using these programs are in the Investigations teacher’s guides.

 

Technology Connections for Science and Social Studies Kits

Look for a new addition in some of the social studies and science kits. A manila folder will contain laminated sheets listing technology-rich activities that correlate with that kit. Also included is a computer disk with the same information to make the list of web resources only a click away.

If you want any help implementing the technology activities, see your technology resource teacher. We would love to co-teach with you.

Structures and Forces – 5th/6th grades
Electricity – 4th grade
Massachusetts – 4th grade
Medieval Times – 3rd grade
Amherst – 2nd grade
Weather – 2nd grade

We would like feedback on the Technology Connections. Let us know if you find them helpful. Give us ideas on how to improve them.

Technology Workshops

Sign up for the following workshops by calling Staff Development at 549-9858. All workshops are from 3:30-5:00PM.

Jan. 24 Intermediate Word-HS Rm 143 Mark Moriarity will show you how to use WordArt, AutoShapes, ClipArt, and other formatting features to create unique documents.

Feb. 7 and 14 Beginning Windows and Word-FR computer lab Joan Gallinaro will gently lead teachers new to PCs starting with using a mouse through the basics of Microsoft Word. No previous computer skills needed.

Feb. 28 Graphing with Excel-FR computer lab Paul Oh will take you through a great lesson that will make graphing with Excel an easy addition to your curriculum. You don’t need to be an advanced computer user to use Excel.

March 14 Advanced Word-HS Rm 143 Come learn how to use Microsoft Word to format newsletters with headers, columns and multiple formats on a page. Mark Moriarty will show you shortcuts such as the format painter and styles to make complex documents easier.

 

Keep It Legal – Software Licensing Rules

Software comes with a licensing agreement. Most software is purchased as a single copy. This means it can only be used on one computer. You can not have the software on your home computer and a school computer and you can not have the software on two computers at school unless you own two copies of the program. There are a few exceptions to this rule, but you must carefully read the licensing agreement to be sure you are following the rules.

Why follow the rules? What will happen if you get caught? The chances of being caught are slim, but the risk is not worth it. Several school districts have received large fines for using pirated software. A teacher could lose certification for installing software illegally. We try to teach our students to make good choices, set a good example by not pirating software. If you find a program that works well with your students, see your technology resource teacher. We will try to purchase the software for the school.

School Computers and Professional Judgment

School computers are intended for schoolwork. Does that mean I can never play Solitaire, never visit an Internet site to find information about a non-school event, never send a personal email to a friend? No! No one is going to police harmless practices that do not hurt the network or make it difficult for others to use school computers for schoolwork. Use your best professional judgment.

That said, Amherst does have a policy on what is acceptable use of school computers. If you have questions, please ask your technology resource teacher.

Summary of the Amherst Public Schools Electronic Resources Acceptable Use Policy
  1. Internet and network use is monitored.
  2. Be aware of potential security risks and take all reasonable steps to minimize risks.
  1. Do not use school computers for commercial purposes (to run a business) or for political lobbying.
  2. Do not send an email message to large numbers of users.
  3. Do not store large or unnecessary files on the network. (Do not download music, videos, or other large files and store them on the server.)
  4. You may install software on your classroom computer, but understand that the software and any related files saved on the hard drive will be deleted each time the computer is reimaged. Also, if the software interferes with the network operation, it will be removed. Do not use install software on more than one computer unless you have a multi-computer license.
  5. Do not download software from the Internet. If you find some software on the Internet that will be valuable to your work, please let the technology staff know and let them do the download.
  6. Do not use Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express because of the potential for spreading serious virus problems throughout the network. Also, do not use AOL Instant Messenger or other instant messenger programs.
  7. If you create a web page that references the school or district, it must be maintained on the district web server. The school must have parent permission on file before you post a child’s picture or writing on a web site. No names should be used with student pictures. Only 1st names should be used with student writing.

What is CIPA and How Does CIPA Effect Computer Use?

CIPA is the Children’s Internet Protection Act, a law passed last year. It requires that all computers used in schools or libraries that receive federal money have a way to prohibit access to pornographic material.

This means we are required to monitor and filter Internet use. No filter can be fine-tuned to filter only pornographic content. If at any time you are forbidden from accessing a legitimate Internet site that is needed for schoolwork, see your school librarian. The librarian can access the site for you.