INSERVICE GUIDES   

You are 30 minutes away from a great idea... or two.  Each guide is designed to be used in a 30 minute  inservice.  Key ingredients include:  (1) no more than 5 key ideas, (2) at least one “can’t live without” tip, and (3) follows the “KISS” rule, as much as possible.  Each guide is in PDF format and Pages (Mac, iWorks ’08), which are compressed zip files.  Though the content is directed at Mac users, many of the ideas can be used or modified for a PC orientation.  You have my permission to use and/or modify as you like.  Please give credit if appropriate.

#1 Dock Doings...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Covers cleaning up your desktop, creative ways to use and modify the dock, increasing the battery life of your computer, fixing up problems and speeding up your computer.

#2 Securing Your Computer...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Covers adding desktop/screen saver pics, using the screen saver to lock your computer, ENLARGING your screen and mouse pointer, speaking text, and reversing the inverse.

#11 Projector Care...  pdf version   Pages (zip file)

About your projector and how to extend its life, including a guide for cleaning the air filter, putting it on standby, and learning about features of the projector.

#12 Backing up your computer... pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Learn how to back up your computer and where to find settings for Safari and other applications as well as Mail and iWeb data.

#13 Restoring Your Computer from Backup...  pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Assuming you followed the directions in the backup guide (#12), this guide will help you get your information in place on your new/re-cloned computer.

#14 Keyboard Shortcuts...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Here is a list of common keyboard commands in a display format that will help staff and students get the most out using their Macs.

#15 Macintosh Track Pad Features...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

The track pad offers some great features.  Using just the pad, you can zoom in and out on the screen, scroll, and do all the functions (and more) that the mouse offered.

#16 Displaying Special Characters (Mac only)   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Often you need characters that aren’t visibly available on your computer keyboard, like the √, é, ñ, and ⌘.  Here are the directions to help you find these characters and put them to use in your documents.

   Applications

#3 Photo Booth Actions...   pdf verson   Pages (zip file)

Photo Booth ideas, desktop pictures, personal Stickies (from T. Worcester), projects using pictures from Photo Booth and elsewhere, and cleaning your projector filter.

#4 Working with the Safari browser...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Learn how to speed up your internet searching, set the home page, edit bookmarks, modify the tool bar and quickly collect internet links. (Macintosh Only)

#5 Working with Firefox browser...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Learn to speed up your internet searching, set the home page, edit bookmarks, modify the tool bar and quickly collect internet links.  (FIREFOX version - also for PC)

#6 Working with Numbers - Part I...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Learn to use Apple’s spreadsheet program.  Just the basics!  Making lists, creating your own graph paper, constructing patterns, and exploring the editing options.

#7 A Quick Look at Preview...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Apple’s Preview program has some excellent features for teachers and students.  Adjust images, make a slide show, convert file formats, make corrections on pdf files, etc.

#8 Pages: Part I - Text Stuff...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

AppleWorks is getting a little ragged. Here is a 30 minute guide for Pages to do the things you use to do with AppleWorks. Learn to enter and format text.

#10 Pages: Part II - Making a Newsletter...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

Learn how to use page layouts to create a newsletter. Add titles, text objects, shapes and graphics. Then adjust with the editing tools.

#17 iPhoto: Making Calendars   pdf version   Pages( zip file)

iPhoto is a great tool for making monthly calendars.  Learn how to quickly pick a style, add text and pictures, and then print out the months you need for your projects.

  Advanced Topics

#9 Creating you own Web Domain...   pdf version   Pages (zip file)

OK, this is a little on the edge, but I am sure many of you have obsessed about having your very own web site and domain name. Its easy to do - and cheap.