Practical+Uses+of+System+Preferences

=Practical Uses of System Preferences=



During Session IV we've explored some of the system preferences that may be customized to fit you needs on your MacBook. The primary tools we looked at include: software updates, browser updates, expose, spaces, displays, track pad, zooming, omnidazzle, dashboard timer, and keyboard shortcuts. In the table below, list a summary of preferences that the members on your team found helpful during their regular use of their MacBooks.
 * // the teams' assigned Facilitator is the only person who should edit the table below //.

> ||
 * =Team Name= || =List of Preferences= ||
 * Sample Team 1 || * I use the countdown timer to show students how much time they have left to practice their typing with the Type to Learn 4 program.
 * I use spaces to move around to different windows that are open on my computer. ||
 * Triple J Threat || * I use the expose track pad shortcuts to switch windows when I have several applications open on my desktop.
 * I use the zoom function on the track pad to allow the students in my class to read the contents of documents and other things I am projecting.
 * I use keyboard shortcuts (my most common are: close windows - apple + w, quit applications - apple +Q, and toggle through apps- apple +tab, copy/paste items - apple + c or v, undo - apple +z) so that I do not have to take my hands off the keyboard making me more efficient when completing tasks.
 * I use zoom during demonstration so that the audience can better focus on what I'm talking about.
 * I have displays icon on my menu bar so that when I plug into a projector I can quickly alter my resolution if necessary.
 * I use track pad gestures to more efficiently navigate the web such as scrolling.
 * I use to use my screen corners on my old laptop. This was a good reminder to set up my expose again. I use dashboard, desktop, all windows, and put to sleep. I use the LCD display icon and I always use keyboard shortcuts as much as possible. I love using all the new features on the trackpad on our new macs. Updating all the software was nice because I never knew you could update it by clicking on the black apple icon.
 * ClarkPark@Bushyville || I used the zoom in feature to focus my math students on one part of our Problem on the Day worksheet.

I used the Keyboard shortcut Command-C and Command-V to cut and paste for my wikispace page, when making student worksheets and editing sub plans from previously typed plans.

I used the dashboard timer to show my students how much time they had left for the timed math facts quiz.

I used the four-finger slide up to hide all the applications I have running and the four-finger slide down to show all the applications I have open.

I used the screen corners to move webpages and other open apps out of the way while working.

I used the 2 finger scroll to work with scrolling through webpages, long documents and even my email.

This week I have learned to use the two finger scrolling.

F3 for finding windows hidden behind other screens.

Screen recording is helpful when I am learning a new technology so I can watch and remember how I got to the next step with havign to ask for additional help from the tech teacher t my school.
 * Maybe Derek should ask people to record inservices where he teaches a new softward program. It might save him time.

This week I learned how to capture my screen with QuickTime. I am currently teaching about Watersheds and Riparian Buffers in science and found some very useful videos on YouTube; however, I cannot show them in school because YouTube is blocked. I used QuickTime to record the screen and was able to successfully save the videos in my movies file. I think using QuickTime will be useful when teaching my colleagues how to use a Wiki with our students.

I also used Omni Dazzle to highlight some features on the computer screen in math class. I was able to get the students to focus in on the content that we were discussing. ||  I use the screen shot to show my students visual examples of professionals demonstrating various instrumental techniques including correct finger placement, posture, embouchure, etc.
 * RMGC || I use two fingers to scroll documents and web pages. ||

I use the OmniDazzle flashlight to highlight areas where I want the students to focus their attention.

I used the countdown timer this week to organize my time working with groups of recorder students. I found it very helpful - it kept me moving around the room, rather than getting stuck with a group. When I was with a group, the students did not waste as much time because they could see how long I would be there. Lastly, groups who were working on their own and waiting for me knew how long it would be untul I got there. Overall, an easy, good use of technology.

I use the screen shot to show my students visual examples of professional musicians demonstrating various instrumental techniques including correct finger placement, posture, embouchure, etc.

 I used Omnidazzle to highlight elements in a list that I was going over with the students during a class discussion of the components of the Immune System (I tried to use more than one at a time, but you can't do that, so I only got to use the flashlight application).  I use the OmniDazzle flashlight to highlight areas where I want the students to focus their attention. -I used the dashboard timer the whole week to time activities. I loved that I could display for all of my students to see. Which meand less asking me how much time was left. -I set up my hot corners to show all things open on my desk top and go to my dashboard easily for the time, very helpful. -While I already knew about several of the keyboard shortcuts I did learn some new ones. I found it much easier to use the command P for print so i didn't have to go to "file" everytime and I could still pick more than one copy. ||
 * Four Non-Blondes || * My favorite is doing screen shots. By hitting shift +command +4 at the same time you can take a picture of something on your screen. This is great when giving directions for operating a website and you're having a hard time coming up with the words to describe what to do. One quick screen shot will clear up any confusion.
 * explored a number of tools to enhance presentations:
 * downloaded OmniDazzle and found the various tools extremely effective for focusing the students’ attention to particular parts of the presentation
 * set shortcut keys for some of the tools
 * The “bullseye” and “flashlight” helped students follow my mouse around the screen image.
 * The “zoom”and “cut out” tools helped me be more specific of what I wanted to students to focus on.
 * The pixie dust was just fun : ) and I used it to add some “pizzazz”to my warm ups.
 * Using these tools fromOmniDazzle made my presentations more effective and increased student engagement. ||
 * LLRJ || * I have been using the countdown timer with my students when they are taking their 4-minute mulitiplication and division facts test
 * I have set Epose and Spaces up to more efficiently use my desktop. Spaces is a great help when multiple windows are open.
 * I have set up keyboard shortcuts for some of the OmniDazzle effects.
 * I added the Metronome Widget to my dashboard to have quick access to a metronome during power point presentatons in my orchestra.
 * I added the the Wikipedia widget to my dashboard to provide students with biographies of composers, musical terminologies, etc.
 * This week I set the timer on my tool bar for my third grade class. I used the timer in both language and math. In language arts my students were timed for 7 minute to help build writing stamina. They were able to gage their time on the screen. In math I used the timer to time test the students with their multiplication facts. I plan to use this timer quite often in my classroom. ||
 * Other Tips || (Seth Waltman) I have to put mine here because I do not have a team: