Tool Tips and Tricks

1.  Using main teacher features of your projector remote:
a.  A/V Mute button- This will allow you to put your remote to "sleep" without turning it completely off.  This will save time as you go to use it again.
b.  Freeze button- This function allows you to freeze what is on the screen, so that you can go to other sites or prepare other features on your computer before sharing with the students.
c.  Zoom In/Out.  Use this feature to zoom in/out of your screen.  This is
especially helpful to make certain parts of your presentation enlarged
during discussion.  Remember to zoom out when done.  Note- Mimio Users- this will alter your calibration.
*Not all remotes are the same as the one pictured here, but all remotes will have these buttons!
2.  Did you know that your teacher-issued Lenovo device has a built in stylus?  Depending on the Lenovo version you have, the stylus can be found on the side of your computer in a "secret" compartment.  Look Carefully! Elementary will be like the picture below.  Middle school, yours can be found on the right.

3.  Skype for Business-  All users have a Skype for Business account through their Office 365 account.  The Microsoft Educator Community is the perfect place to search for Virtual Field Trips and Guest Speakers for your class.   Use your Office 365 credentials to access these wonderful opportunities. Reminder:  Your username is most likely your E#@psd.pennridge.org  (Example:  E09213@psd.pennridge.org).  Your password is the password you use to log-in to your computer each day.   Already this year, teachers have Skyped with Yellowstone National Park, an author, a museum, and take a look at the Pennridge Skype site to see where we went last year!   Please remember, the Pennridge Skype site includes Skype troubleshooting issues, and a list of well-recommended presenters!  Please email Erin Reichert (ereichert@pennridge.org) for help setting up a Skype presenter, or for any Skype questions!


All topics of the blog can be searched through the Search Bar.  Also, no need to save the emails you receive announcing the Thursday Three.  They will all be archived on the site and can be found on the eLibrary under the Educator tab.

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Nearpod in the Elementary Classroom- All Subjects All Grades

1.  NEARPOD-  Nearpod lessons can be shortened by editing the presentation before using it with your class.  You'll notice that in many of the lesson plans (written by fellow Pennridge teachers), there are suggested slides to delete.  This will help to ensure your Nearpod lessons are 1-2 periods in length.  Of course, you should also use your professional judgement when editing/deleting slides, as you know your kids best.  

2.  Although you can create your own Nearpod Presentations, there are TONS of free Nearpod lessons in all subject areas already posted.  In the district library, you'll find a list of suggested lessons (composed by Pennridge teachers) to help get you started, but you can search any subject at any time.  I recommend setting your filter so that only free lessons will show!  New this year- There are SEL Nearpods that you can use with our SEL curriculum.  They are meant to be used as an introduction to the TAKES PRIDE Word of the Month, and can be found on the District Library, as well.  (Simply Log in to Nearpod, click on Explore, and Select District Library to find the lessons for your grade level).
3.  Although Nearpod can be used on both the iPads and the laptops/desktop computers, I would recommend sticking to iPads for K-2 (maybe beginning of 3rd) and laptops/desktops with grades 3-5, if possible.  The reason behind this is that students are often asked to draw their responses in the primary grades, and it's much easier to use the drawings tools on the iPads.

Already comfortable with Nearpod?  Have you seen the new Collaborate Feature (Similar to Padlet in Nearpod)?  And of course, the not-so-new Draw-It Feature.  How about how they've made it easier to use PDF's in your presentation and to upload files from your Google Drive?  Check out the Nearpod Blog here and read about some of the new features!

Finally,  I would love to teach your first few Nearpod lessons for you. You could use that time to conduct F + P's, assess in other ways, or co-teach with me, so that you also feel more comfortable with the features of Nearpod!

*If you are new to the district and are in need of a Nearpod account, please contact me at ereichert@pennridge.org at any time!