Technology Updates

Greenwich Central School District
Greenwich, NY 12834

November 2005
Welcome...

We are pleased that Daryl "DJ" Jeffords has joined our technology team as a microcomputer specialist.

DJ comes to GCS from WSWHE-BOCES where he held the position of Microcomputer Specialist - serving as the lone support person for over 1200 users (not including students) and 800+ computers in 6 locations plus 17 satellite classrooms.

Away from computers he enjoys golf, tennis and volleyball (playing and coaching) and has been a professional musician for 30 years.

DJ lives in Queensbury with his wife Julie and 5 year old daughter Selena Rose.

Contact DJ at ext.2287.

Cool Windows keyboard shortcuts:

  • Change your font to "Wingdings", then try these key combinations for some neat graphics. Experiment to find other possibilities.

    Shift+J J
    Shift+L L
    Shift+1 !
    Shift+3 #
    - -
Our Technology Team

Bill Hillebrandt - Network Analyst - ext. 2234
DJ Jeffords- Microcomputer Specialist- Ext. 2287
Maureen Edsforth - Tech Integration Specialist - Ext. 2056

Report problems at: http://www.greenwichcsd.org/technology/help/Default.asp

Come explore MarcoPoloNY on our Superintendent's Conference Day, December 5. Times and locations are listed below. On MarcoPoloNY you'll find over 2500 lessons, each aligned with the NYS standards – for FREE! Worksheets,  lessons,  resources, and interactive applets are included. This rich, web-based resource can be accessed according to NYS Learning Standards, key ideas, performance indicators, grade levels and content areas.  Original lessons and resources have been created by MarcoPolo content partners:  National Endowment of the Humanities, the National Arts and Education Network, the International Reading Association, the NCTE, the NCTM, National Geographic Society, the National Council on Economic Education and the AAAS.

8:30-9:30 - HS Media Center

10:30-11:30 - MG Lab

Wendy Steindl provides  Academic Intervention Services  in mathematics for high school students. She also teaches an Introductory Course I class.  Here are Wendy's thoughts on BrainPOP.

BrainPOP® is a new way to help making learning fun for your students.   It is available as a direct link on the Technology for Teachers page found on our school’s Technology web page.  You are just a few clicks away from finding creative ways to reach the different types of learners that exist in your classroom.  BrainPOP® covers the core curriculum subjects in Science, English, Math, Social Studies, Technology and Health.  Its animated movies are applicable for elementary through high school.  It also has a specific standards tool that links each movie to state standards.  

With the use of the projector, I have been able to share BrainPOP® movies with my entire class.  I am able to introduce new subject material, help reinforce lessons previously taught and provide a visual representation of the topics being studied.  On my student workstations, I have also found it to be a helpful resource that individually engages students in my AIS classroom. 

BrainPOP® is an easy to use learning tool that allows us to deliver vital curriculum in a unique format.  I have found that it provides my students with rewarding and enriching learning experiences.  Take a look and see if could benefit you and your students.

Change your password!

OK, so you've been here at GCS for how long? And your network password probably has just as much seniority! Your password is the key to all your files, grades and email. If it's your license plate number, dog's name, the nickname of one of your kids, or one of your well-known hobbies, then it really is time for a change. Protect your account and change your password. Change it as often as you like. Here's how:

  1. When logged into a computer (as yourself), press the <ctrl><alt><delete> keys simultaneously.

  2. A "Windows Security" dialog box will come up. Simply click on the "Change Password..." button. You'll need to enter your old password (meaning your current one) and then enter a new password of your choice. You have to enter it twice for confirmation. A minimum of 5 characters is required!

  3. Once you click "OK" the computer will alert you that your password has successfully been changed.

  4. Click cancel to close out the "Windows Security" dialog box.

Oh....And please don't write your new password down on a post-it and put it under your keyboard.  =)

Lock Computer button

Another great little feature on the "Windows Security" dialog box is the "Lock Computer" button. If you are working on an email or document and you need to get up from your desk to attend to another matter, simply hit the <ctrl><alt><delete> keys and click "Lock Computer". It leaves everything open and simply locks the desktop so that only your password can get back in. Try it sometime!

After School Staff Opportunities

All sessions will be held in the MG lab from 2:40-3:20PM. Brief and on target!
If you plan to attend or have questions, please email Maureen.

November 29 - "Getting Organized: Managing Files so that you can find them again!" - Do you have difficulty finding documents in your network folder? Are there times when you say to yourself, "This is such a mess. I can't find anything!"? You are not alone. Topics to be covered:

  • Planning your folder organization

  • Creating new folders

  • Moving files to these new folders

  • Naming new documents and folders

  • Renaming documents and folders

December 7 - "Enhancing Curriculum with UnitedStreaming Videos" - explore the UnitedStreaming website for videos to enhance curriculum and increase student understanding. Each participant will leave with a list of videos appropriate to the curriculum. Grades: all levels

January 11 - "Create a Jeopardy-type Game with PowerPoint" – What a great review technique! Bring a list of questions/answers. Using a template each participant will begin the creation of one game saved to the network. The template is yours to re-design as you wish. Grades: all levels