Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Yeah! I remembred how to get to my blog!!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

My avatar from Voki



Get a Voki now!




Try creating your own avatar on www.voki.com

Sunday, March 9, 2008

I have never had a problem deleting an empty page on the bottom of a document until today. After my frustration, I went onto the blog to catch up on reading other blogs and I noticed Mary's entry. Thank you Mary for your tip, it really helped me out!
I am trying to make a math visual for my 4th grade L.D. students. They are just learning how to multiply with using the zero manipulatives for the Think Math series. When I was teaching them, I put a box around the digits to signify the zeros. Does anyone know an easy way to put a box around a single digit when writing out a multiplication problem? I just thought of the drawing tools, I'll give that a try!
Karen

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Good Readers Brochure

Hi,

I was able to create a good readers brochure and someone in the class suggested I change my left margins. If you read this, will you let me know. This is a work in progress.

If anyone wants a copy of this sent to them, I will gladly mail it through district mail. Send an email if possible. There was also a district one that I adapted along with info. from the SOAR to SUCCESS reading manual .

One thing I learned in the class was how easy it was to download templates for creating rubrics.

Denise Boucher

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Moving Objects More Precisely

Moving Objects with Ease

If you want to move graphics or text boxes, and they seem especially stubborn and want to “stick” in certain spots, try this tip. (This is in addition to wrapping your object. See brackets below for those steps if necessary.)

[Wrapping: First make sure your picture is selected—has small handles/squares around the perimeter. Then select Picture or Text Box from the Format menu. Under the Layout tab, select a Wrapping style—Square or Tight are good choices.]

Then for further tweaking, be sure your Drawing toolbar is showing (View, Toolbars, Drawing). Be sure you have your graphic selected, and then from the Draw pop-up menu, select Grid, and uncheck “Snap objects to grid.” (Click OK.)

When you return to your document, you should now be able to move objects with more precision. (When your picture is selected, you can use your arrow keys to move it little by little.)

Heres a tip

My hubby showed me this trick, when moving more than 1 item as a group, ie pics and textboxes, etc, you click on one item, then hold down the control key as you click on the remaining items you want to move. This helps to keep everything in the right spot and the right distance between items. I found this handy when working on my brochure. You may all know this already, but it was news for me. Margaret Hetzel

Monday, February 25, 2008

Microsoft Templates for Mac


If you are looking for templates for Mac, this site is great. (These are for Microsoft Word: Mac 2004.) The site includes Word, PowerPoint, and Excel templates. I was able to choose one and modify it for my poster project.

http://www.microsoft.com/mac/templates.mspx


Meow, my name is not Mac. It's Higgins, but I'm a Mac cat. See that big M on my forehead?

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Templates

I created a brochure using a template. I am having a hard time with changes I have made by mistake! My top margin has moved down about a half an inch and I can't make it go back up. Also, I can't get rid of directions on what to place in certain areas so they show up behind my typing. Any suggestions?

Tips for using the NEW VISTA SYSTEM

Using VISTA

I am using the new VISTA Microsoft Word program. It basically consists of picture icons in boxes rather than words listed on toolbars. Once you get familiar with it, the picture box icons make it easier to move through processes and functions (e.g., editing, formatting, etc.) while you create a document.

Select, Cut and Paste

I frequently use the select, cut and paste feature when creating a document. In the VISTA system, one picture box (under the HOME tab) depicts a scissors (cut), two pieces of paper (copy), and a clipboard (paste). I had trouble knowing where to find the select function to paint part of or all of my document. That is located across the screen inside the Editing box. Under this select function, you can “select all,” “select certain objects,” or “select text with similar formatting.” You have to go from one end of the icon tool bar to the other to complete the select, cut, and paste process.

Creating Mini-Icons for Easy Use

Another process that I use every time I write is spell check. This is not listed on the main home page icon boxes. It is listed under the Review tab. You can, however, shrink it down and list it on top of the toolbar. That makes it super easy to use. I have “print,” “open,” “spell check,” “undo,” and “redo” posted as mini-icons. You simply click on the large icon and drag it to the very top of the bar. There it will remain for fast and easy use.

Sending Documents using VISTA

If you are comfortable with Microsoft word, you will eventually like the VISTA system. The picture box icons are tabbed out and you can move quickly through functions. Unfortunately, other computer systems (mostly home computers) cannot easily read documents created on this system. To send a document I have created on VISTA, I have to send it to work. We have a program that will convert the document into something that can be read by older computer systems.

With some practice and patience, you will enjoy the VISTA program. I am sure it is the next best thing in operating systems.

Beth

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Office Version Switching

For those of you who need to jump between Word 2007 and any other version like I do between home and school, here is a website to help with compatibility issues.

On your computers without 2007, download the free, easy and safe compatibility pack so that any documents that you might send to your computer with the Office 2007 format, will be instantly converted and opened.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941B3470-3AE9-4AEE-8F43-C6BB74CD1466&displaylang=en

To avoid having the compatibility problem with computers that do not have Office 2007 on them, you may want to get into the habit of always doing a “save as” when you start your document and choose “office 97-2003”. You may lose some of the features that otherwise you would have if you stayed in the Office 2007 format, but they are negligible.


I hope this helps you as much as it did me!

Michelle Bula

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Check this out!!!

We didn't have time last night to see the "Track Changes" and "Comments" features of Microsoft Word. Please take a moment sometime and watch this training session from Microsoft.

http://office.microsoft.com/training/training.aspx?AssetID=RC011600131033

Copying labels/business cards

When I tried to show everyone how to copy your customized labels/business cards, I ran into problems selecting the inital cell. Here's the sure fire method to get an entire sheet of labels/cards (and yes, you can have pictures in the label/card):

1) Create the label/card in one of the cells in the table.
2) Once you have the label/card looking the way you want, click somewhere in the cell
3) Click on the Table drop down menu, then click on Select, then Cell (you might have to click on the double arrow to get Select to show up)
4) The cell containing your label/card should now be highlighted. Now click on the Edit drop down menu and click on Copy. This will copy the entire contents (including pictures) of the cell you selected.
5) Now click on Table drop down menu, then click on Select, then Table. Now the entire table should be selected. If you are using labels, their may be additional cells that Word uses as spacers. If this is the case, instead of selecting the entire table, your have to select individual columns. To do this, click on Table drop down menu, then click on Select, then Column. Now the first column should be selected.
6) Finally, click on the Edit drop down menu and click on Paste. The cell you copied should now be pasted into the cell you had selected. If you selected an individual column, you can click on a cell in the next column and repeat step 5 and 6. Keep doing this until your sheet is full of your label.

You can also selected the cells you want to paste into by clicking and dragging, although this method is not as sure fire as the step above.

I know it seems like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of selecting, copying and pasting, you'll find yourself using it over and over again (and not just for labels).

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Looking at the blog

I also learned that there are two ways to look at the blog.

Blog it!

I am so glad that I found my Blog today. I did not think I'd ever find it again!

Mail Merge

I figured out mail merge. YIPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEE

I also found the Blog again. WOW
I was able to work with similar figures with math, and by using draw tools I could create similar figures more easily, and by bringing a drawing in behind a similar drawing, i could make them more exact and similar.

Question: How can I label vertices right where they are, and not on a line of word processing, somehow by wrapping the text, or overlapping?

Fran

Great Resource!

I found a great resource to support the work in this class.
It is Microsoft Office 2003 Simplified. (And I mean simplified!!!)
Being a visual learner this book compliments this class
and allows me to want to continue to learn....it is "simplified" using a friendly character called Chip that introduces each task with a full color screen walking you through step by step.
No need to take notes in class anymore. Just highlight in the book and off you go!
:)Lynn

Labels

I learned how to add a picture to mailing labels. I also really found it helpful on how to format a picture to the size you need and also to add text on top or behind the picture. I do a lot with making greeting cards and I found it helpful.
I realized that if you email a document that you are working on to yourself, and then later make changes within the email, those changes are not saved. The original document is kept as your email. I think you have to make changes in Word, save, and then resend the up-dated version to yourself.

Template Help

Here are a few web sites for you to get help when working with templates:

http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/usingtemplatesandaddins/l/blwordtemp.htm

http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/usingtemplatesandaddins/l/blwordtemp2.htm

http://wordprocessing.about.com/od/usingtemplatesandaddins/l/blwordtemp2.htm

http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?terms=template%20video

Monday, February 18, 2008

Finally figured it out

After discovering the e-mail from Chris L in my junk mail folder I can now respond to the invitation. I think it is useful to have a Google Account Blog. Regular communication can be maintained with the class members.


Changing case

If you need to make a document all caps, title case, sentence case, or lower case you can. Highlight the text, go to Format, and then select the option you want.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Avery Label site






Avery creates templates to use with their labels. http://www.avery.com/us/Main?action=software.BlankTPLHierarchy&catalogcode=WEB01&node=0

This makes creating labels easier.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Replacing Text

I'm at two grade schools. I often use the same handouts at both and it can really take time changing things like the school name or a due date by going through the other school's document and changing each item.

So I have found that if you go to the menu to EDIT and pull down to FIND, you can go to the tab REPLACE and then go to FIND WHAT and type the word(s) you want to replace and then type in the words you want to use in REPLACE WITH and PRESTO CHANGO - they're changed!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Text Box Saves the Day

Hopefully this will be helpful to anyone who has tried to insert a picture/clip art into a document with a lot of other "stuff" on it. I created a document with a border, table and some basic shapes on it. I wanted to add some clip art pictures but when doing so, the pictures were too big and moved all of my other things onto a new page. I then decided to try to add a text box to my document, make it the size I wanted and to then insert the clip art picture. It worked perfectly! My document stayed the way I wanted it to, and I was able to move things around much easier.
Until next week...
Cindy M.

Yikes! Disappearing Text

Overtyping: Here’s a tip to keep you out of the asylum. If while revising a document, your new typing seems to vacuum up the text that follows, you are “overtyping.” There is a good chance you accidentally hit the Insert key (located just to the right of the Backspace key). If at the bottom of the screen on the status bar, you see OVR darkened, you are in the overtype mode. To turn this off, just hit (on purpose this time) the Insert key or double-click OVR on the status bar.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Moving a Draw Object Forward or Backward

Please see the following Microsoft web page for directions and explanations for moving Draw Objects forward, to the front, backward or to the back.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HP051924481033.aspx

Hope this helps.

Chris

Blog Information

I just spoke to Mark Anderson who is in charge of network issues in the IT department for WAWM. He told me that IMC directors had the network rights to see blogs but the teachers did not. He has now given teachers those rights so that WAWM teachers should be able to see our blog at school.

Chris

Deleting an empty page

I've encountered a problem once in a while when finishing and getting ready to print a word document: I have gotten an extra blank page at the end of the document. Usually I can delete the extra page by using the "delete" or "backspace" keys, but sometimes that doesn't work! After we talked about the different "view" layouts, I tried changing from "print layout" to "normal" and was able to delete the extra page!

Simple Instructions/Demos for Mailing Labels

Hi Everyone! I'm including a web address from Microsoft that will go through setting up your mailing labels and merging them with your Excel data sheet of names and addresses. This site also tells you how to add your picture or clip art and how to format the label so that you can position the picture and address information exactly where you want it. Be sure to check this out. It will answer many of the questions that came up in class last night.

Here's the address:

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/word/HA011269731033.aspx#connect

Chris

Getting Into The Blog

I finally was able to access the Blog. I feel like I have finally arrived in the 21st century! I can't wait to get to school to run my mail merge letters for distribution today. Learning the mail merge option is going to be incredibly useful!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Blog Info, etc.

I'm so glad to see that so many of you have made it to the blog and have posted!!! Hopefully, everyone will be able to do that by next week!!

Most of you probably know it already, but this blog is again visible on campus at WAWM. It was only blocked last Tuesday evening and Wednesday and then Thursday we were able to reach it while at school. Not sure exactly what was going on there, but it works now!

Thanks to those of you who have posted hints and tips about various features of Word. How great is that!!!!! You are actually a step ahead of us because for next week we'd like everyone to pick out something that you've learned and share it with us on the blog.

Tonight we plan on doing mail merging and we want to discuss and try the "comments" feature (in addition to the other items listed in the syllabus). If you'd like to go ahead and look into those and even try them, go ahead. If you don't get to that, don't worry, we're going to spend time with them tonight.

Hope the snow stops by class time....stay warm!

Chris

Monday, February 11, 2008

Format Paintbrush

Greetings! One trick I love is using the format paintbrush. Let's say you have a paragraph (or simply a word) that is bulleted, indented, or formated in a special way--maybe you've played with bullets, fonts, etc. Now you want other paragraphs (or words) to look the same way.

First select the paragraph (or word or sentence) with the desired formatting. Then from the toolbar (you may have to use the little blue arrow at the far right to pull down more options), select the short, fat paintbrush icon. If you click it once, it will format just the next selection. (Then it turns itself off.) If you click it twice, you can make it "stick," and you can select several areas of new text, one after the other. When finished, click it again to "unstick" it. Have fun.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Sunday, BRRRRRR!!

Well, it sure is cold here in Menomonee Falls, I made it to church, but my van was not very happy about it. It is a good day to snuggle by the fire and work on computer homework. Margaret Hetzel

Sunday Morning

I have managed to post this message....I may need a tutoring session on Tues. evening.
Virginia Wolters

Saturday, February 9, 2008

printable borders

I made the parent letter for this week's assignment. When I printed it out, the bottom border did not print completely. I tried changing margins but that did not work. Finally a friend helped me solve it. We went to Format> borders and shading > page borders>options>measure from>text (instead of page). You can then go back to the document and pull up or down on the margin settings. This will move the border. I then went to File>Print preview and could see that my bottom border would appear when I hit Print. There may be an easier way to do it but this finally worked so that I could finish the assignment!

Thursday, February 7, 2008

It was great learning about the extra features of Microsoft Word.
I've had off from St. Anthony's all week- Monday and Tuesday=Winter Break, Wednesday=Snow Storm, and today they cancelled because 10 teachers are stuck in Florida. Hopefully we can finally return to school tomorrow.
What any easy week!!!
Devon

Amazing Snowfall!

I live in Germantown and we must have about 18 inches of snow. The birds were at the feeder early in the morning and my mother tells me that is a sure sign of bad weather to come. Their insticts were cetainly on the mark yesterday!

Deb
The snowy day was nice; My drive home took me an hour, but wasn't bad; there weren't many other cars on the road. I liked the extra things I learned about microsoft, now if I can read the notes made, and find my way back to the good things.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Congratulations!

I, too, made it to the blog!

Snow Dayl

Yahoo! Hope you're all enjoying the day. Mary

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Whew!

I made it to the blog. Yippee!!

Welcome to the Blog

Welcome to the Advanced Word Spring 2008 Blog. We hope that you will check this often and submit your thoughts, questions, advice and examples to this shared blog for our class.

Chris

Monday, February 4, 2008

Cardinal Stritch University
1 Graduate Credits
CEOT 510 SRA 520 Advanced Word for the Classroom
Spring 2008


Instructor: Christine Longe and Debra Tryggestad
Email: longc@wawm.k12.wi.us trygd@wawm.k12

Phone: 414-604-3330 or 414/604-3430
Availability: Office hours available upon request
Dates & Times: TBD
Location: West Allis West Milwaukee Schools


Introduction
In this course we will be using a hands-on approach to learn how technology tools can be used by educators for personal productivity and educational purposes. Participants will increase their own productivity and improve classroom materials. The instructor will model educational uses of Microsoft Word.

Course Description
Teachers today need to be able to use technology in their classrooms to create curricula that address Wisconsin Academic Standards, provide authentic learning experiences and improve communication with parents and community members. Participants in this course will advance their personal use and further identify materials to integrate into their instructional units and programs.

Conceptual Framework of the College of Education
The College of Education is devoted to bridging knowledge, practice and service.

Program Standards
The Wisconsin Teacher Standards
Program Outcomes are tied to the Wisconsin Standards for Teacher Development and Licensure:
1. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including the use of technology, to encourage children's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.
2. The teacher uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
Measurable Course Objectives
Each of the following Course Objectives is linked to one of the Program Standards listed above and is followed by Assessments and Criteria.

Course Objectives:
1. Participants will explore and use technology to enhance student learning
2. Participants will integrate a variety of technological tools into their curriculum and instruction
3. Participants will adapt templates that can be used as a tool for learning


Methods of Assessments
Attendance is required.

Participation in class activities (Observed by instructor.) (Obj 1-3) 10%
Create three applications for classroom use: Poster, Certificate, & Brochure (Obj 1-2) 30%
Adapt three premade templates to be used in your classroom. (Obj 2-3) 60%

Grading Guideline:

100-93=A 92-91=A- 90-88=B+ 87-85=B 84-82=B-
81-78=C+ 77-75=C 74-70=C- 69-67=D+ 66-64=D
63-60= D- Lower than 60=F

Text
Due to the dynamic nature of this course, a textbook will not be used.

Suggested Support Materials:
• Microsoft Design Gallery Live http://dgl.microsoft.com/
• Teaching and Learning with Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/education/k12/

General Course Expectations• Because of the collaborative nature of this program, it is crucial that students attend all classes. If an absence is deemed necessary, it will be handled on an individual basis. See attendance policy below.
• Active class and study team participation is expected.
• It is expected that all work will be turned in or presented on the assigned dates. Any deviation from the assigned dates must be cleared with the instructor.

Policy on Attendance
Due to the collaborative nature of this course, attendance to study group sessions is extremely important. Participants will lose points based on the number of classes they have missed. Participants are responsible for making up any missed work.

Policy on Late or Missing Assignments
All original course assignments and additional assignments described above should be completed within the course time limits. Work that is submitted after the course has been completed is subject to the provision of the policies and procedures relating to incompletes.

University Policies:
Statement of Academic Integrity:
Inherent in the mission of Cardinal Stritch University is the strong belief in the principle of academic integrity. Student’s actions reflect their moral character and, by extension, the University’s reputation. Therefore, all students are expected to recognize and to abide by the policy on academic integrity found in the student handbook.

Statement of compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:
Cardinal Stritch University and this instructor wish to positively affirm the intent of Federal Law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974. Any person enrolling in the course who may require alternative instruction and/or evaluation procedures due to a handicapping condition should feel free to discuss these needs with the instructor so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Class Activities and Content

Note: Due to the nature of this content, the instructor will adjust course content and activities to insure continuity and coherency.

(Suggested that students purchase a “Flash Drive” for use in this course.)

Class Activities and Content:
Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Introduction to Course
Syllabus
Explanation of Portfolio Requirements
Introduce “Blogger.com” that will be used to ask questions, share information and give feedback
Review of Formatting Features and Word Toolbars
Review of Word Art, and Inserting of Clip Art and Digital Images
Review of Adding Tables
Review of Mail Merge
Review of Draw Tools

Student Assignment: (To be included in Final Portfolio)
*Instructor will show examples of the following:
Create a Handout for student use (See rubric)
Create a Letter to be sent home to parent (See rubric)


Tuesday, February 12, 2008


Student Assignment: (To be included in Final Portfolio)
Create your own Business Cards
Create a Rubric to go with a classroom assignment (See rubric)
Create a Poster, Certificate and Brochure using the Word Draw Tools (See rubrics)


Tuesday, February 19, 2008


Presentation and Discussion of Templates
How to create a new template
Using templates from MicroSoft and other users.
Student Assessment:
Explore premade templates and choose 5 that you will use and then customize, save and print out to be used in your classroom.





Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Student Assessment:
Should include:
Printed copy of each document
Each document should be saved

Compile Final Portfolio:
Save all documents and burn to CD
Print out all documents and place in folder/portfolio.

Individual Presentations of Portfolio to Class
Peer Review of Portfolios

Course evaluation

Classroom Rubric

Poster
Criteria Exemplary
4 points Proficient
3 points Partially Proficient
2 points Emerging
1 point Missing
0 points Total
Poster is readable at five feet.
Title uses a readable font.
Graphics is appropriate.
Important items are labeled clearly.
Use good design, layout and neatness
/20

20 = A 19 = A- 18 = B+ 17 = B- 16 = C+
15 = C 14 = C- 13 = D 12 = D- Below 12 = F

Student Handout/Parent Letter/Certificate
Criteria Exemplary
4 points Proficient
3 points Partially Proficient
2 points Emerging
1 point Missing
0 points Total
All items identified in class are included.
No grammatical errors.
No spelling errors.
Use of good design, layout and neatness.
Appropriate to grade level or use
/20

20 = A 19 = A- 18 = B+ 17 = B- 16 = C+
15 = C 14 = C- 13 = D 12 = D- Below 12 = F



Brochure
Criteria Exemplary
4 points Proficient
3 points Partially Proficient
2 points Emerging
1 point Missing
0 points Total
Brochure has defined sections.
No grammatical or spelling errors.
Proofreader has signed off on draft.
Graphics & text are appropriate to topic.
Fonts and & color choices are well-chosen.
/20

20 = A 19 = A- 18 = B+ 17 = B- 16 = C+
15 = C 14 = C- 13 = D 12 = D- Below 12 = F

Adapted Template for Classroom Use.
Each adaptation is worth 20%
Criteria Exemplary
4 points Proficient
3 points Partially Proficient
2 points Emerging
1 point Missing
0 points Total
Cover sheet identifies template and the how it will be used..
No grammatical or spelling errors.
Proofreader has signed off on draft.
Graphics & text are appropriate to topic.
Fonts and & color choices are well-chosen.
/20

20 = A 19 = A- 18 = B+ 17 = B- 16 = C+
15 = C 14 = C- 13 = D 12 = D- Below 12 = F

General Grading Criteria For Technology Application Assignments

Exemplary = The assignment demonstrates a complete and thorough understanding of the material covered. Ideas are fully and coherently developed. There are very few (if any) mechanical problems and only minor ones present in the assignment. The assignment exhibits originality in conception and execution and is not merely the fulfillment of a directed mechanical task.
Proficient = The assignment has a clearly recognizable purpose. Ideas are substantially developed. The assignment covers its topic adequately but perhaps not fully. Ideas may not be fully integrated into the overriding purpose of the assignment, or there may be occasional problems with coherence. The assignment may leave out an important aspect or fail to follow through on the implications of its own ideas even though the rest of the effort itself is excellent. The assignment has few mechanical and stylistic problems. The assignment approaches the subject material in an appropriate but perhaps conventional or predictable way.
Partially Proficient = The assignment accomplishes the assigned task adequately. It may do so, however, in an awkward, unoriginal, superficial, or simplistic way. The ideas and approach may be conventional, unimaginative, superficial, or perfunctory. The assignment may lack a discernible, controlling purpose or focus, or its focus may change as it goes along. The assignment may be presented without an awareness of the needs of its audience. The assignment’s important ideas may be buried under details or facts of lesser importance or consequence. Important themes or ideas may not be sufficiently announced and differentiated from subordinate material. Connections between ideas may be unclear. The assignment may simply be underdeveloped, leaving the grader with questions and a desire for more explanation or elaboration. The assignment’s style may include awkwardness or inaccurate use of language, and it may contain numerous grammatical and mechanical errors.
Emerging = An assignment is poor if it has not fulfilled the minimum of the developing criteria.
Missing assignments = 0 points

Adapted from College Of Business grading criteria for written assignments.