Getting to Know Discovery Education

Many of you have been taking time to familiarize yourselves with Discovery Education. If you are having trouble getting started check out some of the video tutorials provided by Discovery Education that walk you through the process of managing your classes and students. These tutorials are located inside of the Teacher Tools section under steps 1 & 3. Click on the Overview Tutorials link to see what they have to offer.

Another helpful resource provided by Discovery Education is the Help Guides page which gives step by step visuals of assignment creation and management. This page is different from the Help & Guides section that provides some helpful quick start videos and more basic navigation tools of Discovery Education.

You can also follow Discovery Education on Twitter @DiscoveryEd or follow their customer support team @DESupportStars for a more instant stream of information from Discovery Education.

As always, if you can't find the answer you are looking for through the website, I am always available to help you work through any problems you may be having.  Any feedback you have is welcomed. 

JB Tech Info - Zite + Keyboard Shortcuts + Tech Updates

Around the Net:


Zite is an app for your tablet or phone.  This works on Android and iOS devices (iPad/iPhone/iPod).  It will take a topic such as e-learning or technology or gardening and builds a custom magazine for you to read.  It takes news articles from all over the internet on each topic and puts them in your hands.  If the article isn't something you like or not related you can vote it down or up if it's something you like.  This is a great way to get information from sources you would never otherwise find.

Search for Zite in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store

Tip:

Can't find where to print?
Use this shortcut: Ctrl + P or Command + P on Mac

Have a bunch of windows open and want to get back to the desktop quickly?
Use this shortcut: Windows Key + D

Can't read the text?
Use this shortcut: Ctrl+(+ or - keys) or Command+(+ or - keys) on Mac

Tech Update:

Soon to begin pushing out the latest Java Update and later Adobe Flash.  For some you may have ran into the issue where Firefox disabled Java due to it being behind a version.  Most will noticed it, because the Gradebook in Infinite Campus' uses a Java plugin.  This update should automatically install itself on Windows computers.

Important:
This update will cause the computer to take a long time to login/startup, this is because it is installing software.  Please do not shut the computer off and be patient!

JB Tech Info - Newspaper Mapper + Tips + Tech Updates

Around the Net:

 Newspaper Mapper - This website geolocates newspapers from around the globe in different languages.  It utilizes Google Maps and Google Translate.  This means if you click on a newspaper written in the local language, it will do it's best to translate the newspaper for you.
http://newspapermap.com/

Tip:

If a page will not load at all (blank page), you've been there before, and you've double checked the spelling.   I use this website called http://www.downforeveryoneorjustme.com/ .  Just paste the web address in there and it will answer your question.  However, it doesn't give you the answer you always want.

Tech Updates:

Created a new Ubermix image for the Linux netbooks.  This updates them to the latest version of Ubuntu and updates the web browsers, plugins, and other software.  We will probably be rolling it out over Thanksgiving Break.  Go to the website below if you would like additional information on Ubermix.  http://ubermix.org/index.html

JB Tech Info - PopcornMaker video editor + Tips + Tech Updates

Around the Net:

Mozilla Popcorn Maker - Online video editor that incorporates a whole lot more.  Take a video and add in elements from Twitter, Wikipedia, and other sources.  Visit the website to see what is possible and get some ideas.
https://popcorn.webmaker.org/

Tip:

Using your mouse button wheel to click on links opens them in a new tab.  Give it a try!

Tech Updates:

Changed the policies regarding incorrect network/RebelNet logins.  5 tries will lock the account out for 10 minutes, then reset automatically.