Lauralyn Sunseri

Office:                                 Baker Elementary School
                                         2361 Baker Road, Suite 25
                                           Acworth, GA  30101

Phone:                               770.975.6629 ext. 249

Email Address:       lauralyn.sunseri@cobbk12.org

Schools Served:    Addison Elementary School, Baker Elementary, Bells Ferry Elementary, Chalker Elementary, Big Shanty Elementary School and Palmer Middle School

Welcome to my blog.  I am a Cobb County Technology Integration Specialist.  My job is to help teachers integrate technology into the curriculum by providing technology training on equipment and software.   I also help teachers design technology enriched lessons and can assist in the classroom when needed.    I currently serve six schools in areas 4 and 5.  I am a certified p4-8 teacher and have taught 1st-5th grade regular education, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade EIP and 4th and 5th grade Interrelated Resource. 

Office:                                 Baker Elementary School
                                         2361 Baker Road, Suite 25
                                           Acworth, GA  30101

Phone:                               770.975.6629 ext. 249

Email Address:       lauralyn.sunseri@cobbk12.org

Schools Served:    Addison Elementary School, Baker Elementary, Bells Ferry Elementary, Chalker Elementary, Big Shanty Elementary School and Palmer Middle School

Welcome to my blog.  I am a Cobb County Technology Integration Specialist.  My job is to help teachers integrate technology into the curriculum by providing technology training on equipment and software.   I also help teachers design technology enriched lessons and can assist in the classroom when needed.    I currently serve six schools in areas 4 and 5.  I am a certified p4-8 teacher and have taught 1st-5th grade regular education, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade EIP and 4th and 5th grade Interrelated Resource. 

Student Projects using Photo Story 3

Photo Story 3 is a wonderful alternative to Movie Maker.  This free download from Microsoft easily allows students to create engaging photo projects.   Check out the sites provide below for some creative uses in the classroom!

TechLearning
TechLearning2
TeacherNet

Converting Video Files

Have you ever found a great EDUCATIONAL video on You Tube but couldn't show it at school?   Just click on the link provided to download directions.

Download convert_a_video.pdf

ACTIVtips

Please click on the links below to download ACTIVtips.

Download spell_checker.pdf
Download drag_a_copy.pdf
Download inserting_links.pdf
Download reveal_screen.pdf
Download Tickertape.pdf
Download toolbox_cheat_sheet.pdf
Download convert_a_video.pdf
Download shared_activites_resource_library.pdf
Download export_as_word_pdf.pdf
Download Containers.pdf
Download camera_tool.pdf

Inserting Fonts

Inserting fun fonts into your powerpoints, word documents and projects are always fun.  So where do you get these fonts and how do you get them into your computer?  I've provided some links to my favorite font sites.  Explore them and once you find the font you want follow the steps provided to put them on your computer. 

Not all Font sites are created alike.  Some sites provide a download into your computer.  While others direct you to download a zipped folder.  Follow the directions that apply.

Download
Click-->Save-->My Computer-->Local Disk (C)-->Windows-->Fonts-->Save

DeNelian 

Zipped Folder
Click-->Save--> Desktop
Go to your desktop-->Right click on zipped folder-->Select "Extract all" and a new folder will open displaying the font
Go to My Computer-->Local Disk (C)-->Windows-->Fonts     Now copy or drag the new font into the Font folder you just opened.

Favorite Font sites
Scrapvillage
Teacher sites
Simply the Best Fonts

DeNelian  download

You won't see your new fonts until you reboot your computer.

ACTIVstudio 3

Do you want to be a successful user of ACTIVstudio? 

Explore online resources

1. Go to Atomic Learning to view all the tutorials on ACTIVstudio 3.
2. Create an account in Promethean Planet
   1. Directions
   2. Explore the resource packs and flipcharts that are available for download

Explore ACTIVstudio software

1. Spend time exploring the resource library available within the software
2. Experiment with the tools

Visit Sherri Booker's Blog for additional information about using ACTIVstudio.

Inserting Images

Inserting images in typepad is a little different then inserting pictures into word documents.   There are two choices when inserting an image.

1. Using the Default setting, which will place your image on the left side of the post.  To do this Select "Insert Image" a window will open. Browse fo find your image and then select insert image.
2. Using the Custom Setting will allow  you to change the placement of y0ur images.  When you select "Use Custom Setting" a drop down menu will appear.  The first choice "Wrap Text" is checked.  If you want your image to appear where you have your curser or you are uploading many images and want them side by side, un-check "Wrap Text".
3. You can also check the box next to the placement of your image.  The choices are "Image on the left" or "Image on the right"

You can change the size of  the image too.  "Create Thumbnail" allows you to change the pixels of your image.  "Popup Window" can be left alone.
Tip: Both "Create Thumbnail" and "Popup Window" will need to be un-checked if your image is animated.

Once you have made your selections, scroll to the bottom of the window and select "Insert Image"

One other way to move an image is to use the "Begin Quote" feature on the toolbar.  To move the image click on the quote feature.  This will act like a tab button and move your image.   

Don't get discouraged if your image doesn't do what you want the first time.  Simply delete and insert again. 

Practice makes perfect

Google Calendar

To use Google Calendar, you need to have a Google account.  This is free and a wonderful tool for teachers and a great way to add a calendar to your blogs.  Set up a Google Calendar.  As you update your calendar everything will automatically appear updated on the blog Google calendar.  Once you have your calendar created follow the directions for embedding into your blog.  I provided the link for directions for you below.

Google Calendar Directions

Step by Step Directions for PowerPoint

Click on the link provide for directions on using PowerPoint.  Also included in the directions are tips on inserting audio and video files.
Download starting_powerpoint.doc

*Don't forget that PowerPoint allows you to save  each slide as a JPEG.  This is great for moviemaker projects with your students.  Directions on how to do this are included too!

Online Resources

There are wonderful resources online.  Go to my del.icio.us bookmarking site to view some of the best!

http://del.icio.us/lsunseri/Online_Resources

del.icio.us

Setting up a Del.icio.us account has many benefits to you as a teacher.  To get started simply go to http://del.icio.us/ and register.  Once you have registered you need to install the buttons onto your toolbar.  The site has excellent directions to guide you through the steps.  Once you are registered a confirmation email will be sent to you.  The icon for del.icio.us and an icon for a tag will appear in the upper right corner of your toolbar.  If these icons disappear simply right click on the grey area of the toolbar and check del.icio.us.  If you do not see this listed go to http://del.icio.us , login and reinstall the buttons by clicking on Help and selecting Bookmarking for Internet Explorer.

To save a sight simply click on the tag icon and fill in the information requested in the wizard.  The tag creates categories for you and your students to make it easy to find the website you want quickly.  This will save you time.  Simply bookmark your del.icio.us URL on the student desktop computers in your classroom and the students can get to your saved bookmarks at any time.  GREAT way organize educational sites for center time.

Download del.icio.us for pc.doc
Download del.icio.us tips for pc.doc
Download del.icio.us for Mac.doc
Download del.icio.us Tips for Mac.doc

Saving a video in United Streaming

There are many ways you can save your videos for future viewing. 

1. Save the video within the United Streaming site.  To do this, check the box to the right of the video you wish to save then click on add.  This will add your video to "my content".  Once you click on add you have an option to leave the video in a list under "my content" or create a new folder to catagorize your video selections.  This is a great way to find resources for later use without having to download everything at once.
2. Save a video to your hard drive.  I like to download my video selections to my hard drive of my computer.  This way I know it is going to work for my students.  To do this you need to click on the download icon left of the video.  This looks like a floppy disk.  Once you click on download you will be directed to save and choose a location.  I find it easy to save to my desktop and then inside a United Streaming video folder that I created.  (To create a folder on your desktop right click-->New-->Folder)

Picasa is approved

Set up a Google account and then you can create a free Picasa Web Albums account. There are not many bells and whistles but it is safe and easy to insert into your blogs. The album I created is from my trip this summer to Alaska.

Inserting a Photo Album

Did you know that you can create photo albums in PowerPoint? 

Download practicephoto_album.ppt
                        Well you can and it's easy.                                                   Just open up PowerPoint and Select Insert - Pictures - New Photo Album.  Click on New Photo Album.  A new window will open up.  The top section of this window is for inserting pictures and labled Insert Pictures From. Once you have selected all the pictures you want included in this photo album go to the bottom section that labled Album Layout.  This is where you chose how you want the pictures displayed and the frame shape of each picture.  When done, click Create and the pictures will appear in the PowerPoint. 
Now have fun creating background colors for each slide and selecting your transitions for each page.  Hint:  When setting your page transitions, select Advance Slide -Automatically after (set you time). 

Great Elementary Resources!

There are two wonderful websites that are great technology resources for Language Arts and Math.  Just visit these sites and start exploring!

Podcasting using a PC

Have you thought about creating an educational podcast for your classroom.  This can be done by using your classroom computer!   Read this great article about creating a Podcast in this Education World, Technology Integration Article.

OH-and Audacity is an approved download so just put in a work order and start podcasting!

United Streaming

United Streaming has some wonderful resources for the classroom.  You can incorporate video into the classroom curriculum that meet the Georgia Performance Standards.

Go to www.unitedstreaming.com and enrich your classroom lessons.

Some wonderful examples of how to use United Streaming in the classroom can be found at:
Beyond Multiple Choice - using United Streaming
50 ways to Integrate with United Streaming

You can also insert United Streaming Video into powerpoint presentations.  *Tip - Use the template for Text and Other Content slide.  Chose one that allows you to insert media clips.  This can also work wonderfully with Beyond Question or eInstruction's CPS.

United Streaming-Student Center

Within GPB's Discovery Education/United Streaming a teacher can build assignments that incorporate video segments.  These assignments are then accessible to the students with a Discovery Education/United Streaming portal called Student Center.

How is this accomplished?

With the teacher's resource center of United Streaming, the teacher utilized Assignment Builder.  This is a basic three step process: 

1. Give instructions

2. Link video clips

3. A code is given to link their students to the specific assignment

How do students gain access to the Student Center?

1. The teacher provides a link to the Student Center website - http://www.unitedstreaming.com/studentCenter/  The students insert the code into the :Assignment Code" input box and input their student

   name - example T2BFF-851B OR
2. The student will go directly to the Student Center home page with the Assignment Code pre-populated.

Example:  http://www.unitedstreaming.com/studentCenter/index.cfm?cdCode=T2BFF-851B

By submitting the assignment, the teacher is notified via email that the student has completed the task.

Information provided by Amy Provano, TIS

Copyright Laws

Teachers love to "borrow" ideas and resources, but it is important to understand copyright laws.  I have attached some online resources that may help you.

Copyright Chart for Educators
Educational CyberPlaygound
Copyright & Fair Use in the Classroom
U.S. Copyright Office

PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations are great ways to present information to your class.  There are some great resources online that have wonderful powerpoints already created for your use or simply use them as resources to create your own powerpoint presentations.
PowerPoint Collection

PowerPoint presentations can be interactive and fun.  There are some creative ways to create games using PowerPoint.  Click on the link provided to see some games already created.
PowerPoint Games

More PowerPoint Resources

PowerPoint presentations are great ways to present information to your class.  There are some great resources online that have wonderful powerpoints already created for your use or simply use them as resources to create your own powerpoint presentations.
PowerPoint Collection

PowerPoint presentations can be interactive and fun.  There are some creative ways to create games using PowerPoint.  Click on the link provided to see some games already created.
PowerPoint Games

More PowerPoint Resources

PowerPoint Directions

PowerPoint Directions

PowerPoint has become a quick and easy way to make classroom presentations and student reports and this is great but did you know that power point can be more that a linear presentation of information.  It can be created in a way that is both interactive and multidimensional.  If you look at the post on United Streaming I give tips on using power point to create a video streaming presentation.  You can even take it a step further and integrate Beyond Question to create a truly engaging learning experience for your students.  I have provided a link for online directions on how to use some of the other functions of powerpoint.
Enjoy!

Power Point Beyond the Basics
Power Point Tips
Power Point in the Classroom

PowerPoint has become a quick and easy way to make classroom presentations and student reports and this is great but did you know that power point can be more that a linear presentation of information.  It can be created in a way that is both interactive and multidimensional.  If you look at the post on United Streaming I give tips on using power point to create a video streaming presentation.  You can even take it a step further and integrate Beyond Question to create a truly engaging learning experience for your students.  I have provided a link for online directions on how to use some of the other functions of powerpoint.
Enjoy!

Power Point Beyond the Basics
Power Point Tips
Power Point in the Classroom