Lauralyn Sunseri

New Documents for Typepad

          

Thanks Anita Foster, TIS, for sharing this slideshow.

Click the link below for the new, updated Typepad document.
Download TypePad_Basic_ Features- New_Version

Updated Typepad

           Typepad is updating their site!
When you go to create a post on your blog you will see the new tool bar.
If you see this then you know that you have the new, updated version.  Check out the Typepad Directions to see how you can use the new features.  You can also view the Video to see how they all work.

Using Different Fonts

This is so cool!  What do you think? I think I could get used to this. I really like this font but it is tricky to do. My blog doesn’t allow me to select my font.  But I know what to do! First I need to write my text in a word document with the font of my choice. Then I Select File à Web Page Preview à View à Source.  The HTML code is visible. Copy the entire code and then paste the code in your post selecting edit HTML.  Save!

FYI   The font you choose should be a font that most people will have on their computers otherwise the font will default to a different font. This is written with the comic sans font.

Posts vs Pages

What are Pages?

Pages are a way to add content to your weblog without creating a post, like pages in a non-blog website. For example, you could create a Page to be an "about" page for the specific weblog, "about" pages for Guest Authors, a contact page, etc.

Pages will retain the layout and design that you've specified for the weblog, including sidebar content. Pages will not appear in your weblog's feed.

Creating a New Page

To create a new Page, go to the Weblogs tab and click on the "More Actions..." button next to your weblog. Select the "Begin a new page" option from the menu. Or you can click the "New Page" link from the Compose area.

Google Doc - Powerpoint slideshow

You can convert a powerpoint to a slide show by using Google Docs.  This is a great way to showcase student projects!  Google Docs is free and available when you set up an Google account.

Steps in creating and posting a powerpoint slideshow:

1. Open google docs and click on upload
2. Powerpoint will appear with options to Edit, Share and Publish
3. Click on Publish.  Select presentation size (410px) and then copy the HTML code.
4. Open a blog post and click on Edit HTML tab.
5. Paste in the code.  To view the presentation click on the Compose Post tab.

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 calendarGoogle Calendar

You can set up a Google calendar in your Google account and embed it in your blog.  This is a great way to keep your calendar of events updated.   

Steps to embed your calendar:

1. Create a Calendar in your Google Account.
2. Click on the drop down arrow beside your calendar and select Calendar Settings
3. Click on Share this Calendar and check the box next to Make this calendar public
4. Click on the Calendar Settings and scroll down to Embed this calendar.
5. Copy the HTML code that appears in the white window.
6. Open a blog post and select the Edit HTML tab
7. Paste in the code.  You will need to edit the code for width.  Simply change the "800" number to "460".  Once you view the post in your blog you will be able to determine if the calendar width needs adjusting.  The width number can always be adjusted in the "Edit HTML" of the post.

Picasa is approved

Set up a Google account and then you can create a free Picasa Web Albums account. Once a photo album has been created you can get the embedded code for the show.  This will be located to the left of the slideshow.  The embedded code will go in the under the HTML tab of the blog post. The album I created is from my trip this summer to Alaska.

Creating Categories

Did you know that you could assign multiple categories?  When you are selecting your category for your post you can select "assign multiple categories" in the drop down menu.  This a great when you have information that could fit in more than one category.  Another great element that is new to Typepad is setting a home category.  This makes your blog function more like a website.  Ask your TIS or School Blog Administrator to set this up for you under Preferences.  You'll want to ask them to set a Home category for you and then select Home in the Preferences section under Configure.

*Tip - When you are setting your home page, select multiple categories:  Home and other.  This is great at highlighting important information you want parents or students to see first.  You can always go back  under "List Post"  and edit the post, changing the categories to reflect only one category later.   I've done this with my blog for you to see how it looks.

Featuring a Post

Featuring a post allows you to keep an entry on top of  your blog.  You can only have one post  featured at a time and this featured post would remain on top of your blog even as new post are published. Click the link to learn how to feature a post.

Feature a post