Promethean: Creating Labels

To create pictures that reveal labels, there are just a few simple steps.

First, make sure you have your browser window open (view-->browsers)

1. Choose the picture. For this flipchart I chose acorns.
2. Click on the picture and then click Property Browsers

3. In the browser, the label options will appear.

The "caption" is what you want the label to say.
Then you can choose the font, size, color, and background color of the label.

4. Then choose behaviour-->tooltip. Now, when the flipchart is open and you move the pen or arrow over that picture, the label will appear.

In this flipchart I used labels as answers to questions. You could use this in a variety of ways and allow students to come up and interact with the board. What ways do you think you could use this in your classroom flipcharts?

SMART: Free Resources for Learning

As you know I'm still learning how to use a SMART board and still getting familiar with the software. Luckily, SMART Tech has some free online resources to help me get on my way. I found this site off of the SMART Exchange:

http://www.smarttech.com/us/Resources/Training/Training+Search+Pre-filter

Here you can complete the Free Needs Assessment

When you do, the information you give will help the webpage powers that be know where you need to start in your learning process. Then it will offer up guides and free tutorials that will take you through some good information. I've gone through almost all of it and I feel more comfortable with the program now. The training leaves quite a bit to be desired, but the courses that seem to have the best info. all cost $. It's definitely worth taking the time to look at the free information though. Any little bit can help.

Happy Notebooking!

Promethean: ActivTips

If you still feel uneasy with your Promethean Board, or with ActivInspire, you really need to take the free online courses Promethean Planet offers. These are self paced tutorials that teach you the basics. For information on how to take these courses and learn all the awesome new stuff, go here.

If you feel more comfortable with the software, any time you want to know how to do something new in ActivInspire, go here:

http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en/professional-development/activtips/

They actually have taken the time to make video tutorials of step by step instructions on so many different things you might want to do. I've used them recently to remember how to make containers and try to make a magic revealer. As with anything, these all take practice. But it sure does help to have someone to take you through it step by step. Don't forget you can always pause and practice before moving on.

Happy Flipcharting!

SMART: Backgrounds

When you open up SMART Notebook, all you get is a blank white page. How about putting some pizazz on that screen to spruce up your notebook? Today I'll tell you how to set new backgrounds to your pages.

First, go to Format--> Background or Right Click-->Set Background.

A toolbar will come up on the side and give you four options. You can choose a solid color, gradient, pattern, or upload your own picture from the files on your computer.

All are excellent options depending on what your topic is. Solid fill is great to liven up the background of basic interactive activities, as is the gradient fill. The pattern fill really isn't my favorite, but I can see it's value for basic black and white backgrounds if it fits your theme. The image fill is great for science and social studies themes, or even when making activities to go with books the kids are reading in class. Remember you can always add pictures over a colored or gradient background so the picture doesn't take up the whole slide. So now you can spruce up those interactive activities. Don't forget to look for images and other resources on the SMART Exchange!

Promethean: Backgrounds

When you open Activinspire, all you get is a blank white page and a toolbar. So how do you add all those elements that make a neat looking flipchart?

To make that blank white page look a bit more fun, you can change the background. You can choose to add a plain color or some sort of picture or pattern. I'll show you how to do both.

To make a color background:

1. Choose the paint bucket icon.

2. Choose a color.

3. Move the bucket over the white screen and click to change the color.

To put in a picture or pattern:

1. Go to the resource browser.

2. Choose the Backgrounds folder.

3. Choose any of the folders listed and choose the background you wish to put on the screen. Then double click or click and drag that background to your screen.

You'll have to do this to each page if you want the same background. You can also choose to have different colors or pictures on each page background to make it a little more fun. Remember, if you download resource packs you can get more pre-made background options. These options will be in your Resource Browser under the Resource Packs folder.