"Settings" up your Ipad

Today's post will feature the use of the settings menu within the ipad.  This is where you will be able to configure the ipad, and various apps so that you can get the most out of the tool.  The video will take you through the first half of the settings menu and stop before going into the settings for individual apps. As always if you have any questions email me at nlefort@chittenangoschools.org.

ipad settings

Introduction to the ipad

Today marks the beginning of a series of posts that will focus on the use of the ipad.  For the next few weeks I will discuss the general functions of the hardware and software interfaces, and I will showcase multiple interdisciplinary apps.  This post will focus on getting started with the ipad, how to navigate the hardware, and how to do some of the preliminary setup of the home screen.

ipad buttons

Getting the most out of Email

Gmail is a global email service that allows people to communicate and share files over the internet.  In this post I am not going to focus on the basics of email, because I believe that most of you are familiar with email in general.  I am going to focus on the web version of the Gmail interface, and how to customize Gmail to make it easier for you to use.  To learn more about how Gmail can be set up watch the following video.  As always feel free to contact me @ nlefort@chittenangoschools.org

Gmail

Never forget an appointment again

Google calendar is similar to many computer-based calendars on the market with a few exceptions.   First since Google calendar is linked not to your computer, but to your Google account it is completely mobile.  This means no matter what computer, smartphone, tablet etc. you own, you will be able to view and edit the calendar.  Second sharing the calendar with others is easy.  Make a few clicks and anyone will be able to see your calendar.  If you want to keep it more private, only invite those people you want to view using their email address.    Lastly this calendar plays well with most website design software.  In the tempedit system, you need to copy the embed code given on the calendar and paste it into the source code in the editor.  With Google sites you need to insert a calendar item and choose which calendar and what size it should be.  For a more in depth look at Google calendar please watch the video below.  As always feel free to contact me for a personal training at nlefort@chittenangoschools.org

google calendar

Getting Started with Google

Google has become much more than the generic search engine from which it started.  Now using the Google apps for education suite, one can

·         Create, save and share most types of documents

·         Communicate using a very robust email system

·         Keep track of your schedule using the calendar between your computer/phone/tablet

·         Create interactive websites

·         And much, much more

The first piece of the Google universe to become familiar with will be the “Docs” or what is now called “drive”.  The main difference between the old docs system and the new drive system is that drive allows users to store many more types of documents.  Before Docs could store most Microsoft formatted documents and convert them to the Google format and vice versa.  With Drive users are able to store just about any file type, but many will not be editable within Google, the user will only be able to store them inside of Google drive and edit them on another software (example: a pages document can be stored but not edited whereas a Microsoft word document can be edited.) To become more familiar with Google Drive watch the following video, then if you need further assistance contact me @ nlefort@chittenangoschools.org.