NetCommunity Teacher Websites

How to page: Teacher Website Updating Session.doc

Teacher Website Frequently Asked Questions

Can I organize files in my document library into folders?

        Our new website does not have this capability; however, you do        have a couple of options:

1.   Use a Moodle Classroom – Moodle is a Course Management Software that allows for organizing files into folders. It also happens to have a lot of other capabilities you might be interested in such as online quizzes and online surveys. Julia Osteen can set you up with a moodle classroom. The address for our GACS moodle site is http://moodle.greateratlantachristian.org. You would simply link to your moodle classroom from your teacher webpage.

2.   Use a Wiki Page – The word “wiki” is Hawaiian for quick. A wiki page is a quick way to make content available on the Internet. It can also be used for collaboration; however, you don’t have to use it for that. You can make files accessible to your students grouped under headings on a wiki page. For specific directions on how to set up your own wiki page, contact Julia Osteen. You would simply link to your wiki page from your teacher webpage.

3.   Add a page to your site and choose the Rich Text Template. You can name the page according to a unit title or according to a specific class you teach. Then add links in the text area to specific documents that you have uploaded to your document library. In this way, you are organizing the files for the students so they can easily access what they need. See Julia for more specifics.

Can I have more than one document library?

          JH and High School teachers can have one document library for each of their preps. If you need additional document libraries to coincide with the number of preps you have, please send an email to Peggy Holzgrefe with specifics on what you need. However, if you feel you need more than that to adequately organize your files, then please use one of the two options above.

How do I make my links open in a new window?

          Because of the links provided, you do not need to do this for a link to your document library. However, you may want to do this for other links.

Go to your dashboard

Click on My Pages

Click the Edit button next to your home page

Scroll down to the Resources area

Just below the text area you see this:

Click on HTML

Find the URL in the code for the link

Type in the following just past the close quote after the website address: target=_blank

Click Save Changes

How can I fix my images so they will upload onto the new website?

All images must meet specific standards before being posted on the website. Peggy Holzgrefe and Daniele Aurandt have put in place a process that will make this easy for us! Here’s what you need to do first:

Map to the image drive – There is a specific drive with folders where we will put our images and then retrieve them after they are optimized.

From my computer, go to Tools—Map Network Drive (XP) or click on Map Network Drive (Vista)

Choose a drive letter that is currently not being used (it doesn’t matter which one).

In the field area next to path type this: \\filesrv\images

Check next to Reconnect at Logon

Click Finish

Once you are mapped to the drive, you will see folders called “PutPixHere” and “GetPixHere.” Copy your images from your H drive and paste them to the PutPixHere folder. Your images should be named something you will recognize!!

After 5 minutes, you should be able to go to the GetPixHere folder and copy and paste the optimized images back to your H drive. Be sure to copy and paste them to your H drive and then delete them from the getpixhere folder.

**If you have problems with any of this, contact Julia Osteen or Peggy Holzgrefe for help.

Am I required to convert files before posting them on the web?

        Yes. It is a matter of courtesy for the visitors to our websites. If a parent or student tried to access a Word file off your website but only had Microsoft Works at home, they would not be able to access your file. PDF is considered a “web standard” format for documents. Please refer to the how-to sheet distributed with your website instructions for more specifics on converting files.

How can I add more pages to my website?

        Initially, we are just trying to get everyone to create their home pages and add any documents they might need to reference during the first two weeks of school. When you go to “My Pages” from your dashboard, you will see an Add Page button. Clicking this button will add a new page for you. Be careful to notice, though, that when you choose the template for your new page, it may move the page in the listing and switch the template to your home page template. When that happens, just choose the correct template for the page, and you will be able to then edit your new page.

        If you would like help adding pages to your site, contact Julia Osteen and she will set an appointment with you sometime during the first few weeks of school.

What other features are available through the new websites?

        RSS feed – you have the ability to put in a feed address for a specific RSS feed and have the feed information show up on your webpage.

        Comments – you can add a comment area where students and parents can leave comments for you. Students and parents have to log in to access your page, so names appear on the comments left.

        Photo slideshow – you can add a photo slideshow that allows for specific pictures to run through in a slide show feature on a page.

Can I still use my old Dreamweaver page?

No. The Dreamweaver pages will go away as soon as the new website goes live.

How can I access my old sharepoint page once the new website is live?

Be sure to put a link to your own sharepoint page in your favorites now so that you will be able to access it to get information off of it.