SimmaNars are here to assist teachers with software questions, and to help you "simma down" before you become frustrated. There are also staff and student project examples below.  Our intent is to continue to add more and more SimmaNars to the list, so check back soon!  Scroll down and find the item you need.  

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SimmaNar Topics
What IS a "SimmaNar"?

• Creating a Monitor List in Assess+, Joei Shermer, Technology Instructional Mentor.

• Parent Access:  Why You Should Use It--The Future
  (More information on Parent Access)

• Search Features for Assess+, Billie Tinoco, Technology Instructional Mentor

• Teachers: How to Access Student Information, Monique Wilson, Technology Instructional Mentor

• Exporting Your Gradebook to Excel, Richard James, Technology Instructional Mentor

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• United Streaming: How to Use It, Richard James, Technology Instructional Mentor 

• CP+ Overview

• Creating Quality Activities, Richard James, TIM

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STUDENT PROJECTS

CURRICULAR

LANGUAGE ARTS

• The Alphabet's in My Mouth, Mrs. Abrams, Birmingham Elementary School

• Author's Purpose, Ms. Janey, Harrison Intermediate School

MATH

• "Geometric Shapes," Mrs. Cox, from Groves Elementary

• Triangles, Ms. Locklear, Harrison Intermediate School

SCIENCE

• Electricity, Mrs. Leonard, from McMillan Junior High

SOCIAL STUDIES

• Martin Luther King, Famous American, Ms. Gay, from Akin Elementary

• Christopher Columbus, Mrs. Liles, from Birmingham Elementary

• James Bowie, Mrs. Gove, Akin Elementary

• Native Americans in Texas, Mrs. Nardiello, from Hartman Elementary

• The Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Mrs. McEnroe, from McMillan Elementary

• The U.S. Pledge and Texas Pledge, Mrs. Farwell, from Akin Elementary

• War Veteran, Mrs. Bixler, from Wylie High School

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FOREIGN

ELECTIVES

• "Um Speech," Mrs. Torres, Speech teacher at Wylie High School

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OUTLOOK

MICROSOFT OFFICE/WINDOWS

Excel

• How to Make a Pictograph in Excel, by Monique Wilson, TIM (See also accompanying handout, Word format)

Outlook

• Using Outlook Folders

• Sending an Attachment through Email

• Distribution Lists I:  Creating & Editing

• Distribution Lists II:  Sending Email

Windows

• Windows XP How to Burn a CD, Joei Shermer, Technology Instructional Mentor

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• Copyright Laws, Billie Tinoco, Technology Instructional Mentor

• Mrs. Welch's Introduction to the Counselor Akin Elementary

• Open House 2003:  Mrs. Rehman's Class is "S.H.A.R.P.", from Groves Elementary

• TAAS 2002:  Motivation with Dr. Joe Parra, Principal of Wylie Intermediate School

• TAAS 2002:  "Hammer the TAAS," with Mrs. Carey and Mrs. Rudolf

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This year teachers are beginning to create projects using Microsoft's Movie Maker software.  This brings a whole new excitement to the power of digital instruction and learning.  NOTE:  some of these videos are very large and will run best for broadband connections.

LANGUAGE ARTS
Below are scenes from the book, Number the Stars, created by Mrs. McMillen's 3rd grade WINGS class at Akin Elementary.  Teams of students created videos for chapters that feature a "claymation" style of recording. Great job, kids!
   The Funeral
   After the funeral
   In the Woods
   Soldiers in the Apartment
   Outside 
   Ellen Stays

SCIENCE
Progeria, Mrs. Gent, 8th grade Pre-AP Science, Burnett Junior High

PROFESSIONAL
How to Register for a Professional Development Class, Joei Shermer, Technology Instructional Mentor

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• E-Learning with Producer (Overview & Hints)

• Creating a Folder for Your Producer Project

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VIDEOCONFERENCING

VIDEOCONFERENCING

• Videoconferencing Basics I: Steps to a Videoconference

• Videoconferencing Basics II: Waivers & Forms

• VC Excerpt: Janet McMillen, Akin Elementary

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