Technology
In this section, you will learn how to use the various resources for technology that may be needed for your course(s). Any of the skills you learn here can be transferred to any number of computer programs.
Click each picture below to learn how to use the various technology tools.
File Management
Set up a file management system so you can find your files easily. This is one of the most important computer skills you can learn. Computers organize files and folders much like a filing cabinet. Often, when a file gets "lost" it was not saved in the correct location.
It does not matter what operating system (Mac, Windows, Linux) you use, the file system is the same. Follow the steps below for creating a solid file management system.
Your school Google Drive is recommended for saving work so you can access at home or at school.
* Once you choose your location, create a Courses folder. The method will vary depending on the computer you use.
* You can either right-click and choose "New Folder,” or go to the File menu and choose "New Folder.”
* Name your folder "Courses".
* Inside your Courses folder, create a folder for each course you are taking.
* Use these folders for saving your work for each course.
* Use your Last Name and First Initial in all filenames that you submit so that your teacher can find your files quickly.
* Use only letters, numbers and the underscore ( _ ). Other symbols can cause corrrupted files that will not open.
Documents
You have probably used a word processing program before, most likely Microsoft Word. If you are at school, you should have access to Microsoft Word on your computer. Files saved from Microsoft Word usually end with the file extension ".doc" or ".docx".
If you do not have access to Microsoft Word at home, you can use the Google Docs apps in your Google Drive to create documents, charts and presentations [see instructions below].
You will need to spend some time learning to use your word processing program, no matter which application you choose to use. If you use any other “word processing” software, save the documents as a Rich Text Format file (extension ".rtf") [see instructions below]. This will allow others to open your documents even if they do not have the program you used installed on their computer.
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Download/Print PDF Accessing Google Docs.pdf
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Portable Document Format (PDF)
PDF files are in a “Portable Document Format.” These files can be read on any type of operating system. In order to open a .pdf document, click the file link. Click the link below to see if you can open the PDF instructions.
Most PDFs used by the DoDEA Virtual High School are published for Adobe Reader version 9 or higher.
The instructions below provide information about downloading and installing Adobe PDF on your home computer.
You may also use a Google App called Kami for Google Chrome to help you annotate and edit PDF files.Click the link below to download the instructions.
Download/Print PDF
Kami Fillable PDFs
Search Engines
You should have the Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers available to you on your school computer. Sometimes, you may need to view a course webpage or animation in an alternate browser for the content to display or interact correctly.
As part of an assignment, you may be asked to perform an internet search. No matter what browser you choose, you can perform a search using a search engine. There are many, many search engines available to you on the Internet.
Watch the tutorial to learn how to use a search engine such as Google http://www.google.com.
The keyword methods shown in the tutorial can be used to perform any search using any of the available search engines.
Click a picture or link below to choose the type of detailed instructions you would like to review.
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Download/Print PDF |
Audio & Video Recording
At times, you will be asked to make a recording for an assignment. In order to do this, you will need to have a microphone. Sometimes you may record directly into Schoology, other times you may need to use recording software. Audacity is an audio recording software that is available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Audacity should be installed on your school computer.
Click a picture or link below to choose the type of detailed instructions you would like to review.
The video tutorials require headphones.
  NOTE: Screencastomatic is approved for student chromebooks only. |
Download/Print PDF |
Making Screenshots
There will be occasions when you are going to need to take a ‘picture’ of your computer screen. The picture might be of the entire screen or maybe just of an application. Read through the options below.
To open the Snipping Tool on Windows 10, click the magnifying glass symbol on your Windows taskbar and search for Snipping Tool. Read the complete instructions on the Microsoft Support page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4027213/windows-10-open-snipping-tool-and-take-a-screenshot
To make a copy of your entire computer screen:
1. Press the Print Screen (PrtScn) button on your keyboard.
2. In order to share or save the copy you will need to paste the picture into a Paint or word processing program. Open your Paint or Word Processing program.
3. Press the CTRL+V keys on your keyboard or click the Paste button in the program.
4. Save your screen shot with a descriptive name.
For detailed instructions Download /Print:
https://content.dodea.edu/VS/HS/orientation/docs/using_screencapture.pdf