Author Archives: TechnoLaurie

TechnoLaurie

About TechnoLaurie

Laurie Gerard, Research and Development - Laurie Gerard is responsible for the research and development center at John Knox Christian School (JKCS). Many years ago, TechnoKids Inc. formed a partnership with the school community to have teachers test our instructional materials. This relationship ensures that the projects are developmentally appropriate, meaningful to students, integrate into the curriculum, and have clear instructions. Laurie works with the staff and students at JKCS to help them operate their technology program. Her duties include curriculum support, computer lab maintenance, and upkeep of the network and server. As a key member of the Information Technology Committee at the school she provides advice regarding the technology program. Her devotion to the school community and their technology program makes her an invaluable member to our team. Laurie's contribution to the blog includes entries about the challenges of integrating technology in a school environment. The technical issues she overcomes related to hardware, software, and networking will be passed on to you in the form of practical strategies. In addition, she writes about the real-world problems faced by a school as they struggle to offer a quality technology program with a limited budget.

Setting Group Policies to Work with SkyDrive

Are your students unable to print or download files from SkyDrive at your school? Ask your system administrator to adjust your group policy settings by adding several URLs as a trusted source. Please note, these instructions are written for Server … Continue reading

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SkyDrive in the Classroom

SkyDrive – Easily share or upload your files to this free online storage What is SkyDrive? Windows Live SkyDrive is part of Microsoft’s Windows Live range of online services. SkyDrive is a file storage and sharing service that allows users … Continue reading

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TEACHERS! It is Time to Junk out your Files on the Server!

We do a daily backup of information for staff and students using an offsite backup utility. It was generously donated to us with a 250GB storage limit. However, I just received a backup error to say that we are over … Continue reading

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Computer Frankenstein

Two lifeless machines are pushed in on the cart. In my office laboratory I replace dead parts with used components to make the computer usable once again. Can I fix these new ones? I start my analysis of the first … Continue reading

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Create a Shared Student Folder on your Server

Teachers need to be flexible! They must adjust their lessons based on their students’ needs. In addition, they need to capitalize on their students’ unique interests. To do this, they need a shared student folder on the server. What is … Continue reading

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Three Steps for Managing Technical Issues in the Computer Lab

When a math teacher tells students to turn to page 32 in the textbook, there is confidence that the content will be the same in every book, the page will not be missing, and the questions will not disappear half … Continue reading

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Print from your iPad Easily

Many schools are beginning to integrate the use of iPads into the classroom. With the purchase of new technology there are often many hidden costs you did not anticipate. For example, the purchase of a new printer. Do you need … Continue reading

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Don’t Throw it Out! Salvage Parts to Repair Computer Equipment

Don’t throw it out! You can extend your IT budget by salvaging components from old computers. These parts can be used to repair other equipment, saving you from having to make a new purchase. I regularly repair computers using hardware … Continue reading

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Computer Donation Checklist

Computer donations are a great way to extend the IT budget at our school. However, there are hidden costs to the free equipment. For example, the time it takes to get them classroom ready and the agony of trying to … Continue reading

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The Hidden Cost of Computer Donations

Another Donation! We are very fortunate to have a community that thinks about us when their offices are getting new equipment. Often parents of students at the school will convince their workplace to donate unwanted computer hardware to the school. … Continue reading

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