Kuhl Educational Technology

Insert Link - File

2011-04-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

You can insert links into a flipchart so that you can go directly to different files, including PowerPoint and Word documents, mp3 audio files, and videos, without manually opening another program. This helps to keep the continuity in your lessons.

Click here to see how to Insert link to Website.

To insert a link to a file

1. Go to any 'Insert' menu, click on 'Link' and then on 'File'. (Shortcut key = Ctrl+L)

(Click photos for larger views.)

2. Locate the file on your computer that you would like to insert. Highlight the file and click 'Open'.

3. In the window that opens, you will have several options as to how the link to file will appear in the flipchart:

Click image for larger view and option descriptions.

Enter the options you prefer and Click 'OK.' You can now click on the link in the flipchart and the file you selected will open!

To Add link to 'Existing Object'

Note: You must first insert an object into the flipchart to which you want to attach the link.

1. In the 'Add link as' section of the 'Insert File' window, Select 'Existing Object'.

2. In the new window, highlight the object to which you want to attach the link.

3. Click 'OK'.

4. The object name will be inserted into the text box.

5. Complete the other parameters, and click 'OK'.

Click image for larger view and directions

'Store as' Recommendation:

So that your link to file is always available when you share your flipchart or use your flipchart on a different computer, select 'Store file in flipchart' or 'Store file + directory in flipchart'. I never 'Store file externally' because the file linked will not be saved with the flipchart.

Shape Tool - Adding Shapes in ActivInspire

2010-12-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

Shapes, when filled with a color or as an outline only, can be used to create emphasis in a lesson. Filled shapes can be used to cover answers and unfilled shapes can be used to highlight important information.

Shape Tool on the Toolbar

To create shapes (Click on image for larger view.)
   Step 1 - Select the Shape Tool (as shown above)
     Step 2 - Select the desired shape
   Step 3 - Select the fill color (the color of the inside of the shape.) If you only want an outline of a shape, select the X.
   Step 4 - Select the outline color
   Step 5 - Select the outine size

When you have selected all of the properties for your shape, draw the shape onto a page. To draw a shape, click and hold the mouse. When you are happy with the shape, let go of the mouse click. Practice adding a variety of shapes, filled and outline only.

Text Tool - Typing in ActivInspire

2010-12-12T12:13:00.000-08:00

Text is often the basic element in a lesson. But, by using the capabilities of ActivInspire, the text does not have to be boring. After you learn to enter text into a page, you can manipulate it in a variety of ways. Each text box can be easily moved around the page or highlighted using the paint bucket. Also, you can attach actions to text to make note-taking and textbook exercises more engaging!

Text Tool from the toolbar

Typing text

Text is added to a Text Box. Each text box can be moved and manipulated as an object. I've found that it is best to use multiple text boxes within a page so that I can rearrange and change each piece of text to add variety and interest to a lesson. Practice adding several text boxes to a page. Just click in a new area in a page to add additional text boxes.

Changing Font and Text Size

The Text Tool bar, (shown below) allows you to change the text just as you would in other programs. Highlight the text to be changed and use the tool bar to select a new font, a larger size, bold, italic or underline.

Moving Text Boxes
When you have completed typing in text, use the Select Tool (shown below) to move the text boxes around the page.

Getting Started With ActivInspire

2010-12-12T11:47:00.000-08:00

Getting started with ActivInspire can be overwhelming. There are a few steps you can take to become more comfortable with the basics. Soon, you will be creating interactive flipcharts to engage students in any classroom!

1. Set up your Profile and Tool Bar
The first step to start using ActivInspire is to set up your Profile and Toolbar. By setting these up, you will have the tools you use most when creating flipcharts readily available. This can be updated and changed as you learn which tools you use most.

Click here to see Tool Descriptions and Uses.

2. After you set up your Profile and Select tools for your toolbar, start adding elements to a page.

Add Text
Add Shapes
Add Pictures from the web using the Camera Tool
Add Website Links

ActivInspire Tools with Descriptions

2010-12-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Below is a brief overview of the some of the Tools and Commands available in ActivInspire. (Click on images for larger views.)

Basic Tools with Descriptions (Click to enlarge)

Math Tools

Keyboard, Calculator, and Clock

Dice and TickerTape

To make things 'Magically' appear and disappear (Click here to learn to use Magic Ink)

To reset page to last saved version

To record and control sounds

ActivVote Tools

To use two pens at a time

To Insert Blank Pages into a Flipchart

To clear a page

To move objects between layers

To move objects within a layer

To Align objects on a Flipchart Page

To reveal only a part of the screen when presenting

Menu Icons

Browser Shortcuts (Click here for explanation of Browsers)

To use ActivInspire Tools over the Desktop

Resource Packs - Downloading and Importing

2010-11-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

You can download lots of great and helpful resources for use with ActivInspire from www.prometheanplanet.com. To download resources for free, you will need to register and login on the website.

From this website, you can download Resource Packs, which are collections of images and objects grouped by theme. It is a 2-step process be able to use Resource Packs: First, you download the Resource Pack from the website. Then, you import it into ActivInpsire for use.

Below are instructions for Registering on Promethean Planet, Downloading a Resource Pack, Importing a Resource Pack and Locating and Using a Resource Pack. (Click on images for larger views.)

To Register on Promethean Planet:
Go to www.prometheanplanet.com. If you do not have a login, register using the Register tab at the top of the screen. Fill in the required information and Click "Register Now".

To Download a Resource Pack:

1. Sign in on www.prometheanplanet.com in order to download resources for free.

2. Hover over the "Resources" Tab at the top of the webpage. When you hover over "Resources", it will show you the search options. Select "Resource Packs".

3. Input search topic and filters to find exactly what you are looking for.

4. I searched for "France". Once you find a Resource Pack that you are interested in, click on the name. I selected "France Backgrounds".

5. You can review the Resource Pack on the left. Once you decide you want it, click "Download". It will prompt you to save the Resource Pack on your computer. Save it somewhere you will be able to easily locate it later. For example, I created a folder on my desktop named "Resource Packs" where I save all resource packs that I download.

6. You are now done using the website. But, to be able to use the elements inside the Resource Pack, you must next import the Resource Pack into ActivInspire.

To Import Resource Pack into ActivInspire

1. Open ActivInspire. Go to any File Menu. Select "Import". Select "Resource Pack to My Resources".

2. Locate the Resource Pack that you previously downloaded from the Promethean website. Highlight the Resource Pack to Open. Click "Open"..

3. You have now imported the Resource Pack. Now you need to be able to find and use it!

To Locate and Use Resource Packs imported into My Resources

1. Go to Resource Browser. (Where is the Resource Browser?)

2. Select "My Resources" (the silhouette of one person)

3. Scroll down to find "Resource Packs"

4. click on (+) to expand "Resource Packs"

5. Click on Resource Pack you downloaded.

6. View the images and select what you will use!

Video Tutorial - Hidden Text

2010-10-24T08:40:00.001-07:00

Click Play below to watch a video on adding the Hidden Action to a flipchart page.
Or, Click here to open a larger view of the video in a new window.

Unable to display content. Adobe Flash is required.

Insert Link - Website

2010-10-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

You can insert links into a flipchart so that you can go directly to different documents, mp3 files, video files or websites without opening another program. This helps to keep the continuity in your lessons.

Click here for how to Insert link to file.

To insert a website
Go to any 'Insert' menu, click on 'Link' and then on 'Website'.
(Click photos for larger views.)

Type in website and add the link to the page. You have 4 options.
1. You can add the link as text.
2. You can add the link as a default image.
3. You can add the link as a default action image.
4. Or, my favorite, you can attach the website link to an existing object. This lets you really customize the look of your flipcharts.

To attach a website to an existing object in your flipchart
This allows you to click an image and have a website magically open!

1. First, insert an image into the page that you would like to click for the website to open.
2. Then, go to any 'Insert' Menu, click 'Link', then 'Website'

3. Type in the website address.
4. Under 'Add link as' select 'Existing object', then click the (...) (#3 below)

5. Select the object you want to click from the menu and click 'OK'.

6. The object name will be inserted into the blank.
7. Click 'OK' to complete.

When you are in the flipchart page, your cursor will display a blue play button when you hover over the object to which you added the website link. Click the object and the website will open!

Design Mode: Presentation and Edit

2010-10-07T16:22:00.001-07:00

ActivInspire can be used in two different modes: Presentation Mode and Edit Mode.

To change between Presentation Mode and Edit Mode, use the toggle button shown below:

BLUE for Presentation Mode:

RED for Edit Mode:

Click the button to toggle between the two modes as needed.

In Presentation Mode, all actions work, hidden items are hidden and locked items are locked. This is the mode you want to present your flipchart in.

In Edit Mode, all actions are disabled, everything hidden is shown and locked items are unlocked. All actions and hidden items are marked with a red box, as shown below. This is the mode you want to edit in because everything is visible and unlocked.

Again, when you are finished editing, you can click the button to go back to Presentation Mode and all actions will be enabled, hidden items will be hidden and locked items will be locked.

The button is small, so I've included a screen shot below to help you locate the button:

Magic Ink Reveal Tool

2010-10-04T13:18:00.000-07:00

A Magic Ink Reveal Tool can be created once and used for a variety of lessons. The main thing to remember when using Magic Ink is that it only works on objects located in the Top Layer of the page.

To create a Magic Ink Reveal Tool

1. Draw a filled in shape with a thick border on the page. I will use a circle.

2. Move the shape to the Top Layer.

3. Use the Magic Ink to color in the shape. Get as close to the border as possible. This will become the inside of your Revealer Tool.

3. Draw another shape, but unfilled, around the Magic Ink. Line it up with the original shape. Make the border thicker than the original.

4. In the Object Browser Window, move this new, unfilled shape to the Top Layer, above the Magic Ink. (The other shape will disappear, hidden by this new shape.)

5. You don't need the original shape, so delete it using the Object Browser Window. Highlight the original shape, Click the Menu Icon, and select "Delete".

6. You now have a circle with the Magic Ink on the inside. To make it look like a Magnifying Glass, draw on a handle. Finally, select everything using the Select Tool and Group together. This makes it one image that can be moved around. Save the image in "My Resources" for future use.

7. Magic Ink Reveal Tool in use

**Remember, the Magic Ink Reveal Tool ONLY works on objects located in the Top Layer. To "see through" objects, you must move them to the Top Layer using the Object Browser Window. Place what you want to see on the Middle or Bottom Layers.***

Magic Ink

2010-10-04T11:52:00.000-07:00

Magic Ink can be used to 'see through' objects located in the Top Layer of a page. Magic Ink only works on objects located in the Top Layer of a page, so the images you want to 'see through' must also be located in the Top Layer. When you color with the Magic Ink over an object in the Top Layer, everything in the Middle and Bottom layers is revealed. (Click here to learn to make a Magnifying Glass Magic Ink Reveal Tool)

To see the layers of your page, use the Object Browser Window. (Click here for help finding the Object Browser Window.)

You will need 2 objects for this tutorial. I will use a rectangle and text. The Magic Ink will be used to 'see through' the rectangle to the text.

1. Objects (shapes, images and text) default to the Middle Layer. Since Magic Ink only works on objects in the Top Layer, you must first move the shape to the Top Layer by dragging and dropping it in the Object Browser Window. (Click on images for larger views.)

2. In the workspace, place the shape over the text.

3. Click on the Magic Ink Tool.

4. Using Magic Ink, color over the rectangle and the text will appear!

This is an interesting way for students to discover answers or helpful hints during a lesson.

Profile and Toolbar Setup

2010-10-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

A good first step in using ActivInspire is to set up your profile, which includes customizing your toolbar. This way, when you are creating flipcharts, the tools you regularly use are easy to locate.
Click here to see ActivInspire Tools with Descriptions

To setup your toolbar and profile, go to File, Settings.

A window similar to the ones below will open.

Profile
Select the drop down menu at the top left. Here you will find preset Profiles. I use 'Authoring' because it includes a larger variety of tools for editing and creating flipcharts. When you click on each profile, ActivInspire will change it's look. Click on each to choose the one that you prefer. The toolbar can still be customized after you choose a profile.

Layout
Select the "Layout" tab to change a variety of layout features, including number of colors shown in toolbar, size of icons on toolbar and whether to show the flipchart trashcan.

Commands
-Select the "Commands" tab to add or remove TOOLS from your toolbar.
-The tools listed on the left are those NOT on your toolbar. The tools listed on the right are currently on your toolbar. (You can scroll up and down in either list to see them all.)
-Add the tools you often use, and remove the tools you never use so that your workspace is more functional.
-To add a tool, select the tool from the list on the left and click "Add".
-To remove a tool, select the tool from the list on the right and click "Remove".
-To move tools on the toolbar, use the "Move Up" and "Move Down" buttons.
-Click here to see tools and descriptions

Settings
Select the "Settings" tab to customize a variety of different things in ActivInspire, including the Clock Tool, the color of the Revealer Tool and Background, the Spell checker, and the settings for Learner Response Systems.

User defined buttons (Advanced)
Use this to create your own quick buttons to use in the program. The buttons will be added to your toolbar.

Voting Browser

2010-10-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

The Voting Browser is used to register ActiVotes and other accessories. Use this browser when using ActiVotes in the classroom.

Voting Browser Window

Action Browser

2010-10-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

The Action Browser allows you to add actions to individual objects within a page. An example of an action is when you click on one item to make another item appear in the flipchart. Adding actions to a flipchart is an easy way to make your lessons more interactive. Also, actions help to control the pace of the lesson by allowing you to include hidden answers and information that can appear by the click of your pen. (Click images for larger views.)

Action Browser Window
Select the object in the flipchart page that you want to add an action to. (This will be the object clicked.) Then, click on the Action Browser icon to find an action to add. You will have many options. Scroll down using the bar on the right to see them all.

When you find the action you want to add, click on it. You will be prompted at the bottom of the Action Browser Window to select a "Target". (This is the item that the action will be performed on, NOT clicked.)

Click the (...) in the box to the right of "Target" and the window below will open. Select the object you want the action to happen to from the list, highlight it and click "OK".

Always click "Apply Changes" button at the bottom of the Action Browser Window to save the action to the object.

I always test out the action by clicking on the object in the flipchart page. (The object will have a blue play button next to the cursor, indicating there is an action for that object.)

Action Categories
When displaying actions available, you can limit those shown by category. ("All Actions" displays every action that is available.)

Drag and Drop Actions
To add Actions directly to the page without adding it to a specific object, use the Drag and Drop Actions. These will display their own icons on the page. Click and hold the Action you want to add, then drag to the flipchart page and drop.

Property Browser

2010-10-03T10:26:00.000-07:00

The Property Browser displays all of the properties an individual object can possess. This browser provides a very detailed list of everything you can change about an object. This is also where you create Containers and Restrictors.

Property Browser Window
Click on plus (+) signs to expand each section. (Sections available will change depending on what is selected in the flipchart page.)

When the section is expanded, you can make changes using the drop down boxes and text entry fields.

Notes Browser

2010-10-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Notes Browser allows you to type in directions to yourself and other teachers on how to use each of the pages in a flipchart. You can remind yourself to click on items to make other items appear or how to teach the lesson.

Notes Browser Window

Object Browser

2010-09-29T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Object Browser shows the layers and location of objects on a page. You can freely move objects between these layers. ActivInspire uses 4 layers: Top, Middle, Bottom and Background. By using layers, you can put objects on top of and under one another. Whatever is at the top will cover what is below. You can create interesting effects like pulling objects out of a hat! (Click on images for larger views.)

Object Browser Window and Layers

To move object between layers
1. Select object to be moved in Object Browser Window
2. Click and drag to new layer

3. Drop in new location. (Image may now be hidden behind something else.)

4. To pull images from behind, lock the top-most image. (To lock image, Right-click, and select "Locked".) Pull images out with the pen!

Resource Browser

2010-09-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Resource Browser is used to add images and other resources to flipchart pages. You have 2 options for resource storage: "My Resources" & "Shared Resources". In either, you can create folders to store resources in a way you can quickly find and use them. When you find a resource, click the resource and drag it onto the flipchart page. (Click on images for larger views.)

Resource Browser Window

My Resources Shared Resources

To create Folders in Resource Browser (in Shared or My Resources)
1. Highlight where you want to create the folder
2. Click on the menu icon circled in pink below.
3. Click "Create New Folder"
4. Name the Folder and Click "OK"

To Expand Folders and Create New

1. Click the plus (+) next to the folder and it will expand.

2. Highlight where you want to add a folder.

3. Click the menu icon

4. Select "Create New Folder"

5. Name the folder and Click "OK"

6. You will have to go back and highlight the folder you just created to add new images and resources to this folder.

To add Resources
1. Go to My Resources
2. Select Folder (Expand with Plus + if necessary)
3. Highlight the folder you want to add resource to.

4. I am saving the image of the apple in my flipchart for future use.

5. With the correct folder highlighted in "My Resources", drag the image into the area below the folder names.

6. You will still have the original image in the flipchart, but now a copy has been saved to "My Resources".

To Rename Resources

1. Click the Menu Icon next to image.

2. Select "Rename Resource File"

3. Enter new name and Click "Ok".

To use a Saved Resource
1. Find the Resource where you saved it
2. Click and drag the resource into your flipchart!

Action: Drag a Copy

2010-09-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

Click here to Download a Flipchart Example of Drag a Copy

Drag a Copy: Drag a Copy enables you to drag an infinite number of copies of an object, leaving the original in its place. You can apply Drag a Copy to text or objects. Some teaching uses for the Drag a Copy are to duplicate images of coins for counting activities or to create interactive game pieces.

1. Select text or object to 'copy'.

2. Right-click on object selected.

3. Select "Drag a Copy" from the menu. (Shortcut = Ctrl+Shift+J)

Action: Extract Text

2010-09-25T13:57:00.001-07:00

Click here to Download Flipchart Example of Extract Text

Actions are found on the "Action Browser".

(Click here for directions on locating Action Browser)

Extract Text: Extract Text enables you to click on any word in a text body and copy and paste (or extract) it quickly onto the same page. You can apply Extract Text to text. A teaching use for the Extract Text Action is to quickly identify parts of speech in sentences.

1. Select body of text.

2. Go to Action Browser:

3. Scroll down and Select "Extract Text":

4. Click "Apply Changes".

Action: Hidden

2010-09-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Click to Download Flipchart Example of Hidden Action

Actions are found on the "Action Browser".
(Click here for directions on locating Action Browser)

Hidden Action: Hidden Action allows you to click on one item and make another item appear. You can apply the Hidden Action to images or text. Some teaching uses for the Hidden Action are embedding correct answers to be shown with a click or for providing notes to be copied down in controlled sequence.

1. Select object to be clicked.

2. Go to Action Browser:

3. Scroll down and Select "Hidden":

4. Select "Target" (object to be shown) from menu:

5. Click "Apply Changes".

Page Browser

2010-09-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

The Page Browser is used to see all of the pages in your flipchart at once. You can rearrange the order of pages by clicking and dragging. You can delete or duplicate slides by Right-Clicking on a slide or using the Menu button. Also, you can make the view in Page Browser smaller to see all pages at once by using the slide bar.

Page Browser Window

Page Browser Menu Button (or Right-Click on page)

Page Browser Slide Zoom Bar

Slide bar up to zoom out and see all pages at once. This makes it easy to rearrange the order of the pages.

ActivInspire Browser Overview

2010-09-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Browsers are an important component to ActivInspire. I have briefly defined each and its function below.

To see the browser window, go to any "View" menu and click "Browsers". (Ctrl+B is the shortcut)

Page Browser: Use to see all your pages in a flipchart. You can copy and paste entire pages from here. (more info on Page Browser)

Resource Browser: Use to add images and other resources to pages in your flipcharts. (more info on Resource Browser)

Object Browser: Use to move objects from one layer to another. (Top, Middle, Bottom & Background) (more info on Object Browser)

Notes Browser: Use to include teaching notes to remember how to use each page in a flipchart. (more info on Notes Browser)

Property Browser: Use to change the individual properties of objects on a page. (more info on Property Browser)

Action Browser: Use to add actions to individual objects on a page. (more info on Action Browser)

Voting Browser: Use to register and use ActiVotes and other tools, such as the ActivSlate. (more info on Voting Browser)

ActivInspire Camera Tool (Inside ActivInspire)

2010-09-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Using the camera to take pictures inside of ActivInspire.
(Click here learn to take pictures OUTSIDE of ActivInspire)

1. Select the Camera Tool from the toolbar. (Click on image to enlarge.)

2. Select "Area Snapshot". (You have other options: "Point to Point Snapshot - you can capture around the image shape; "Freehand Snapshot" - you can draw around an image shape; "Window Snapshot" - captures image of just ActivInspire window; "Fullscreen Snapshot" - Captures everything on your screen at that time.)

3. The screen will go gray leaving you with a highlight box to drag and reshape around image you want to capture.

4. When you are ready to capture the image, choose "Current Page" on "Camera Snapshot" Box that is on the screen. This will add the image to the current page you are working on in ActivInspire. (You have other options: "New Page" - add image to new page; "Clipboard" - to use later; "My Resources" - to save as file; "Shared Resources" - to share as file.)

5. The image will be on the same page to be resized and moved however you want!

ActivInspire Camera Tool (Desktop Tools)

2010-09-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Using the camera to take pictures outside of ActivInspire.
(Click here to use the Camera Tool INSIDE ActivInspire)

1. Find the image you want to capture. (You can capture images from anywhere. From the web, from your documents...etc.)

2. Go to ActivInspire and click on Desktop Tools, circled in pink below. (Click on image for larger view.)

3. ActivInspire will disappear leaving you with something like the image below. The Desktop Tools Icon will be on the screen. (Click on image to enlarge.)

4. Hover over the Desktop Tools Icon and it will expand. Hover over the Camera Icon and it will expand once more. Hover over the Area Snapshot Icon and click to use the tool. (Click on image to enlarge.)

5. The screen will go gray. Drag and reshape the area box around image you want to capture.

6. When you are ready to capture the image, choose "Current Page" on "Camera Snapshot" Box that is on the screen. This will add the image to the current page you are working on in ActivInspire. (You have other options: "New Page" - add image to new page; "Clipboard" - to use later; "My Resources" - to save as file; "Shared Resources" - to share as file.)

7. You can take as many pictures as you would like, adding each to the current page. When you are ready to go back to ActivInspire, click on "Return to Flipcharts" on the Desktop Tool Wheel.

8. Your image(s) will be in your flipchart when you return. Images can be resized and moved however you would like!