Tips for organizing teaching materials and managing classroom time

1. Clean up your desktop-keep only what you need in view

• Only use necessary apps
  • Shut down any programs you aren't using (email, Twitter, Instant Messaging, Pandora, iTunes).
  • Running apps take up system resources and can slow down your computer.

2. Create a folder for each class

• Label it clearly-Econ 101-SFSU-F2012
• Inside: create a folder for each session-Week 1-Monday
  • Put your all your content for that session inside
  • You can drag web links to your folders instead of bookmarking
    • Drag the URL from the browser window to your desktop
    • 
    • Click on the little page icon and drag to the desktop. It should look like this:
    • You can rename the link to anything you want.
    • Then drag it into the appropriate folder.
  • When you need the link, click on it from the folder and your default browser will open to that page.

3. Create a technology plan

• As part of your lesson plan, list what technology you will need for that day
  • Powerpoint file name & location
  • Internet access-reminder to login to wifi
  • DVD or VHS title-Is tape cued? What chapter on the DVD?
  • Backup your files to a flash drive. Do not rely on "the cloud". A flash drive can be plugged into any computer.
    • Do not use that drive for other file storage.

4. Communicate with other users/support staff

• Talk to the faculty before and after you in the classroom.
  • Ask the teacher before you to leave the projector on. This will save time setting up.
  • Ask the teacher after you if they need the projector on.
• Call MDS support if you have a problem-81494
  • Report problems immediately. Don't wait or assume someone else called it in.
• After you notify our office, leave a note on the board for other faculty.
  • Example: "Projector bulb has failed. AT has been notified (DATE & TIME)"

Other tips available here

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