Ms. Miller: Honors Student to Honorable Teacher

Ms. Miller: Honors Student to Honorable Teacher

Ms. Miller (Born Janet Miller) is a teacher at Manchester High School West. Before becoming a teacher at West, she was also a student at Manchester High School West. From her first years at West to now, she has mentioned how different the school was. Whether you met her in her first years or now, she has proven to be a respectful person. 

                                          High School Life:

Graduated from Manchester High School West: 1987 Graduated with a Bachelor’s in French from St. Michael’s College: 1991 Started working at Manchester High School West: 1992 Graduated with a master’s degree at Lesley University: 2007

From high school, Ms. Miller was always adamant to try as hard as possible in school. She mentioned how subjects like French and English were her favorite subjects, whereas mathematics subjects like geometry were very difficult for her. Despite this, she was a member of the National Honor Society, and graduated with a 3.8 GPA overall.

University Life:

Ms. Miller mentioned how she studied very hard in high school, and tried to get into a good university. She went to St. Michael’s College in Vermont. She received a Bachelor’s degree in French and teaching, and also graduated with a 3.8 GPA in college as well. Later on, she decided to go back to university to get a master’s degree at Lesley University. However, during the time of getting her master’s degree, she already had a family to take care of and had to take classes for 8 hours over the weekend. 

First Years Teaching:

Ms. Miller has mentioned how teaching has become extremely different over the past few years. When she started teaching, overall morale and effort were significantly higher. She also mentioned how the staff then was very different from the staff now. At the time, there were over triple the amount of teachers in the language department. Overall, her experience teaching has unfortunately gotten worse over the years. 

Working As a Teacher:

Ms. Miller mentioned how she always wanted to be a teacher since high school. When Ms. Miller started teaching, she was working as a French and a Latin teacher. However, she had to drop the Latin course after the regulation laws had changed. She mentions how she would only ever want to work in a language class, and other classes would be incredibly difficult to teach. 

Life After Teaching:

Ms. Miller states how she is looking for another type of job after teaching. Ms. Miller is also working as a pharmacy tech as a second job, and mentions how she would like to pursue a job in this field after she finishes teaching French. She mentions how in 7 years from now, she thinks she will no longer be a French teacher and plans on working further in this profession. 

Ms. Miller is a teacher who has always tried her hardest in every subject. After trying her hardest in high school, she was able to get into a private college, and was able to get amazing grades there as well. She became a teacher at Manchester High School West, and has been working here for many years. After this, she plans on working in a pharmaceutical job. Overall, Ms. Miller is a hard-working and skillful person, and has shown how beneficial this can be. 

Touch Screen TVs: Better Than White Boards?

Touch Screen TVs: Better Than White Boards?

Touch screen TVs are a new type of technology that could help make many people’s lives easier. The drawing feature on these TVs can be more informative than standard whiteboards and could be very useful in the future. The capabilities of these TVs are incredibly useful, and they can help users see multiple topics in a different way. However, these TVs could seem difficult to use at first glance, but once you understand the basics, they are incredibly easy to use. 

1. Using the Canvas App:

The Canvas app is one of the most unique and useful apps. To use the Canvas app, use the pen and click on the Canvas app to open it. On the bottom of the screen, you should see a window with multiple options. To select a brush, use the pen, and select the object that looks like a brush. Now try drawing on the canvas, if done correctly, you should now be able to draw on the canvas. 

Using the Brush Tools: Next, you may notice there are 5 brush types available. To choose a different brush type, click on one of the 5 brushes available above the color selection. The 5 brushes available are a marker, a paintbrush, a shape-maker, a flashing ink marker, and a light marker.

Changing the Brush Size: Once you have chosen your brush type, you might want to change the size. To change the size, click and drag your pen over the expanding cylinder. The size of the dot on the cylinder, will be the size of the pen on the screen.

Changing the Brush Color: After this, you can change the color of your pen on the screen. You may notice that there is a row of multiple colors in the middle of the menu. To choose one of these colors, click on the color, then draw on the screen in a different color. You may also notice that there is an arrow next to the colors available, and you can use this right arrow to select a different color.

Erasing: If you made a small error in your drawing, the natural thing to do is to erase a smaller part. To erase, select the eraser icon on the bottom of the menu to the right of the marker. Here, you should see 2 options. The options are changing the size of the eraser, and erasing the entire page. Changing the size of the eraser is exactly the same as changing the size of the marker. If you want to erase the entire drawing then click the paper with the red x on it. This will give a warning prompt, and if you want this to be completely erased, then you may press accept.

6. Undo and Redo:

If you make a small mistake in your drawing, and you do not want to erase it, then you can undo your previous stroke. To undo, you simply click the arrow that is pointing counter-clockwise to the left. If you accidentally clicked the undo button, you can click the redo button. To redo you click the clockwise arrow to the right, which will return to the drawing you had previously. 

7. Saving Your Drawings:

To save your drawings, you need to click on the button on the bottom that looks like a picture on the menu. This will show the files available on the TV. To save, select the folder you would like to place the drawing in, and then hit the save button in the bottom right corner. This will keep the drawing, so you can view it again later. 

8. Viewing a Previously Saved Drawing:

Viewing a drawing is just as simple as saving a drawing. First, hit the button on the right of the bottom menu that looks like an up arrow. Then, you will be able to see the files available. Click on the folder you placed this drawing, and then select it. Click on the blue open button in the bottom right. If done correctly, then your previous drawing will reappear. 

Those are the basics of using the drawing feature on the TVs. Even though it may seem difficult, it is actually quite simple to use. There are many obvious benefits of using the canvas feature, rather than using a standard whiteboard. The benefits of using these TVs are endless, and can completely change the teaching methods of many teachers worldwide. 

Who Should You Give Your Information To?

Who Should You Give Your Information To?

The internet could seem like a very dangerous place, and that there are multiple people trying to steal your credentials. However, if you stay on trusted websites, you will have no difficulties and issues. Even though it may seem like there is no indication of whether or not a website is safe, there are multiple indicators of the safety level of multiple websites. If you know what to look for, you will never run into any issues using these websites. 

Paying for Things Online

Credit card scams may seem like they are all over, and that everyone is prone to have their information stolen. However, there are thousands of transactions that occur every day, and the scams are a tiny fraction of those transactions. If you follow the basic procedures, then you should most likely be okay. The most important fact is to understand the most trusted websites by multiple companies. According to The Balance, the most trusted websites are Paypal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Zelle. By checking if the website you want to use accepts one of these payments, then you should definitely choose it. 

What Information Should You Give Out?

There might be some websites asking for a lot of information, and that could seem threatening at first. Besides credit cards, you should try to see what other information you need to give them. Asking for things like a phone number or address could seem a bit dangerous, and only should be trusted by reputable companies. Asking for things like Social Security Number, or any other very personal information should be avoided at all costs, unless the website has a valid reasoning as to why. Overall, you should try to avoid giving out personal information, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Additional Steps to Safety

A very good step to stay safe online is to use a VPN. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an application on your phone or computer which allows you to protect yourself online. A VPN can range from $3 a month to over $20 a month. However, oftentimes there are free VPNs that are advertised, but these are likely scams, and should be avoided. 

What Browsers and Internet Providers Show

Browsers and internet providers show a lot of information, which helps you to understand the safety of a website. First, check the top left of the search bar, if the screen shows a little lock, then that means the website is secure. Another message you could see is that a website is dangerous by chrome. In this situation, Chrome will display a red screen with a big warning symbol. If this occurs, you should not bypass this screen, as the website will likely be harmful to your computer. 

Staying safe online is a very easy thing that could save you from many crimes. First, knowing what credit card websites you should give your information to. Next, only giving out important information will help you. Lastly, looking for whether or not web browsers trust the website. If you follow basic procedures, and try to practice basic safety precautions, then you should be able to stay safe on the internet. 

Pritchard, Justin. “How Safe Is It to Use PayPal?” The Balance, The Balance, 18 Jan. 2019, https://www.thebalance.com/is-paypal-safe-315818.

“Credit Card.” Wikipedia, https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjQ2s_I4NXlAhUDrlkKHcOUAjsQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_card&psig=AOvVaw1f-Al9r_YqxVCw1XM-wv4v&ust=1573135486463670.

“What is an SSL and does your website need one” Bybo.com.au, https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwibtqSl4dXlAhVkiOAKHQiIBycQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https://bybo.com.au/ssl-website-need-one/&psig=AOvVaw2Al9JkcZVN6ZxUXO3e-OJa&ust=1573135692119980.

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjf0vWu39rlAhVSh-AKHSWeCmUQjRx6BAgBEAQ&url=https://www.pcmag.com/article/365618/how-to-install-a-vpn-on-your-router&psig=AOvVaw2eW4TWeIeyxaIud6MGO8Uw&ust=1573306977873802

Davis, G. (2017, July 7). 10 Tips To Stay Safe Online. Retrieved from https://securingtomorrow.mcafee.com/consumer/consumer-threat-notices/10-tips-stay-safe-online/.

Ms. Russell: From Theatre to Teacher

Ms. Russell: From Theatre to Teacher

Ms. Russell (Born Kristen Russell) is an English teacher at Manchester High School West. She has been teaching here for 5 years. Throughout her 5 years at West, she taught many different English classes of different levels. Even before she was an official teacher, she worked as a substitute for a few years. From her experience teaching others, she has proven to be a considerate and respectful teacher. 

                                                        High School Life

2008: Graduated from Manchester High School West 2012: Graduated from Plymouth State University 2012: Started working as a substitute teacher 2015: Started working at Manchester High School West

Ms. Russell was a student at Manchester High School West and is now a teacher here. She mentioned that it was a comforting experience to have her former teachers be her new colleagues. While she was in high school, she was an active member of the theatre program. If she was not a teacher, right now she assumes she would work in theatre, as she always thought it was a lot of fun.

               

                  University Life

Ms. Russell went to Plymouth State University, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. While at university, she was president of the Poets & Writers Club, and took part in publishing a literary magazine. During this time, she took part in many open mics and had local poets edit and review everything in the magazine. Throughout university, she wanted to try as many things as possible, and had a lot of fun trying many things she never thought she would do. 

Working as a Substitute

Before working as a teacher, she worked as a substitute for a few years. She primarily worked only with the English section so she could get a better grasp of the teaching experience. During this time, she tried her hardest to create a closer bond with the students of the classes she substituted for. She also experienced many different levels of English classes. She taught classes from foundations to AP and this helped her to work with students of all levels.

 

                                                      Personal Life

Ms. Russell has a very interesting personal life shaped by her interests. From a young age, she was very interested in the theatre program, and often tried to join as many plays as she could. Another big interest she has is the constituent country of Scotland. She took a trip to Scotland, and mentioned how life-changing it seemed. She stated how it reminds her a lot of home, but has a centuries-old history. Through visiting Scotland, she was able to see some real places that stories were based on, and get a better understanding of the stories she was reading and teaching. Through these experiences, she was able to make herself a better person, and really shape her interests in a better way.

 

Overall, Ms. Russell is a very interesting teacher and a very nice person to be working at West. From her time being a student at West, to being a teacher at West, she has been an amazing and inspirational person. From always teaching new classes, she has proven to be a well rounded and flexible individual. Her passion for theatre has helped her become a better teacher, and better person. No matter what instance you meet her, Ms. Russell is always a very cordial individual. 

Is it Really Difficult to Use Google Maps?

Is it Really Difficult to Use Google Maps?

Google Maps could seem overwhelming at a first glance, but really it is quite a simple and useful website to use. On Google Maps, you can view a detailed map of the road system, looking at every road in your city, or you could zoom out, and view a map of the entire world. Additionally, you could go into “Street View mode” which will let you see the view of the area from the street. So overall, Google Maps is a very useful application and should be used by many people. 

1. Visit the Google Maps Website: Google Maps is a Google app that can be used without a Google account, even though signing in is recommended. Google Maps 
2. Click on the Link: On this link, you should see a very zoomed-out view of North and South America. 

3. Moving Around: To move the earth around, you need to use your mouse. Click and hold your mouse, then slightly drag it down. If done correctly, you should be closer to a view of the United States. 
4. Zooming: There are 2 main ways to zoom. The easiest way is to use your scroll wheel. While hovering your mouse over a location, zoom in on a location. Additionally, you can use the + and - keys in the bottom right corner. You now should see a closer view of the area you placed your mouse. 
5. Street View: The Street View mode is a mode that allows you to view the map as if you were there in the actual location. To activate this mode, you must be very close to a location. In the bottom right, there is a little yellow man. To activate this mode, you need to click and drag the man to a street. If you are holding him, you should see that all of the roads that have this feature are blue. 

6. Directions: Directions is one of the most popular features on Google Maps. First, click on the building you are starting on. Next, click on the blue “Directions” button underneath the description of the building. Then, type in the address of the building you are going to. Google Maps will then give you directions on how to get there, and the fastest routes to make it there.  

Those are all of the basics! Google Maps is quite a simple application to use. In this guide. you learned the most useful features of Google Maps, but there are many others that you could try. By using Google Maps in your daily life, it will definitely help you improve your navigation. Whether you are trying to get directions to your hotel or trying to view the buildings in Times Square, Google Maps is a very useful application. 

Google Maps, Google, https://www.google.com/maps.

“10 Things Google Maps Can Do For You.” Embed Google Maps, https://embedgooglemaps.com/en/10-things-google-maps-can/.

Is Evernote Better than Google Drive?

Is Evernote Better than Google Drive?

Evernote is an application that can be used on a smartphone, tablet, computer, and more. On this app, you can take notes on one device, and it will show up on all other devices that have access to your Evernote account. There are other things you can do on Evernote as well, like make a reminder, make an audio recording, or make a handwritten note. The main application is free, but there are also 2 paid plans, the “Premium Plan” is $7.99 a month, and “Evernote Business” is $14.99 a month.  

Are the paid plans worth it?

1. It seems like the Premium and Business versions are only beneficial if you are planning on using this app professionally. 

2. For a regular person, however, it doesn’t seem like it would be paramount to use either of the paid versions. 

Comparison to Google Drive

Google Drive	Evernote
Automatic backup for up to 15 GB of data in the free version All notes are kept scattered in your drive No written notes are available, and must be typed Select from many different unique fonts	Only can upload up to 60 MB per month in the free version Can organize notes in a notebook for easy reading Ability to use drawings in notes, and make written sketches Only very basic fonts are available to use

Many of the sources I looked at were from websites comparing Google Drive and Evernote. I also viewed the official Evernote account to compare the differences in their plans. It seems like Evernote would be more useful only for taking notes, while Google Drive would be more useful for many different things. So, overall both are good options to choose from, and depend on how you will use it.

Gildred, Joseph, et al. “Evernote vs Google Drive: Which Will Work Best for You?” Cloudwards, 28 May 2018, https://www.cloudwards.net/evernote-vs-google-drive/.

“Evernote vs Google Drive Comparison Chart of Features.” GetApp, https://www.getapp.com/collaboration-software/a/evernote/compare/google-drive/.

“Compare Plans and Get Started for Free.” Evernote, https://evernote.com/compare-plans.

Evernote Symbol. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Evernote_Icon.png.

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