Windows in the Classroom Tip #1 - making Windows 8 your own

Over the next 5 weeks we will be giving you a sneak peek into the tips and tricks school leadership teams across New Zealand are learning at their complimentary Windows in the Classroom seminar.

This week we’ll cover the basics – teaching your students to customise their own start screen. Students can maximise productivity by keeping all the information that’s important in one place. They can now glance at their own personalised tiles to stay updated on the latest headlines, real-time news and information or they can quickly and easily access their favourite apps, websites and folders.

Two particularly cool functions include the ability to pin and unpin apps and to create tiles for your favourite people and places.

Pinning apps

Some of the apps your students use most might not be pinned to Start. But students have the freedom to pin what they want, where they want. On the Start screen, students can simply open the Search charm, select the app they would like to pin to open its commands, and then tap or clock to Pin to Start.

Creating tiles

A tile gives students the freedom to open their favourite app or content from the Start screen. To pin a website or contact from an app, open the app commands and click Pin to Start. To pin a folder or document, open it in File Explorer, right-click it, and then click Pin to Start.

Check out this quick video to get a better idea about how your students can benefit from the flexible and innovative new Start screen.

[View:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTuEGQcbcig]

Make sure to look out for next week's Windows in the Classroom tip!

DON'T MISS OUT, we’re still taking bookings for our Windows in the Classroom seminars. You can host a session at your school or attend one in your area. All you need to do is register your interest by emailing nzeducation@microsoft.com.

Alternatively, ‘like’ our new Facebook page to receive regular updates and feedback about the seminars. Don’t hesitate to post a question or comment on our wall. You can also find out more at our website.

Ensure your school leadership team is across the opportunity afforded by new technologies, by hosting a Windows in the Classroom seminar.