Websites of Interest

Common Errors in English

Is it your or you're? Its or it's? There, they're or their?

If you've ever wondered about proper word usage, here's a site that can help. They have an excellent collection of common grammatical errors that you can browse through.                http://www.wsu.edu/%7Ebrians/errors/index.html

ExtremeScience.Com

Here's a great science website that's specifically designed to capture a student's attention with eye-popping graphics and an array of fascinating topics ranging from extreme weather sites to world records of the animal kingdom to nuclear cold fusion. Extremescience.com was created by Elizabeth Keller who has spent time as a park ranger, peace officer, NASA employee, substitute teacher , and web designer.

http://www.extremescience.com/

A Website for Educators, Students and Parents

Education Planet's K-12 resource portal provides teachers, students and parents with convenient access to quality, teacher approved educational resources. Check out their website for a vast array of links to classroom-relevant websites. Eligible for professional development hours.
http://www.educationplanet.com/

Internet or Email Hoaxes: Tricks, Not Treats

Which of these warnings is real?

1. Iron Your Mail to Prevent Anthrax
2. Soda Pop Terrorist Warning
3. BLUE MOUNTAIN CARDS VIRUS ALERT
4. Another Close Call at the Mall  
5. Download this screen saver

Answer: (5) Download this screen saver. Worm_Deev.A is real. The rest are hoaxes designed to frighten you. Don't panic about email or Internet alerts. Most aren't true. Knowledge is power, and we encourage you to learn what's what by visiting these websites: http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org,http://Vmyths.com,  hoaxbusters.com, http://www.truthorfiction.com/, or urbanlegends.about.com/. Bookmark them for future reference!

If you specifically want information on health, you can access the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/hoax_rumors.htm

How to Spot an Email Hoax          

While no one way is foolproof, here are a few ways you can spot a hoax:

1. Note whether the text was actually written by the person who sent it to you. If not, be skeptical.
2. Look for the telltale phrase, 'Forward this to everyone you know.'
3. Look for statements like 'This is not a hoax' or 'This is not an urban legend.' They usually mean the opposite of what they say.
4. Look for overly emphatic language, the frequent use of UPPERCASE LETTERS and multiple exclamation points!!!!!!!
5. If the message seems geared more to persuade than to inform, be suspicious. Hoaxers are out to push emotional buttons.
6. If the message purports to give you extremely important information that you've never heard of before or seen elsewhere in legitimate venues, be suspicious.
7. Read carefully and think critically about what the message says, looking for logical inconsistencies, violations of common sense and obviously false claims.
8. Look for subtle or not-so-subtle jokes, indications that the author is pulling your leg.
9. Check for references to outside sources. Hoaxes will not typically name any, nor link to Websites with corroborating information.
10. Check to see if the message has been debunked by Websites that cover Internet hoaxes (see above).

                                         Creating a Junk Filter in Outlook

If your  inbox is full of unwanted junk mail, you can create filters in Outlook that will prevent most of this spam from getting through. Here's how:

• Click on "Tools", Select "Organize".

• Click on “Junk Email” link on the left side of the Organize box.

• Select Automatically “Move” (from the drop down menu), and  select Deleted Items from the next drop down menu.

• Click "Turn On".

• Select "Tools", "Organize" once again to hide the "Organize" Pane.

Licensed and Ready for Action!

Q: What do all these people have in common? Marta Austin; Hans Backer; Chriss Bonhall; Todd Clarke; Kathleen Delano;  Nancy Harris; Diane Hawkins; Art House; Rob Lakeman; Kathy Leedom; Terry Link; Deb Moore; Lance Novotny; Rian Otto; Kelly Paul; Bev Resh; Larry Rice; Margy Risner.

A: They've all completed training in the setup, use and care of the Wireless Cart. As a result, they have received their Operator's License, a must-have to use wireless technology in a classroom. If you want to join this elite group and see the many ways wireless technology can enhance your curriculum, sign up for the first of two classes being offered below.

Great Buys at the Marketplace!

Got something to sell? Want to get something at a great price? Come to the Tartan Marketplace, an online bulletin board created exclusively for the faculty and staff of SMES. Here, you may post an item to be advertised in the Tartan Marketplace or search for items already posted.  

http://www.smes.org/classes/market/market_welc.htm
 

October Classes

To reserve a place in either of these classes, email

londa.posvistak@smes.org