Pathfinders

How to engage your students in computer-based learning quickly and easily.

PathfindersWhat is a pathfinder?

A table of buttons the user can click on to automatically navigate to pre-selected programs or websites.

PathfindersDuring this session you will

learn:•Why pathfinders are so useful

•How to build the basic framework of a pathfinder

•How to capture images from the actual learning programs and websites

•How to create hyperlinks from the image to the program or site

PathfindersWhy use a pathfinder?

•Students might find inappropriate sites

•Students might not understand your intent

•They are a way to differentiate the learning

•Students might not have adequate computer skills

PathfindersWhy should it be visual?

•Learners of English

•Poor reading skills

•Poor listening skills

PathfindersHow to make a pathfinder:

1.Research for links or programs

2.Build a table

3.Capture screen shots

4.Create hyperlinks

PathfindersStep 1: Research

•Decide how many programs you need.

•Search through the programs already on your server or hard drive

•Consider CD’s-will you have enough for all users?

•Spend some time looking on the Internet (save the links)

PathfindersUse Microsoft Word

Click and drag from the menu bar:

table-insert-table

Step 2: Build a table

PathfindersStart small- try three choices for each category. So set your table for 2 columns and 3 rows.

PathfindersYour new table will appear.

PathfindersMake each column a different color.

Highlight the column by clicking and dragging down.

Then from the menu bar, click : Format-Borders and Shading. From the tabs near the top, select Shading.

PathfindersIn the shading selection, just click the color you want and make sure the Apply to box says cell. Then click ok.

PathfindersShade each column a contrasting color.

You can now stretch your table to the size on the page you would like it to be. You can add title pictures to each column if you want to using Click Insert-Picture-ClipartChoose images that are clear in their purpose. Remember, we are striving for independence.

PathfindersNotice the title pictures in this pathfinder.

PathfindersNow you are ready to prepare and insert buttons for your students to click on.

You will be switching back and forth between your pathfinder document, an empty Word document workspace, and your Internet browser window. You should be familiar with minimizing and maximizing windows.

PathfindersStep 3: Capture Screen Shots

Open one of the programs or websites you selected in Step 1: Research.

Then press the Print Screen once. Nothing will happen!

Minimize the program, and maximize you Word document workspace.

PathfindersClick Edit-Paste

A HUGE picture will appear on your workspace.

Set the picture for editing by clicking on it once.

The Picture toolbar should appear.

If not, click View-Toolbars-Picture.

PathfindersYour workspace should now look like this:

PathfindersTo edit the picture, first crop or trim off the unwanted edges of the captured screen.

Use this tool to push in the small handles on the edges of the captured screen picture.

Then you can make it smaller or larger by pushing in the handles with your cursor.

PathfindersUsing Edit-Copy-Paste, copy this small, trimmed screen capture onto your pathfinder, placing it in one of the empty cells. You can center the screen capture within the cell horizontally by using Table-Table Properties-Cell-Center. You can use the alignment buttons to center it vertically.

Repeat until all cells are full.

PathfindersStep 4: Create Hyperlinks

In your filled pathfinder table, click once on a picture you want to turn into a button.

Make sure the handles appear

PathfindersFor websites, minimize your pathfinder, and maximize your internet browser window.Highlight everything in the address window, and click Edit-Copy or hold down the control button and press the C button.

PathfindersMaximize your pathfinder (make sure your picture button still has the handles) click the hyperlink tool.

Making sure you are in the correct window, paste the address of your website into the hyperlink window.

PathfindersFor programs installed on the computer or network, simply click the picture, then the hyperlink tool.

Use the down arrow to locate the program within your applications folder. Then click ok.

PathfindersYour picture is now a direct link to the program itself!

Complete the other cells by repeating the screen capture and the hyperlink steps.

NOTE: Depending on your operating system, you may have to hold down the control button while clicking on the picture to make the links work.

PathfindersConsider your next move:

•Do you need a pathfinder for your students to use during centers?

•Do you need to differentiate a variety of programs or sites?

•Do you want to avoid wasted time spent navigating to links?

•Are you now comfortable with the process to proceed on your own?