spring user group meeting

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Spring User Group MeetingWebs that WorkWednesday, May 29th, 2013

IntroductionsWNYRIC Webs that Work TeamTeam Lead - Rob WarchockiSupervisor of Web Site & Messaging ServicesSupport - Webs That WorkBecky Zdon Implementation SpecialistMindy Gigantelli - Application Support/TrainingLynne Widmer - Application Support/TrainingBill Brown/John Marren Server SupportRob2IntroductionsSchoolwires TeamDirk Hamilton Sr. Manager of Client RelationshipsMichael Gabel Client Success Representative

Rob introduces Becky for service for agenda/service updates3AgendaService UpdatesWebsites and Browser CompatibilityInnovative Ideas! District SharingTips & Tricks in C2Working with TablesAll about AppsWYSIWYG Editor Building a Searchable Forms MinibaseSchoolwires Updates Becky4Service UpdatesSupport RemindersFor fastest service, collect as much information as possible prior to contacting our teamEmail [email protected] for website supportOr call the WNYRIC Service Desk at (716) 821-7171After hours support (before 8 am or after 4:30 pm)Remind editors of the appropriate district support contact. Do not contact Schoolwires directly!Service & Pricing Information Web: www.wnyric.org Email: [email protected]/call: (716) 821-7355Becky5Service UpdatesTraining RemindersC2 Customers receive 2 FULL days of training per yearC2 Essential Customers receive 2.5 days of training per year.Training hours do not carry forward from one year to the nextRefer to the Training Service Level Agreement for detailed guidelines (included in training packet).Becky6Service UpdatesTrainings are available for both C2 and C2 Essential: Section Editor Level 1 Section Editor Level 2 Homepage & Calendar Editor Training for New Site Directors Custom Site Director Training (select from list of topics)C2 Essential Orientation Training for Site Directors Training for New Subsite DirectorsCustom Subsite Director Training (select from list of topics)Additional training requests will be consideredNote: Training packets include an agenda for each offering listed above. Ask the group if they have any ideas for training offerings (html class?). Becky introduces Rob for the Website and Browser Compatibility topic with a little background on why we are doing this presentation.7Websites and Browser CompatibilityRobert WarchockiManager of Messaging, Website, & Web Development Services

Rob8What is a Web Browser?A computer program used for accessing sites or information on the internet.Retrieves code usually written in HTML and CSS from a web server, interprets this code, and renders (displays) it as a web page for you to view.

What is HTML?HTML is a set of codes or tags that provide a web browser with directions on how to structure a web pages information and content.HTML tags: , , ,
, , etc.Many Website Content Management systems (ie; Schoolwires Centricity 2) use a rich text (WYSIWYG) editor, to simplify the process of adding content to a website. Sample web page10What is CSS?Web browsers also refer to Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to define the appearance and layout of text and other content.CSS: , font=arial, background=pic.jpg, etc.Keeping content (HTML) and design (CSS) separate from one another is the most efficient way to build a website.Schoolwires Centricity 2 uses CSS to control the appearance of many elements within the website template.

Sample CSS Styles

Browser FunctionalityEach browser has a different (though similar) base set of functionality, such as rendering text and displaying images.Most browsers functionality can be extended to include additional capabilities. These are called plugins, add-ons, or extensions.spell checking, Flash animation, run Java programs, block pop-ups, etc.

End of the RainbowNow the storm clouds move in and frustration begins

Common IssuesThere are many web browsers (over 30)Each determines how to render HTML & CSS and this causes formatting to vary across each browserBrowsers continuously update to new versions, each with its own unique set of standardsIndividual user preferences/browser settingsFonts & Colors, Security Settings, zoom level, etc.Although plug-in and add-ons can enhance the experience for the user, they can also cause issues with website contentExample: Flash, not installed or needing updates

IE Compatibility Mode (View)

Compatibility Mode OnCompatibility Mode Off

Common Plugin IssuesAll plugins cannot be installed in all browsers For example, Safari for Mac cant install the ActiveX plugin as ActiveX can only run on Windows machinesBecause plugins are optional, someone may not have it installed on their browserCertain videos may not play (wmv or swf)When there is more than one browser on a machine, each browser has their own set of installed pluginsInstalling a plugin to one browser does not mean its available to all browsersSome plugins can have multiple versions installed in a browserExample: Java can have versions 5, 6, and 7, and 32-bit, 64-bit versions Other Common Viewing IssuesIn addition to browser/plug-in concerns, the following items can also affect how your website will display:OS (operating system)Display ResolutionInstalled fontsStandard vs. Widescreen DevicesThe Mobile Market

Notice the differences in font style, formatting and the height of the cells.Internet ExplorerFirefoxPush back the clouds

Some Advice to Avoid FrustrationFollow these hints and tips for the best results with content.For important content, try it out on more browsers and other machines!Instead of posting office documents, convert them to PDF format and then post.Tables are meant for rows and columns of data, not formatting or positioning text!Dont copy and paste from office documents! That brings in formatting junk that doesnt work for the web. Use the special copy/import buttons instead.Enter the contents text first, then go back and format.More AdviceAdobe Flash Player is not supported on Apple devices like iPhones and iPads.Stick with common file types like mpeg, pdf, and jpegs.Not sure of the browser support? Search the web! For example, search for: Adobe Flash browser supportDont know the company or product? Search for the file extension and browser support. For example: .swf browser supportUse Google Analytics to see how visitors are accessing your website (browser, O/S, device).Rob wraps up and introduces Mindy and Becky22Innovative IdeasDistrict SharingMindy and Becky23Exemplary uses of Website ToolsLockport On-line Ticket Order FormCSAT WikiPine Valley Creative Caption & Video LibraryEllicottville ECS Live Dunkirk Video On Demand!Barker Scholarship PageBarker Awards, Recognition, Records and ChampionsBarker Link 2 Athletics ArchiveAkron Sub Summary FormAvoca Technology PageLancaster Gets SmartLancaster Content Alerts via Text (handout)

Check the terms and conditions and make sure that it fits with the district policies. Introduce next topic which is Tips & Tricks in Centricity 2 Becky will do 1st topic on TablesWhy did you create this? What was the need?How did you accomplish this?How did it work? What feedback did you receive?We will ask at the end of each district share if anyone has any questions for the district24Did you know?All Cell Phones have a corresponding email address:AT&T [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] or [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Lynne introduces next topic of Centralizing District Forms25Tips & Tricks in C2Rebecca Zdon, Mindy Gigantelli, & Lynne Widmer26Table Editing Tips & TricksTable Editing Tips:Copying & pasting tables into the WYSIWYG editor from other applications can cause many issues down the roadTry other techniques to incorporate a table into your websiteUse the Document Viewer, embed, attachment/hyperlink, create the table using the table tools in the WYSIWYG.Tables should only be used for rendering data that belongs naturally in a grid.Tables should not be used to position the contents on the page in some way (ie; add spacing around an image).Insert a table between blank lines in the editor so that there is at least one blank line above and below the table.

Becky27Working with TablesTable Editing Tips:Save formatting for LAST!Complete your data entry before you consider the formattingApply common formats to the entire table rather than cell by cellAvoid adding extra returns or spaces in a cellThere are two separate editors when dealing with tables.DO NOT use the WYSIWYG toolbar/formatting options, unless you need to format a row/cell differently than the rest of the tableDO use the Table Options/PropertiesTo edit your table using the Table Options/PropertiesRight-click anywhere in the tableSelect Table Options and then Properties

Bullet 1: Exception to formatting rule is if using the Table Wizard you may do the overall table formatting first.Bullet 2: Show them a common problem with formatting a cell or row using the WYSIWYG toolbar. If you try to Center text using the Center alignment button on the toolbar a p tag is added which throws off the spacing of the table.28Common Table PropertiesCell spacing controls the distance between the cells.Cell padding controls the distance between the text in the cell and edge of the cell. Rules specifies which parts of the inside borders that should be visible.Set Rules to ALL for a border around every cell!Collapse table border - the space and the borders between table cells collapse so there is only one border and no space between cells.If not checked- all table cells have their own independent borders and there may be space between those cells as well.

Common Table PropertiesWidth can be set in pixels or percent.Do not exceed 600 pixelsEnter 100% to force the table to auto-fit the page widthAlignment will control the position of the table. Center, Left, or RightText Alignment will control the position of the text within the cell.Float will allow you to wrap text to the left or right of the table.

Style BuilderUse the Style Builder to control the appearance of text within the table and adjust other settings:Font Family, Size, Style & DecorationAlignment, Spacing - Word, Character, & Line Height List Options Bullets and NumberingAdditional Border Options, Margins, & PaddingCustom CSSCommon Table IssuesSample table formatting/reformatting applied to each individual cellexcessive code can cause issues when updating contentSuggestions to fix existing tables:Recreate the tableTry the Clear Formatting buttonRemove excessive tagsBecky introduces next topic of Working with Apps presented by Mindy32Working with AppsBuilding Pages with Multiple AppsSamples:Wellsville Curriculum & InstructionNorth Tonawanda Common CoreDemo Site - Sample Teacher SiteThere are three ways to create a multi-app page:Design a page from scratch in the section workspaceTake existing content and combine into one pageCreate Page Layouts to share with your editorsMindy33Working with AppsReview Default Page Types (Single App Pages)Create Additional Page TypeCreate Classroom Resources page with 4 apps. Flex Editor, Book List, Link Library and File LibraryAdd Custom Page Layout to SectionEdit the Custom PageApp SharingAdd a Shared App to an existing page

Mindy introduces next topic of WYSIWYG tips and tricks with Lynne Widmer34WYSIWYG Editor TipsThe WYSIWYG editor is not a word processing applicationIt is a WEB content editor, not a print content editorEditors behave differently in different browsers and browser versions Unnecessary code is copied into the editor when you copy from a Word document Even the Paste from Word button is not meant to make a picture perfect copy of what you see in Word.

Lynne35WYSIWYG Editor TipsTip 1: Shift + Enter can resolve spacing issuesTip 2: Set horizontal/vertical spacing around an imageTip 3: Use the Edit Link Properties to quickly create or modify hyperlinksTip 4: Use element tags to remove or change formattingTip 5: Use the Formatting button for more advanced styling Tip 6: Remove formatting from text with Paste Plain Text and Clear FormattingTip 7: Dont use the space bar/tab key to adjust spacing!!! Find a double space example to show them36Centralizing District FormsForms are located in various sites/sections. This makes it difficult for the user to find what they need.Where are your district forms? Food Services/Cafeteria: Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals/MilkHealth Services: Parent and Physician Authorization for Administration of MedicationGuidance Office: Scholarship Applications, Transcript Release RequestAthletics/Activities: Concession Consent Form, Extracurricular Eligibility Rules & Permission Form Becky or Mindy37Centralizing District Forms (cont.)Centralizing District Forms (cont.)Using Centricity 2 to Organize District FormsMinibase with clickable linksFile Library Apps organized by category

Beck or Min introduce Mike for final presentation on Schoolwires news and updates39UpdatesMichael Gabel

New ProductsTemplate LibraryMobile AppTemplate LibraryStandard Templates2 Free Templates Express Templates6 TemplatesMyWay Templates20 TemplatesMyWay Premium Templates3 templates (2 Responsive, 1 Seasonal)Mobile OptionsWeb AppMobile AppBranded Mobile AppResponsive DesignRuby SapphireWeb AppA fast and easy way to give everyone in your district immediate access to your site and the apps youre already using in Centricity2TM without having to download an app to their mobile phone. No need for users to download an app to their phoneGives smartphone users easy access to your district websiteDesigned specifically for smartphones, so information is easy to view Offers standard themes or custom theme to match the look of your website

Mobile AppAvailable for download via iTunes or Google Play, our mobile app gives smartphone users easy access to your site so they can keep up with whats happening in your district.Easily downloaded from iTunes and Google Play app storesLets you use apps youve already set up in Centricity2 on your smartphone Can brand the app to match the colors, font, and logo on your website ($)

Self-Branded AppGives your district the prestige of having a branded mobile app on iTunes or Google Play

Responsive DesignThe templates change to accommodate different screen sizes, and elements on the page can be hidden or displayed depending on the screens resolution.Provides an optimal viewing experience with a minimum of resizing, panning and scrolling across a wide range of devices, from desktops to smartphones.Access to your entire website on a wide range of mobile devices and browsers A consistent branding experience on desktop and mobile devices One template design offers five different views, so theres no need to purchase multiple templates Quick and easy access to your most important information on mobile devices

Responsive DesignRuby Custom TemplatesOur Ruby custom templates feature responsive web design and provide an exclusive look and feel. Our Ruby custom templates offer:Responsive web designSame color for each siteCustom global iconsCustom MyStart barCustom footerDedicated designer

Sapphire Custom TemplatesOur Sapphire custom templates feature responsive web design and allow each school to have its own unique color scheme while keeping branding consistent across your district. Our Sapphire templates offer:Responsive web designExclusive look and feelDifferent colors for each siteCustom global iconsCustom MyStart barCustom footerDedicated designer

MyWay Premium Templates

Latest Releases Winter Release 1Template LibraryGoogle Page MapsWinter Release 2Mobile AppNew AppsUniversal ConnectorEnhancementsWinter Release 1 & 2Resolved Issues

Winter Release 1Template LibraryGoogle Page MapsGoogle Page MapsPageMaps We added Google specific mark-up to organize content by site ID. This will help improve indexing of search engine results for pages within the website. The pagemap attribute sets the site name (site id) in the source code of the page.

Google will now be able to better determine that /page/125 is associated with Happy Valley High School.

By adding the pagemap, we can also consider future functionality such as filters allowing for school specific searching.

Winter Release 2Mobile AppNew AppsUniversal ConnectorEnhancementsNew Apps for C2About TeacherDoc ViewerEmbed CodeSchool DirectoryStaff DirectoryAbout TeacherAbout Teacher App This new app allows teachers to easily display their pictures and relevant information in their sections.About Teacher

Doc ViewerYou can display a document in its entirety using the Document Viewer App. You can display DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX, PDF and PAGES file types in this app. You simply browse for the file you wish to display and follow the Insert File wizard. The file is uploaded to your Files & Folders. Visitors to the end-user website use controls to manipulate how the document displays. Doc Viewer Contd

Embed CodeMany third party services such as YouTube or TeacherTube provide embed code for objects such as videos that are posted on their sites. This code normally includes code for a player as well. You can use this code to insert or embed the video and its player into a page on your site. Visitors can then watch the video on your page and not have to navigate to the site where the video is hosted in order to view it. We recommend that you insert third party embed code into the Embed Code app and not into the HTML View of the Schoolwires Editor. Embed Code

School DirectoryThe School Directory app allows you to add and maintain information about each of your schools and the District site.You can:include information such as the school name, school type, contact information and even upload a picture of your school or your mascotcreate school records manually or you can import them using a CSV fileexport information from the app into a CSV file, modify this file and use it to update school information or import into a new School Directory AppSchool Directory

Staff DirectoryThe Staff Directory App allows you to add and maintain information about each of your staff members.You can:include names, phone numbers, extensions, email addresses and room numberscreate staff records manually or you can import them using a CSV fileexport information from the app into a CSV file, modify this file and use it to update staff information or import into a new Staff Directory App. Staff Directory

EnhancementsCalendarTaggingMini BaseForms and SurveysCalendar You can filter the Event Queue to display events that are approved, declined or awaiting approval.

TaggingTagging allows you to categorize and filter records in Headlines, Blogs and Podcasts. Once attached, your tags will display as a filtered list on the right side of your page.You use these tags to filter which app records display on the end-user website. If you choose, you can display the tags by which you filtered an app as clickable links on the end-user website or simply display the filtered records without displaying the tags.Tagging Headline App

Mobile NotificationDisplay a mobile notification banner at the top of every mobile site in your district!

Resolved IssuesAdding an assignment to the calendar used to show an end time of 0:00 am. File Library FF never allowed a user the choice to open the file, it always downloaded. The end user now has the option to open or download. Forms and Surveys Main FIX Users will be redirected to a sign-in page when they attempt to access a protected form or survey. Also several defects fixed to include More button on report shares, folder dropdown in Shared Image in Styles, Form expiration date consistent with other dates (expires at end of day).Homepage Editors cannot upload files to some apps in the Site Workspace.Unable to use Home breadcrumb after using View Website in a Flex App.Comment sorting appears to be sorting by comment ID and not by date.72Resolved Issues, continuedContent Moderation when creating a new group the name does not save the first time.Hidden Channels (ie: teacher channels) Breadcrumbs not working properly.C2E* ONLY Able to edit Shared App through the Mobile tab as a subsite director. Bullets not displaying properly.All registered users group not functioning properly with Commenting and Community Contribution.E-Alert not working on NEW flex editor apps.User Email and Phone Info. needs to be mapped when updating the user store otherwise the existing information for email/phone will be deleted.For a complete list of enhancements/defect fixes included in the Winter 1 & 2 releases, please visit http://c2upgrade.schoolwires.net/c2upgrade.73Additional InfoC2 Release infohttp://c2upgrade.schoolwires.net/C2ReleaseInfoIE 10 IssuesSummer ReleaseQuestions Comments?Please direct future questions on products, services, and features to WNYRIC74

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