Resources - Terms

Select the down-arrow next to any term to reveal its definition.

A

Add-On

Similar to extensions, an add-on is software you can download that adds capability to other software. The difference is an add-on is limited to a specific piece of software. For example there is an add-on within Google Docs that allows you to add a signature line.

App

Software that you choose to open and close as you need by selecting an icon on your PC or Chromebook. Apps may be complex software but are often just links to the internet source for the software.

B

C

Chromebook

Chromebooks primary function is to access the internet where most of its software and data is stored, as opposed to our PC laptops which have internal memory. Because Chromebooks are less dependent on its own parts they are cheaper, lighter, and simpler to repair than a PC. However, accessing data through the internet slows the processing a little, therefore more complex software is not always available on a Chromebook.

Clipboard

When data (test or an image) is copied and is ready to be pasted it is said to be on the 'Clipboard'.

D

Desktop

The screen you see when all files on your device are closed is referred to as the 'desktop'. When you save an item to your desktop it likely appears as an icon on the desktop representing that file. Items saved to your desktop use up memory in your computer's hard drive.

Device

A generic term that is used throughout this website to refer to a piece of technology that stores memory and has a display readout. Chromebooks, Laptops, and tablets are collectively referred to as devices.

E

Extension

Extensions are programs that extend what your web browser can do. Some have been added to Chrome by the district and others can be added by you. Sometimes they are just operating in the background, like Aristotle which is monitoring and filtering the pages that can be accessed on district computers. Sometimes an extension needs you to select when it should function, like Read&Write which can read contents of a webpage and dictates text as you speak. Extensions installed in your web browser are under the puzzle piece icon located at the top right, next to the URL web address.

Extension Menu

The Extension Menu holds the extensions installed in your web browse. The menu is accessed by selecting the puzzle piece icon located at the top right, next to the URL web address. Each item in the menu has two icons next to it. The first icon is a push pin which, when selected, pins that extension to the 'Extension Menu Bar'. The second icon is three vertical dots which, when selected, opens menu options associated with that extension.

Extension Menu Bar

The Extension Menu Bar are the extension icons located next to the Extension Menu icon which is a puzzle piece icon at the top right of the screen next to the star in the URL bar. You can pin extensions to the Extension Menu Bar by selecting the push pin icon found next to the extension in the Extension Menu. Some extensions have already been pinned by the district.

F

G

Grading Window

The period of time (1-2 weeks) when teachers are expected to finalize and post student's overall grades for a grading period.

H

I

J

K

L

Laptop

A laptop is more portable than a desktop because it contains a battery and has a connected monitor. Chromebooks can properly be called a laptop but in our district we usually use the term laptop to refer to the PCs our district provides.

Left-Click

This refers to using the mouse button on the left, if the mouse has two buttons. It is usually used in software to select items you want to interact with. If a mouse only has one button, it usually takes on the function of the left button.

Local Hard Drive

Memory on the computer where data can be stored as opposed to the data being stored online or "in the cloud". It isn't always easy to tell which files are stored on the local hard drive and which are stored online, in some instances the data is stored in both places. Saving a file on the computer desktop or downloading an image to a Chromebook would store it on the local hard drive. Online sources usually do not and many apps store data both on your local hard drive and online.

M

N

Network Account

The credentials used to log into your laptop are associated with your network account. Network accounts are given Google accounts which often have the same login credentials. If a person has a district email address then they have a district network account.

O

P

PC

PC stands for personal computer which may be a desktop or laptop. PCs differ from Chromebooks in that they store most of the data and software within the device. In our district PC and laptop are used interchangeably because most of our PCs are laptops.

Phishing

An email, text, direct message, social media post, or phone call providing a deceitful link, email address, or attachment that collects personal information or infects your devices.

Recognize and Report Phishing video.

Post Grades

Posting in Skyward finalizes grades for a grading period are reports them to families but also to student transcripts and state records.

Q

R

Right Click

This refers to using the button on the right side of a mouse. It usually brings up a menu of frequently used options in that software. For a mouse or trackpad without two buttons, a right click menu can be brought up holding down the 'Ctrl' button while clicking.

Rostering

The process of adding a list of students and possibly also data associated with them, to a section of software.

S

Screencast

Video of a computer screen that often includes a section of video of the person as they explain what they are doing on the screen.

Settings Menu

Most hardware, like a laptop and a Chromebook, will have a Settings Menu where you can adjust how it looks and operates. In the case of your laptop or a Chromebook the Settings menu can be accessed in the Startup Menu. Our district may block some setting options.

Skyward Rollover

The summer process of updating Skyward data to the next school year. This archives some data and begins operating under the correct year which allows Administrative Assistants to begin assigning classes and enrolling students for the following school year.

Software Download

Software that is copied from the internet and written to your PC or Chromebook. Downloaded software is not reliant on internet connections that can slow software down.

Startup Menu

The Startup Menu is a generic term for the main menu that gives overall access to the software on a piece of hardware. It often has an option to restart the device. On a Chromebook the Startup Menu is an icon of a circle called the Launcher. On a laptop the Startup Menu is an icon of the Microsoft Windows logo. Both are usually on a bar at the bottom of the screen but that bar can be set to hide or move to a different location.

T

Taskbar

The taskbar is a strip that contains icons for computer functions. The location and appearance of the taskbar can be changed but it is usually located at the bottom of the screen with the Windows Menu at the left, settings for WiFi, speakers, battery level, and a clock at the right. You can bring up the menu to change the taskbar by right clicking on it.

Total Points

A grading system where each assignment is assigned a specific number of points. The final grade is determined by the total number of points earned divided by the total number of points possible. For example, if a student earns 80 out of 100 possible points, their grade would be 80%.

U

URL

The acronym URL (Uniform Resource Locator) refers to the web address for a website.

User Credentials

The data that identifies you to a website. this includes usernames and passwords.

V

W

Web Browser

Web browser refers to the software used to display web pages. Google Chrome is a the most commonly used web browser in the district. Chromebooks operate almost entirely on web pages so is always running Chrome. Other familiar web browsers include Internet Explorer (Microsoft), Safari (iOS/Apple), and Firefox (General Public Use). Chromium is a web browser for Newline and CleverTouch boards that (with a few exceptions) works just like Chrome.

Weight

Grading technique where different categories of assignments contribute to the final grade in varying percentages allowing the teacher to emphasize the importance of some categories in determining the student's overall grade. For example, weekly tests may be worth 40%, a final exam worth 50%, and daily work worth 10%. The total points in each category are calculated before the percentage is applied to calculate the overall grade.

Windows Menu

The Windows menu is the icon with the Microsoft Windows logo that is in the Task Bar of any Windows PC. It is in the lower left of the computer screen unless the Task Bar has been moved. The Windows menu gives you quick access to the software and settings on your PC.