ActivInspire: Getting Started

Interested in learning how to use ActivInspire? Use this webpage to:

Learn to navigate ActivInspire.
Explore the pen and highlighter tools.
Learn to use the shape and fill tools.
Get ideas on how to use these tools with flipcharts.

Using the Pen

Storing the Pen

In order for the board to be interactive, the USB cable must be plugged in from the wall port to the laptop. The wall port looks similar to the image on the left. There will be a green light above the plug.

Don't run down your batteries!

It is best to store the pen in a drawer where it lays flat. If you accidently forget to click the pen to turn it off, it will run the battery down while standing in a pen holder.

USB Cable

When the USB cable from the wall is plugged in, a good connection is indicated by a green chain link in the lower left corner of the computer. (see image below)

If there is a red chain link, ensure the cable is plugged in from the wall to the Toshiba. If it is plugged in and there is a red chain link, be sure to open a case.

Pen Functionality

Use with any program.
Annotate with any program - similar to transparency.
Single click (tap once on board)
Double click (double tap on board)
Right click (tap > hold > release)
Click and drag (keep constant pressure)

Resolution

1280 X 800

Plug HDMI Cable from laptop to the HDMI wall port for projector.
Right click on the desktop.
Choose Graphic Options.
Choose Resolution.
Set resolution to 1280 X 800.

*Once this is set it will remember the settings the next time the projector is plugged into the laptop.

*When NOT plugged into the projector another resolution can be chosen.

Calibrate

(all schools except Acton and Hastings)

Right click on green chain link.
Select Calibration.
Be sure the pen is turned on, then tap the targets that show up on the board.

Any time it seems as though the pen is not tapping on the right area, try calibrating the pen and double check to make sure the resolution is still set at 1280 x 800.

Annotation Tools

More colors:

Right click on any color.
Select a color, use color wheel to create a color or use eye dropper to create color already on the page.

Shape Tool

Select the Shape tool.
Select the shape to create.
Select the outline color (with the color pallette on the left).
Select the fill color (with the color pallette on the right). The "No Fill" is the color indicated with an X.
Place the pen on the board, hold and draw at a diagonal direction to create the shape.

Fill Tool

Change the color of the shape:

Select the Fill tool.
Select the color.
Click on the inside of the shape or on the outline (or both) to change the color.

Change the color of the background, by clicking the background after selecting the fill tool and color.

Eraser Tools

The clear tool will erase all marks, i.e., annotations, or objects, or grids, or backgrounds on the entire page.

If the trash can is not visible:

Select the View menu.
Select Flipchart Trash can.

Page Browser

To view the page brower:

Select the View menu.
Select Browsers.

The page browser is the 1st icon.

Tip: a quick way to access browsers is to press CTRL+B

See all flipchart pages in flipchart.

Click and drag to move pages.

This slider makes the thumbnails larger or smaller.

Navigating ActivInspire

To hide the Menubar:

Select View menu.
Uncheck Menubar.

To reinstate the Menubar:

Select View menu from the tool pallette.
Check Menubar.

Page Scale Options

Click the blue snowflake to change it to Design mode.

Change from Best Fit to 25% or 50% to allow a workspace while editing.

Select Full Screen mode to hide the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. This is great when students are at the board so they don't accidently click on an icon on the taskbar.

Insert or Delete a Page

Micro Buttons

Marquee Toolbar

See how to use the Marquee Toolbar. Download the flipchart below to practice what is being done in this video.

Getting Started with ActivInspire.flipchart

Download flipchart by clicking on the title of the flipchart. (be sure pop-up blockers are allowed for google sites)
Then select the download button.
Use the flipchart to practice using the Marquee Toolbar. (The Marquee Toolbar starts on page 21.)

Still need help with what you can do with ActivInspire?

Download flipchart by clicking on the title of the flipchart. (be sure pop-up blockers are allowed for google sites)
Then select the download button.
Use the flipchart to access the various ideas for using in class.

More than 30 ideas for Flipcharts.flipchart

Math Facts Flipchart

Math Facts with Dice.flipchart

Download flipchart by clicking on the title of the flipchart. (be sure pop-up blockers are allowed for google sites)
Then select the download button.
Use the flipchart to practice math facts. Watch the video on how to use the flipchart.