Caffeine maintains your MacBook's active state and prevents the display from sleeping during instruction.  This is particularly effective when presenting content to students or during long periods of inactivity where a constant screen presence is required.

Installation & Setup:

• Download: Locate the Self-Service app (found within the Technology App  🛟  in the menu bar at the top of your screen) and install Caffeine.

• Initial Launch: Open the app from your Applications folder.

• Configuration: For the best experience, enable Automatically start Caffeine at login and Activate Caffeine at launch.  You may also disable Show this message when starting Caffeine to reduce notifications.

• Activation: Click the Coffee Cup icon in the menu bar at the top of your screen to toggle the active state.

⚠️ Security Note: To protect student and personal data, always close your MacBook lid or manually lock your screen when leaving the device unattended.

Rectangle streamlines window management on your computer. Quickly snap windows to full screen, split them side-by-side or top-to-bottom, or arrange four in a cornered layout, all to optimize your workspace.

• Download Rectangle from Self-Service (Find it in the Technology App  🛟  in the menu bar at the top of your screen)

• Once installed, test it out by dragging any window directly up or to the side.  Once your mouse hits the edge of the screen, a gray rectangle will appear showing you where your window will land when you release it.

• To set up Rectangle's auto-launch feature and custom keyboard shortcuts, click here.

As a reminder how to set up your Wacom tablet or customize your settings, check out this reference guide.  

E-mail techintegration@oregoncs.org to request student licenses for your project.  

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT

PRIOR TO RECORDING DAY

• Plan what is going to be said (using a script or storyboard) and practice it ahead of time.

• Plan what images or videos will be shown in the background and download them ahead of time if possible.  If downloading from Google, filter for images with the Creative Commons license (Google Images>Tools>Usage Rights>Creative Commons Licenses).

• Plan the outfit/costume to wear.  Make sure no clothing is green or has green ink.

WHEN RECORDING

• Set the Chromebook on a table or study surface--do not have someone hold it.

• When getting into position, make sure your head is not cut off on your screen and that all you see in the background is the green wall/screen.

• It is often best to position yourself on the left or right side of the screen as opposed to the center so background images/videos can be viewed.

• Speak slowly, clearly, and in a strong voice.

• Do not look down and solely read from a note card or paper.