ActivTips

Welcome to Activtips! Here you'll find short video tutorials on how to complete a variety of functions in ActivInspire, from creating containers to working with Magic Ink.

Watch the ActivTips video here, or download it to your iPod by subscribing to our podcast. After the video, be sure to download the associated flipchart so you can practice your newly acquired skills. 

Simply do a keyword search for ActivTips in the Resources section and you'll see a listing of all the ActivTips flipcharts available for free download. Download your flipchart, and you've got a handy supplement to your video!

Planet EN - ActivTips

ActivInspire

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Drag and Drop Actions

Description
ActivInspire now allows for the creation of action objects through drag and drop!

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Import from SMART Notebook

Description
Breathe some life into those old Smart Notebook files by importing them into ActivInspire!

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Object Browser

Description
Move, lock, position, and layer objects quickly and easily using ActivInspire's new Object Browser.

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Editable Shapes

Description
ActivInspire comes with countless shapes for you to use incorporate into your lessons.

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Page Notes

Description
Leave some page notes behind to remind yourself, or others, how to deliver your outstanding lesson.

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Page Reset

Description
Reset a page to return it to its original state.

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Page Templates

Description
Why start from scratch when developing lessons? Check out the outstanding page templates included in ActivInspire.

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Toolbar Options

Description
Freely move your toolbar in ActivInspire, docking it to the left, right, top or bottom of the screen.

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Connector Tool

Description
Use Activinspire's 'Connector Tool' to draw connections between objects on a page or to create concept maps.

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Drag a Copy

Description
Make sure you always have an endless supply of manipulatives on hand by quickly and easily duplicating resources.

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Compass Tool

Description
Take advantage of the powerful arithmetic tools available in ActivInspire, including the interactive compass tool.

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Groups and Pulleys

Description
Save valuable space on your flipchart pages by implementing groups and pulleys that allow your students to 'pull' information from hidden areas as needed.

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Hidden Text

Description
Hide and Show text by creating action driven buttons that allow you to reveal content only when necessary.

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Revealer Tool

Description
Activinspire now allows authors to 'preset' the Reveal Tool to appear on designated pages in a flipchart. Find out how!

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A Personal Touch

Description
Add a bit of a 'personal touch' to your lessons by incorporating images that have meaning for your students.

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Camera Magic

Description
Find out how you can use the camera tool to bring a little 'magic' to your lessons!

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Caption Feature

Description
Add life to your lessons by using captions and tooltips on your flipchart pages.

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Capturing Questions

Description
Capture questions from .PDF files with the camera tool and bring them into ActivInspire with the click of a button.

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Container Examples

Description
Learn how containers can add suspense and action to your lessons by reviewing several examples.

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Container Keywords

Description
Expand on your use of containers by learning how to set them up by keywords.

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Container Object

Description
Match specific objects to specific containers on the page.

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Creating Backgrounds

Description
Create your own backgrounds in ActivInspire using your favorite photos or images.

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Embedding Video

Description
Add some flare to your lessons by embedding video within Activinspire's flipchart pages.

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Eraser vs. Ink

Description
The eraser tool and magic ink tool battle it out in a test of functionality.

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Halloween Animations

Description
Use animated gif files within lessons to help bring a little 'action' to your flipcharts!

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Magic Paint Bucket

Description
Check out these great ideas for using the 'Paint Bucket' that go well beyond changing object colors on a flipchart page.

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PDF Pieces

Description
PDF files can be difficult to read when importing into ActivInspire as a full size document. Capture certain elements with the camera tool and make them easy to read!

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Resource Backgrounds

Description
Add colorful backgrounds to your flipcharts using ActivInspire's resource library and the outstanding free resource packs available on Promethean Planet.

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Resource Library Search

Description
Use ActivInspire's built in search functionality to quickly and easily find flipchart resources.

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Spotlight Preferences

Description
Part 2 of 3 - Change your 'Spotlight Tool' preferences by selecting different profile options within ActivInspire.

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Spotlight Settings

Description
Part 1 of 3 - Preset flipchart pages within ActivInspire to open with the 'Spotlight Tool' already activated.

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Spotlight Tool

Description
Part 3 of 3 - Keep your students focused on specific content by using the 'Spotlight Tool' to draw immediate attention to key areas.

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The Hover Advantage

Description
Being able to hover over certain elements in flipchart pages can be a tremendous advantage during lessons.

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Video Recorder

Description
Practical applications for using Activinspire's video recorder when delivering a lesson.

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Opening Multiple Flipcharts

Description
Open multiple flipcharts in ActivInspire and share pages between them when creating or modifying lessons.

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Restrictors Overview

Description
Review several options for using various types of restrictors when developing lessons in ActivInspire.

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Horizontal and Vertical Restrictors

Description
Learn how to restrict objects to a horizontal or vertical path.

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Restrictor Paths

Description
Define a path in ActivInspire and restrict an object to remain on that path.

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Restricting Groups

Description
Learn how to take several objects, group them together, and restrict them to movement along a single path.

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Sound Options

Description
There are many ways you can incorporate audio into your lessons. This Activtip offers suggestions for integrating sound into your flipcharts.

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Sounds Across Pages

Description
Learn how to extend audio beyond single flipchart pages in ActivInspire.

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Recording Sounds

Description
Use ActivInspire's 'sound recorder' to record your own voice and embed the audio into your flipcharts.

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Objects and Sounds

Description
Learn how to link objects on flipchart pages to activate sounds in ActivInspire.

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Dual User Basics

Description
Learn more about ActivArena and how you can better engage your students with ActivInspire's dual pen feature.

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Dual User Pen

Description
Check out some sample activities using ActivInspire's dual pen feature and the pen tool.

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Dual User Paint

Description
Explore different ways you can use ActivInspire's dual pen feature using the paint bucket.

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Dual User Selector

Description
Get the most out of using ActivInspire's dual pen feature through the use of the 'selector' tool.

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Restrictors: Blockers

Description
Learn how to use shapes to block other shapes.

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Rotate

Description
Learn how to rotate objects around a central axis.

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Rotate: Making a Pie

Description
Learn how to draw a pie with a piece cut out.

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Making a Maze

Description
Learn how to make a maze to amaze students.

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Page Turn Effects

Description
Learn how to add cool transitions between your flipchart pages.

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Pen Modifiers

Description
Learn how to draw with different shapes to annotate your flipcharts.

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Multipage Select

Description
Learn how to move more than one flipchart page at a time.

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Tickertape

Description
Add a tickertape scroller to your flipchart!

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What is LRS

Description
View a short overview of student learning response systems.

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Print to PDF

Description
Learn how to print your flipchart to a PDF file.

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Importing PDFs

Description
Learn how to import PDF files and use them on your ActivBoard.

Version 3 Tips

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Converters

Description
Learn how to use the flash based converters in the resource library.

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Timers and Countdowns

Description
If you haven't used the Flash Timers in Activstudio 3.0, then you are missing out! Learn how to use the flash based timers in the resource library.

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Sound Controller Options

Description
Learn how to turn off your sound controller.

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Backgrounds from Images

Description
Want to learn an easy way to create a background that matches the pictures on your page? With this Activtip, you will learn how to do just that using the camera tool.

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Moving the Main Toolbar

Description
Take control of your workspace. Move the main toolbar where you feel most comfortable with it.

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Spell Checking Flipcharts

Description
Run a spell check on an entire flipchart, all at once!

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Spell Checking Pages

Description
Spell check an entire page within a flipchart.

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Activating 'Spell Check'

Description
Eradicate misspelled words in Activstudio lessons. Simply activate the 'spell check' feature to display misspelled words.

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Basic Spell Check

Description
New to Version 3.6, learn how to spell check your text in Activstudio.

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Move Restricted Objects

Description
Learn how to have objects on a restricted path move together.

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Insert Local Images

Description
This Activtip will show you how to insert an image from your computer to your Activstudio page.

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BrainPOP Resources

Description
Download and install Promethean's BrainPOP resource pack.

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Camera and BrainPop

Description
Capture graphical elements on BrainPOP's website using the camera tool in Activstudio.

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ActiVotes & BrainPop

Description
Use Activotes when taking BrainPOP quizzes online.

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Background Color

Description
Change the default background color in Activstudio from white to a different color.

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Adjusting Line Width

Description
Adjusting line width on existing lines is sometimes easier than making new ones!

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Changing the XY Axis

Description
Use the XY Axis in Activstudio to move objects incrementally as needed.

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Hiding Text

Description
There are numerous ways to hide text in Activstudio. Take a look at an alternative method for hiding text in a flipchart.

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Action Objects Explained

Description
Trigger audio files from the media library through the use of action objects.

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Adding Toolbar Programs

Description
Learn how to add program icons to the toolbar and launch secondary applications from within Activstudio.

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Drag Text

Description
Quickly and easily add text to your flipchart by dragging it in from another application.

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Customize Your Toolbar

Description
Create custom toolbars to facilitate easy access to useful tools depending on the lesson and curriculum area.

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Dissecting a Flipchart - Part 1

Description
Take a flipchart apart, piece by piece, to determine how it was built. Part 1 of 2.

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Dissecting a Flipchart - Part 2

Description
Take a flipchart apart, piece by piece, to determine how it was built. Part 2 of 2.

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Moving Incrementally

Description
Learn how to move objects on a flipchart page incrementally.

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Moving an Image

Description
Quickly and easily drag and drop images from secondary applications, including the internet.

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Drag to Copy

Description
Don't waste time endlessly duplicating images. Learn how to simply drag a copy.

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Resource Packs

Description
Promethean Planet's FREE Resource Packs are an outstanding resource! Head over to the 'Resource Pack' section and add to your resource library today.

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ActivTips Request

Description
Looking for a particular Activtip? Submit a request to have an Activtip created just for you!

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ActivTips Podcast

Description
Get more from your Activtip videos. Learn how to save and archive Activtips in iTunes.

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Floating Keyboard

Description
Explore numerous options for using and displaying the Activstudio floating keyboard.

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Using Templates

Description
Making flipcharts has never been easier! Start with a pre-made template and get professional looking results.

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Add Actions to Objects

Description
Bring your flipchart lessons to life by creating actions and animations to objects within Activstudio.

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Customizing Your Screen

Description
Activstudio's user interface can easily be modified to suit every teacher's needs - find out how with this informative Activtip.

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Using the Camera Tool

Description
Use the camera tool to take snapshots of images from within Activstudio or secondary applications.

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Rotation Point

Description
Learn how to define a point of rotation for a given object. Perfect for designing clocks and so much more.

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Using Restrictors

Description
Keep students on the right track! By using 'restrictors' in Activstudio, objects can be made to follow certain paths or movements.

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Customizing the Toolbar

Description
Using the customize option, change the size, orientation and colors of your Activstudio toolbar.

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Arranging Windows

Description
Easily move between several opened flipcharts, sharing objects and pages while viewing the contents of each lesson.

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Locking Objects

Description
Accidentally moving objects on a page that are supposed to remain locked can be aggravating. Use this Activtip to learn how to lock them down and keep them in place.

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Magic Revealer

Description
Using the Promethean Planet forum as a resource, learn how to use incredible techniques, such as the Magic Revealer tool.

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Creating Question Pages

Description
Develop question pages for assessment purposes using the resource library or the dashboard in Activstudio.

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Countdown Clock

Description
Using Activstudio, create a clock using an image from the resource library to prompt student responses in a timely manner.

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Containers

Description
Accept or reject objects in designated areas by creating containers within Activstudio.

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Scratch Card

Description
Using multiple layers in Activstudio, create a fun and exciting way for your students to earn great incentives.

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Aligning Objects

Description
Take several objects on a page and line them up horizontally or vertically with the click of a button. It's just that easy!

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Grouping Objects

Description
By grouping text and images together, grabbing and moving objects becomes much easier. This video offers a quick tutorial on how to group items in Activstudio, making them easier to find and move during a lesson.

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The Fractionator

Description
Learn some of the techniques used in the award winning flipchart entitled, 'The Fractionator.'

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Hiding on a Background - Part 2

Description
Using the camera tool, take a small section of an existing background and use it to hide text or images. Part 1 of 2.

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Hiding on a Background - Part 1

Description
Using the camera tool, take a small section of an existing background and use it to hide text or images. Part 2 of 2.

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Pull Out Words

Description
An outstanding technique utilized by Activclassroom teachers involves 'magically' pulling graphics or words from behind objects. This quick tutorial shows you how!

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Handwriting Recognition

Description
Learn how using the handwriting recognition tool keeps text crisp and clean on the page, regardless of how neatly the words are written by the student.

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Back In Time

Description
By superimposing one photo over another and changing the transparency of the top image, flipchart authors can create a time-lapse effect that's sure to impress students and impact the enjoyment of lessons.

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Using Page Notes

Description
Using the 'Page Notes' feature in Activstudio is an effective method for documenting important information for future delivery of a lesson. Whether utilizing Page Notes as a means of providing instructions for a third party or as a reminder for yourself the next time you deliver the lesson, it's a good habit to get into when creating lessons!

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Color Picker

Description
This podcast features a quick and easy method for hiding text using the 'Color Picker' in Activstudio. An effective method for generating interest in various lessons, this technique will allow you to hide questions and answers on a particular page, drawing attention from students during instruction.

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Protractor Options

Description
The Protractor is an extremely powerful tool within Activstudio, widely used by teachers in multiple curriculum areas.

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Fill Tool with Text

Description
Although an easy technique to master in Activstudio, using the 'Fill Tool' to change the color of words or text on a page can be a tremendously effective way to highlight key words or phrases on a page. Maximizing student interaction at the Activboard, this simple technique will prove to be a memorable whole group activity.

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Removing Backgrounds

Description
Simple tasks should be the easiest to perform. This podcast demonstrates just how easy removing backgrounds in Activstudio can be using the 'Spray Bottle' tool.

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Hiding & Showing Text

Description
Using Activstudio's vast array of built in images, graphics and shapes, lessons quickly become interactive for students when questions and answers are hidden and revealed on flipchart pages. Learn how to employ this effective technique and keep your students guessing about what's coming next!

Primary

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Adding Pace to a Lesson

Description
Encourage healthy competition by varying the pace of a lesson.

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Adjectives

Description
To focus on adjectives, try using a focus circle.

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Before and After

Description
The translucency slider is a great way of illustrating before and after effects.

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Brainstorming

Description
Boost brainstorming activities by allowing two learners to use the Activboard at once.

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Collaboration

Description
Encourage collaborative working by having two learners use the board at once!

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Creating Variety

Description
Try a variety of techniques, to make sure you're getting the most out of each page.

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Generating Discussion

Description
Generate discussion by integrating voting into your lessons.

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Labeling

Description
Use the spyglass to ensure the labels on your flipcharts really stand out.

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Modeling Real Scenarios

Description
Embed a flash animation into your flipchart to show real scenarios.

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Multimedia

Description
Learn how to use video footage in your lesson.

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Number Operations

Description
Find out how the magic tunnel can help your learners with number operations.

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Numeracy

Description
Capture attention at the start of a math lesson with some magic writing!

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Personalizing Lessons

Description
Learn tips on how to encourage the class to use their own words.

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Practical Application

Description
Encourage your learners to find answers for themselves through practical application.

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Proving Concepts

Description
Use one of the many Activprimary software tools to help convey abstract concepts."/>

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Shape and Space

Description
A great example of how to illustrate shape and space to young learners.

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Sharing Text

Description
A great tip for getting your students to look at clues and discuss language.

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Speaking and Listening

Description
Help students learn the skill of giving and listening to instructions.

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Story Telling

Description
Use the video recorder to illustrate storytelling skills.

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User Forums

Description
Outstanding reading and writing resources for your Activboard.

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Synthetic Phonics

Description
Find support, resources and more tips at Promethean Planet.

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Working Independently

Description
Through simple tracing of an object, children learn and work independently.

Secondary

Title
Adding Pace to Lessons

Description
Encourage healthy competition by varying the pace of a lesson.

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Developing Collaboration

Description
Encourage collaborative working by having two learners use the board at once!

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Creating Variety in the Activclassroom

Description
Try a variety of techniques, to make sure you're getting the most out of each page.

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Compare and Contrast

Description
Stimulate debate with backgrounds and mood boards.

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Data Gathering

Description
Gather data in the classroom to bring surveys and polls to life.

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Focusing the Class

Description
Focus everyone's attention with the spotlight tool.

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Handwriting to Text

Description
Cleanup your free-hand text with handwriting recognition.

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Internet Links

Description
Link to the internet with embedded hyperlinks.

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Introduce a Topic

Description
Capture attention at the start of a lesson with the reveal and erase tool!

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Microsoft Word Integration

Description
Drag your existing Microsoft Word resources onto your flipchart.

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Modeling Real Scenarios with Flash

Description
Embed a flash animation into your flipchart to show real scenarios.

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More On Text

Description
Fill and reveal text to create focused discussions.

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Sharing Your Opinion

Description
Ask your learners to vote and share an opinion.

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Page Memos

Description
Keep important infomration right at your fingertips with page memos.

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PowerPoint

Description
Turn your existing PowerPoint slides into a more interactive experience.

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Question and Answer

Description
Bring in some off-page resources to make Q&A's more interesting.

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Timelines

Description
Make events more memorable by creating and using timelines.

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Resources Via User Forums

Description
Outstanding reading and writing resources for your Activboard.

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Web Resources

Description
Try using layered objects as a way of bringing in internet resources.

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Working With Text

Description
To maintain focus and attention - try the compass!


ActivTips Podcast

  • Access Activtips videos via iTunes. Subscribe to the podcast feed.

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