Copyright © 2010 Verizon Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document may be reproduced and distributed solely for uses that are both (a) educational and (b) non-commercial. Any reproduction or distribution of this document for any other purpose, including commercial gain, is strictly prohibited. Introduction to the Verizon Thinkfinity Community Connie Jaeger

2 Verizon Thinkfinity Community

3 The ‘Browse All’ option on the menu bar provides access to a variety of activities within the community: Find popular resources; save favorites Start or join discussions Locate or create documents Follow a community or group from the list that interests you. Search for other members (use the search filters to find them, then invite them to connect as friends.

4 Verizon Thinkfinity Community Start by registering for your own Verizon Thinkfinity Community account. You may want to access the Community Registration PowerPoint presentation that provides a detailed sequence for each step of this process. Then log in and view the Getting Started Checklist. Welcome to the Verizon Thinkfinity Community!

Copyright © 2010 Verizon Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document may be reproduced and distributed solely for uses that are both (a) educational and (b) non-commercial. Any reproduction or distribution of this document for any other purpose, including commercial gain, is strictly prohibited. Registering for the Verizon Thinkfinity Community

6 Why should I join the community? The Thinkfinity Community connects everyone who is invested in education so they can share resources, ideas, and advice. Becoming a member makes it possible to ask questions, participate in discussions, and learn from others’ experience. Will my privacy be respected? Yes. Your username is always public, but you can choose to hide your name, , and all other information if you like at any time. Will I receive unwanted ? No. You can manage the amount of you receive from the community using the Management Preferences setting in your community Profile. Why should I join the community? The Thinkfinity Community connects everyone who is invested in education so they can share resources, ideas, and advice. Becoming a member makes it possible to ask questions, participate in discussions, and learn from others’ experience. Will my privacy be respected? Yes. Your username is always public, but you can choose to hide your name, , and all other information if you like at any time. Will I receive unwanted ? No. You can manage the amount of you receive from the community using the Management Preferences setting in your community Profile. Registration Frequently asked questions about joining online communities include:

7 1.To begin, go to and select the Join Now button. Registration

8 1.Enter the information requested on the Registration page. 2.Copy the code into the text box. 3.Click on “Continue” to create your profile. Registration

9 4.You are welcome to upload a photo of yourself at any time. 5.An “avatar” is a small image that appears next to your name when you post within the community. You may choose one of our preloaded avatar images or upload your own by selecting the “Browse…” button. (You can use a picture of yourself for your avatar.) Registration

10 6.Add some information, if you’d like, and choose your privacy options. 7.Click “Continue” to preview your profile. Registration Ed. U. Kator edukator

11 8.You’ll see a preview of your profile and can choose to use this and continue to the next step, or return to the Edit Profile page to revise it. Registration

12 9.Invite others to join you here! That way you can share ideas and resources, and stay up-to-date on news! Note: You do not have to invite others at this time. Simply click on the link, “No thanks, I’m finished.” You can always invite your friends in the future! Registration

13 You will see a message that you your account is complete. Click the “Community Home Page” link and you’re all set! Registration

Copyright © 2010 Verizon Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document may be reproduced and distributed solely for uses that are both (a) educational and (b) non-commercial. Any reproduction or distribution of this document for any other purpose, including commercial gain, is strictly prohibited. Personalize Your Verizon Thinkfinity Community View

15 It’s easy! No need to dig. Let info come to you! You organize it! Choose & arrange boxes of information (“widgets”) on your Community View. Select “Follow this” so the info on different groups and people appears on this page. It saves time! See your whole Community at a glance! Community Personalization Why personalize the My Community View page?

16 1.Log in to the Verizon Thinkfinity Community. Community Personalization When you log in, you should see the “My Community View” page. If you do not see it, simply click on the Communities Tab on the gold navigation bar to access it.

17 2.When the My Community View is displayed, click on personalize. Note: If you do not see “My Community View,” simply click on Communities on the gold navigation bar and you’ll see it at the bottom of the drop down menu. Community Personalization

18 3.A light blue area will appear at the top of the screen. Choose a specific layout from 14 available choices to establish the number and size of columns and rows on your page. Community Personalization

19 4.When you select a new layout, it will be reflected in the content area below the blue customization box. Notice the dotted-line rectangles into which you can drag and drop specific widgets. This now reflects a three column layout. Community Personalization

20 5.After you choose a layout, look at the “Widgets” area. Click on any of the four widget categories to find a list of specific widgets that can be added, removed or repositioned on your page. Community Personalization

21 6.For example, select the Content category, then choose Popular Documents from the list of widgets in that category. A preview will appear on the right. Note the green button. Community Personalization

22 7.Drag and drop the green Drag To Add button anywhere within your layout. Notice the light green background that appears that indicate its position. Community Personalization

23 Be Advised: Widgets may look different in different width columns. If you change your layout, be prepared to “tidy up” your widget arrangement. For example, the Recent Members widget: Community Personalization Shows usernames and a tiny avatar icon in a thin column. Shows larger avatar, username, and join date in a wide column.

24 8.Browse the widget categories, scroll through the list of available widgets, and drag the ones you want into position. Once widgets are placed, you can drag/reposition them by grabbing their header. Community Personalization

25 9.Use the grey arrow in the upper-right corner of each widget to access the three important dropdown options: Edit this widget Minimize this widget Delete this widget Select Edit this Widget, make any changes, then click Save Properties. Community Personalization

26 10.Be sure to click on Publish Layout when you have finished designing your layout. The site will now display your personally designed layout—bookmark this page and visit it daily! Community Personalization

27 Community Personalization To get information you want on your my Community View page, click the “Follow this community” link on pages that interest you.

28 Getting Started in the Thinkfinity Community Tips for New Users Training Video – Add a Resource Access info from /

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