Texas instruments CONNECT-TO-CLASS Reference Guide

Connect-to-Class™ Software

Reference Guide

This guidebook applies to Connect-to-Class™ software version 1.4. To obtain the latest version of the documentation, go to education.ti.com/guides.

Important Information

Texas Instruments makes no warranty, either express or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, regarding any programs or book materials and makes such materials available solely on an "as-is" basis. In no event shall Texas Instruments be liable to anyone for special, collateral, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with or arising out of the purchase or use of these materials, and the sole and exclusive liability of Texas Instruments, regardless of the form of action, shall not exceed the purchase price of this product. Moreover, Texas Instruments shall not be liable for any claim of any kind whatsoever against the use of these materials by any other party.

License

Please see the complete license installed in C:\Program Files\TI Education\Connect-to-Class.

Microsoft® and Windows® are trademarks of their owner.

Contents

Important Information................................................................... ii

License............................................................................................. ii

Sample Hardware Setups .......................................................1

Connect-to-Class™ Configuration Requirements......................... 1

Sample Configuration diagrams.................................................... 2

Getting started .......................................................................5

Installing the software .................................................................. 5

Setting up the hardware................................................................ 5

Starting the Connect-to-Class™ software..................................... 5

The Connect-to-Class™ software home screen ............................ 6

Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools ............................... 7

Current Class .................................................................................. 9

Class Record .................................................................................... 9

Classroom tab .............................................................................. 11

Creating and managing your teacher account .......................... 12

Upgrading the software and handheld OS ................................ 14

Managing classes..................................................................25

Creating classes............................................................................. 25

Selecting a class ............................................................................ 28

Beginning and ending class sessions........................................... 29

Logging in to Connect-to-Class™ (student instruction)............. 30

Changing the class view .............................................................. 33

Arranging the seating chart ........................................................ 34

Removing items from the Class Record....................................... 35

Removing classes ......................................................................... 37

Managing student accounts.................................................39

Adding students to classes........................................................... 39

Checking student login status ..................................................... 41

Sorting student information........................................................ 41

Resetting student passwords....................................................... 42

Changing student classes............................................................. 45

Changing student names and identifiers.................................... 47

Moving a student to another class.............................................. 48

Copying a student to another class............................................. 49

Removing a student from a class................................................. 49

Exchanging files with students ...........................................51

Sending files ................................................................................. 51

iii

Connecting handhelds for file transfers......................................51

Sending files (student instruction) .............................................. 56

Managing Unprompted actions...................................................58

Collecting files...............................................................................61

Receiving files (student instruction) ...........................................64

Redistributing files from a collect action....................................66

Deleting files from TI-Nspire™ handhelds ..................................66

Checking the status of file transfers............................................69

Canceling file transfers.................................................................69

Viewing file properties.................................................................70

Using Portfolio...................................................................... 71

Viewing Portfolio..........................................................................71

Saving an item to Portfolio..........................................................72

Sorting information in Portfolio..................................................74

Deleting files from Portfolio........................................................74

Opening a Portfolio item .............................................................75

Redistributing a Portfolio item .................................................... 75

Renaming a Portfolio item...........................................................75

Collecting missing files from students......................................... 76

Sending missing files to students.................................................76

Importing a .tns file into a single cell of Portfolio .....................77

The Transfer Tool................................................................... 79

Opening the Transfer Tool ...........................................................79

Adding files or folders to the transfer list...................................80

Removing files from the transfer list...........................................81

Changing the destination folder ................................................82

Viewing transfer status ................................................................82

Deleting handheld folders and files before transferring files... 83

Stopping file transfers..................................................................84

Closing the Transfer tool..............................................................85

Troubleshooting ................................................................... 87

Error messages ..............................................................................87

Connectivity Issues........................................................................88

Glossary ................................................................................ 89

Terms .............................................................................................89

File types........................................................................................90

Texas Instruments Support and Service............................. 91

Sample Hardware Setups

Two four-port hubs and two USB extension cables are included with your product. The extension cables allow you to set up the hubs away from

your computer. Using these cables is recommended but not necessary. However, be sure to use only the two four-port hubs provided.

This section shows some sample hardware setups and how you can use the cables to configure your system. The section also describes the minimum configuration requirements for operating Connect-to-Class™ with the TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

Connect-to-Class™ Configuration Requirements

• TI-Nspire™ family handhelds (with OS version 1.4 or higher)

• A computer with the minimum system requirements (See the Connect-to-Class™ Readme file for system requirements.)

• Compatible USB cables (Standard A to Mini B) of appropriate length, used in combination with the two USB extension cables provided with the product

– USB cable length between the computer and USB hub or

between the TI-Nspire™ handheld and USB hub should not exceed 16 feet.

– USB cables between the TI-Nspire™ handheld and USB hub

should consist of Standard A and Mini B connectors. You can use the USB cable that came with the handheld or any Standard A to Mini B USB cable.

• The two four-port USB hubs supplied with the product, connected to a personal computer

Warning: Use only the supplied hubs with Connect-to-Class™. In addition, do not connect any other product or non-TI-Nspire™ device into these hubs.

Please contact TI by e-mail at ti-cares@ti.com for additional hub details.

Sample Hardware Setups 1

Sample Configuration diagrams

4-port, direct connect

USB Extension Cable

Warning: Use only the supplied hubs with Connect-to-Class™. In addition, do not connect any other product or non-TI-Nspire™ device into these hubs.

(2) 4-port, daisy-chained

USB Extension Cables

Warning: Use only the supplied hubs with Connect-to-Class™. In addition, do not connect any other product or non-TI-Nspire™ device into these hubs.

2 Sample Hardware Setups

(2) 4-port, direct connect

USB Extension Cable

USB Extension

Cable

Warning: Use only the supplied hubs with Connect-to-Class™. In addition, do not connect any other product or non-TI-Nspire™ device into these hubs.

Sample Hardware Setups 3

4 Sample Hardware Setups

Getting started

Use Connect-to-Class™ software to transfer files to and from your students:

• Transfer documents between your computer or TI-Nspire™ handheld and your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds while a class is in session.

• Transfer files to connected TI-Nspire™ handhelds outside of a classroom session.

• Manage files (arrange collected files by class, delete files from student TI-Nspire™ handhelds)

This section provides basic information about Connect-to-Class™ software and using the software with the student’s TI-Nspire™ handheld.

Installing the software

1. Close any applications that are open.

2. Insert the Connect to Class ROM drive.

The CD should launch automatically. If the CD does not launch, double-click the file named doubleclickme.html on the CD.

3. Click Connect to Class

4. Click Install Connect to Class instructions that appear.

Software CD into your computer’s CD-

Software on the left side of the screen.

Software and follow the

Setting up the hardware

Before you send files to your students, you must connect TI-Nspire™ handhelds to your computer. You can connect multiple handhelds using

one of the supported hub configurations. See Connect-to-Class Configuration Requirements on page 1 to verify that your hub configuration is supported.

Starting the Connect-to-Class™ software

Start the software from your computer’s Start menu or from a desktop shortcut.

Getting started 5

To start Connect-to-Class™ software

f Click

Start > Programs > TI Tools > Connect-to-Class >

Connect-to-Class

Note: If you have not used Connect-to-Class™ software before, a

prompt asks if you want to set up your classroom. You can set up your classroom or continue on to the Connect-to-Class™ software home screen.

The Connect-to-Class™ software home screen

The home screen provides the tools and options you need to run the software. Here are the main areas of the home screen, followed by explanations of each labeled part.

Â Ã Ä Å

À Current Class

Á Class Record

Â Classroom tab

Ã Tools tab

Ä Portfolio tab

Å View Selector

6 Getting started

Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools

The Connect-to-Class™ software classroom learning system contains tools that you can use to interact with your students from your computer. This section describes the tools, and tells you how to launch them.

The Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools

Send to Class – Lets you send TI-Nspire™ handheld-compatible

files to your students’ handhelds from your handheld or from your computer. You can send files to the whole class, to students who are currently logged in, or to individual students.

Collect from Class – Lets you collect TI-Nspire™ handheld-

compatible files from your students’ handhelds to your computer.

Delete from Class – Lets you delete files from your students’ handhelds. You can delete files from the whole class or from individual students.

Transfer Tool – Lets you transfer document files and Operating System (OS) files to a succession of handhelds, without requiring students to log in.

To launch Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools

1. Click the Too ls tab.

The Tools tab opens.

Getting started 7

2. If the tool you want to launch is inactive, begin the class session.

3. Click the icon of the tool you want to launch.

Note: You can also launch many of these tools from the Too ls menu.

8 Getting started

Current Class

This area lets you select classes you have created, as well as begin and end class sessions for the selected class. Below you can see an example of the Current Class area with its main parts labeled.

Class list. A drop-down list where you can select a class from the ones

you have created. The Class list is disabled when you have a class session running.

Á Begin/End Class button. Lets you begin or end a class session.

Class Record

The Class Record contains both the current and historical activity for the selected class. The following example shows a Class Record with its main parts labeled.

À Á

Unprompted actions. A folder that contains the files students have

sent to you that were not part of a collect action.

Á File transfer. The transfer of files between your computer and your

students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds. Arrow icons under the Actions column and beside files indicate file transfers.

Getting started 9

Files that have been sent to your class’s TI-Nspire™ handhelds

Files you have received from your class’s TI-Nspire™ handhelds

File transfers remain current until all students receive the file, you stop the transfer, or you end the class session.

Â Status. The progress of an action. For example, “23 of 25” indicates

that 23 out of 25 students have received a file.

Ã File deletion.

This symbol under the Actions column indicates that a file has been deleted from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

Save to Portfolio and Remove from Record buttons. When an item

is selected, these buttons become active.

Save to Portfolio enables you to save items to the Portfolio.

Remove from Record lets you remove selected historic or active

actions from the Class Record. You can remove a single action or multiple actions.

Å Current action. An action (for example, send) that is still active.

Æ Historic action. An action (for example, send) that is inactive.

10 Getting started

Classroom tab

From the Classroom tab, you can view the students in the selected class and add, remove, or edit students. The Classroom tab has two views, the Seating Chart and Student List views. In the Seating Chart view, you can view your students by their display name and an icon. In the Student List view, you can view your students listed in a table with some of their account information. Below you can see an example of the Classroom tab with its main parts labeled.

Note: The example below shows the Classroom tab in Student List view.

À Classroom toolbar. Lets you add, edit, and remove students.

Student roster

Seating Chart view - Shows students listed with display names and student icons. In this view, you can arrange your students in the Classroom tab as they are seated in your classroom.

Student List view - Shows students listed in a table with some of their account information. In this view, you can sort students by display name, first name, last name, user name, and student ID.

View selector. Lets you toggle between the Seating Chart and

Student List.

Getting started 11

Creating and managing your teacher account

You can create your teacher account in Teacher Preferences. Your teacher account lets you log in to the Connect-to-Class™ software network from your TI-Nspire™ handheld. After you create your teacher account, you can change your password or your user name at any time.

To create your teacher account

1. If you have a class session running, end it.

2. Click

3. Type a user name.

4. Type a password.

5. Select or deselect the preference for the teacher icon to appear in

6. Click OK.

Tools > Teacher Preferences or click Teacher Preferences .

The

Teacher Preferences dialog opens.

the classroom view.

If you select this preference, the teacher icon will appear in the classroom view, and you will be included as a recipient in Send to Class, Collect from Class, and Delete from Class operations.

12 Getting started

To change the password of your teacher account

1. Make sure you are not logged in to the Connect-to-Class™ software

network on your TI-Nspire™ handheld.

2. Click

Tools > Teacher Preferences or click Teacher Preferences .

The Teacher Preferences dialog opens.

3. Click

Reset.

Connect-to-Class™ software clears the current password.

4. Type a new password.

5. Click

OK.

Getting started 13

To change the user name of your teacher account

1. Make sure you are not logged in to the Connect-to-Class™ software on your TI-Nspire™ handheld.

2. Click

3. Select the current user name, then type a new user name.

4. Click

Tools > Teacher Preferences or click Teacher Preferences .

The Teacher Preferences dialog opens.

OK.

Upgrading the software and handheld OS

From your Help menu, you can perform a number of important tasks and get useful information to help you use the product more productively. You c a n :

• Register your product

• Check for updates to the software and OS (handheld OS updates are available only in Connect-to-Class and TI-Nspire™ Computer Link software)

• Download the latest guidebooks

• Visit knowledge sites on the Internet to improve your proficiency with the product

• Check the current software version you’re using

Note: Aside from viewing your current software version, you must be

connected to the Internet to perform any of these tasks. You do not need to be connected to the Internet to view your current version of software as shown in the

The images shown in this section are representative of Help menus available. They may vary, depending on the TI-Nspire™ software you use.

About command.

14 Getting started

Registering your product

To register your product:

1. Start the desktop software. Make sure you have access to the Internet.

2. Click

The Internet browser opens, opening the link for registering your software.

Help > Register.

Downloading guidebooks

Downloading your product guidebook can help you:

• Find information easily and quickly

• Learn how to perform new tasks more easily and efficiently

• Improve your proficiency with the TI-Nspire™ applications

• Eliminate frustration and the need to keep track of a printed book

To download guidebooks:

1. Start the desktop software. Make sure you have access to the Internet.

2. Click

Help > Download latest Guidebook ...

Getting started 15

The Internet browser opens, opening a web page that will direct you in downloading the latest guidebook.

Accessing knowledge sites on the Internet

Your software contains quick links to the following sites. On these sites, you can find information about how to use TI products as well as lessons, quizzes, and other instructive activities shared by educators.

• The TI Education Technology site at http://education.ti.com

• The Activities Exchange, a forum where you can browse by subject matter the learning activities shared by educators

• The Knowledge Base, an online troubleshooting forum

Visiting the TI Education Technology site

1. Start the desktop software. Make sure you have access to the Internet.

2. Click Help > Visit education.ti.com.

16 Getting started

The Internet browser opens to the Education Technology home page.

Visiting the Activities Exchange

1. Start the desktop software. Make sure you have access to the Internet.

2. Click Help > Visit Activities Exchange.

The Internet browser opens to a web page where you can select a language and country setting. Based on your selection, the Activities Exchange page will open.

Note: Activities may vary depending on the participants of the Activities

Exchange in the language you select.

Exploring Online Troubleshooting

1. Start the desktop software. Make sure you have access to the Internet.

2. Click Help > Explore Online Troubleshooting.

Getting started 17

The Internet browser opens to the home page for the Knowledge Base.

Updating your handheld OS

Preparing to update your handheld OS

Warning: Upgrading the operating system will delete all TI-84 applications and files. Before installing an OS upgrade, you should use TI Connect™ to back up all TI-84 applications and files to a computer. You can copy them back to the handheld when the OS upgrade is complete.

OS upgrade operations do not delete user documents. If there is not enough room on the receiving handheld for the upgrade, the sending handheld is notified. The only time documents can be affected by an OS installation is if the receiving handheld has a corrupted OS. In this situation, documents may be affected by OS restoration. It is a good practice to back up your important documents and folders before installing an updated operating system.

See the important information below concerning batteries before performing an OS upgrade.

Important download information

You should always install new batteries before downloading a software or OS upgrade.

When in OS download mode, the Automatic Power Down™ (APD™) feature does not function. If you leave your handheld in download mode for an extended time before you begin the downloading process, your batteries may become depleted. You will then need to install new batteries before downloading.

Downloading handheld OS updates automatically

Here are some important notes to remember about upgrading your OS:

• You must have a TI-Nspire™ Computer Link session active for your system to automatically notify you when a newer OS is available. However, you can use TI-Nspire™ Computer Link or Connect-toClass™ software to check for OS updates manually.

• You cannot check for a newer OS while a class session is running.

• If you are connected to the Internet, your system will automatically notify you of any TI-Nspire™ software updates when you connect your handheld to the desktop software.

• The automatic check occurs once during any TI-Nspire™ Computer Link™ session when a handheld is first connected. If you disconnect

18 Getting started

the handheld and then reconnect it during the same session, the check is not performed.

• If your system is up-to-date, you will receive no notification.

• You can turn off this feature if you don’t want to receive notifications automatically.

After the system has checked for an OS update, it displays the following dialog box if a newer version is available:

To install the OS upgrade and manage your upgrade notifications:

1. Check to make sure you’re connected to the Internet.

2. Select the options you want. You can do any combination of the following:

• Install the OS

• Save a copy of the OS for later installation or for your own use

• Change your Automatic Notification setting

3. To turn off automatic notifications, de-select

for updates

Automatically check

4. Click Browse if you want to change the location for saving a copy of the OS. Use the file browser to select a new location.

5. Click Continue to save the settings and begin the download.

A progress message box opens to show the download progress.

6. After the download is complete, you will be prompted to proceed with the installation of the OS on your handheld.

Getting started 19

Note: If you receive a connection error, check your Internet connection

and try again.

Downloading handheld OS updates manually

To check for handheld OS updates:

1. Check to make sure you’re connected to the Internet.

2. Connect the handhelds you want to update.

Note: The system can search for only one type of OS at a time; that

is, either a TI-Nspire™ handheld OS or TI-Nspire™ CAS handheld OS. It can search for multiple devices of the same type.

3. Open the TI-Nspire™ Computer Link or Connect-to-Class™ software.

4. If you are already running a Connect-to-Class™ class session, end the session.

5. Select the handheld you want to update.

6. Click

Help > Check for Handheld OS Updates.

The software checks for updates. If the system is up-to-date, the following dialog box displays.

7. Click OK to close the box.

20 Getting started

8. If a new version is available, the following dialog box displays.

9. Select the options you want. You can do any combination of the following:

• Install the OS

• Save a copy of the OS for later installation or for your own use

• Change your Automatic Notification setting

10. To turn off automatic notifications, de-select Automatically check

for updates

11. Click Browse if you want to change the location for saving a copy of the OS. Use the file browser to select a new location.

12. Click Continue to save the settings and begin the download.

A progress message box opens to show the download progress.

13. After the download is complete, you will be prompted to proceed with the installation of the OS on your handheld.

Note: If you receive a connection error, check your Internet connection

and try again.

Downloading software updates automatically

Here are some important notes to remember about updating your software:

• If you are connected to the Internet and you have automatic notification enabled, your system will notify you of any TI-Nspire™ software updates when you open the desktop software. You can also check for updates manually.

Getting started 21

• The automatic check occurs once each time you open the software.

• If your system is up-to-date, you will receive no notification.

• You can turn off this feature if you don’t want to receive notifications automatically.

After the system has checked for an update, it displays the following dialog box if a newer version is available:

To install the software update and manage your update notifications:

1. Check to make sure you’re connected to the Internet.

2. To turn off automatic notifications for software updates, de-select

Automatically check for updates.

3. Click Update to save the settings and begin the download.

A progress message box opens to show the download progress.

Note: If you receive a connection error, check your Internet connection

and try again.

Downloading software updates manually

To check for software updates:

1. Check to make sure you’re connected to the Internet.

2. Open the TI-Nspire™, TI-Nspire™ Computer Link, or Connect-toClass™ software.

3. Click

22 Getting started

Help > Check for Software Updates.

The software checks for updates. If the software is up-to-date, the following dialog box displays.

4. Click OK to close the box.

5. If a new version is available, the following dialog box displays.

Getting started 23

6. Click Update to begin the download, or Close to abandon the upgrade.

A progress message box opens to show the download progress.

Note: If you receive a connection error, check your Internet connection

and try again.

24 Getting started

Managing classes

To use Connect-to-Class™ software, you must create a class for each class period that you teach. This section contains the information you need to create and effectively manage your classes.

Creating classes

When you start using Connect-to-Class™ software, one of the first things you should do is create your classes. Make sure you create a class for each of the class periods you plan to teach with the software.

To create classes

1. If you have a class session running, end it.

2. Click

3. Enter a class name.

4. Click

File > Add Class or click Add Class .

The Create a Class dialog opens.

Note: You can use a mix of TI-Nspire™ handhelds and TI-Nspire™ CAS handhelds in the same class.

Add Class.

Managing classes 25

The new class appears in the Create a Class dialog.

Importing students into the class

You can import students into a class when you create it, using a commaseparated value (.csv) file or comma/tab delimited text (.txt) file.

Be sure that the fields in the file you import are structured to correspond with fields in existing class records. For example:

First Name,Last Name,User Name,Password,Display Name,Student ID

James,Jones,Jjones,123,Jjones,555-1212 Cindy,Albert,Cabert,456,Cabert,444-1212

Note: These instructions explain how to add students when you create a

class. You can add students individually to a class at any time after creating it. You can also add students when you create a class by importing them.

1. Click the class to select it.

2. Click

Import Students.

26 Managing classes

3. The Open dialog displays.

4. Select the file that contains the students you want to import.

Note: The file can be a CSV file or comma/tab delimited text (.txt)

file.

5. Click Open.

The Import Status dialog opens, telling you how many students Connect-to-Class™ software successfully imported.

6. If some students did not import successfully, click determine the problem.

Managing classes 27

View Details to

The details of the import open in the Import Status dialog.

7. Click

8. If you need to create another class, repeat steps 3 - 5.

9. Click Finish.

OK.

Selecting a class

You can create many classes in the Connect-to-Class™ software system. To view or start a class, you must select it from a list of the classes in the Current Class section of the Connect-to-Class™ software home screen.

To select a class

1. If you have a class session running, end it.

2. Click File > Select Class.

A list of classes opens.

3. Click the class you want.

Connect-to-Class™ software displays the information for the selected class.

Note: You can view and edit information in the selected class;

however, you cannot perform any communications functions with the class until you start the class session.

28 Managing classes

Beginning and ending class sessions

A class session is the period when the Connect-to-Class™ software network is active for a specific class. While a class session is running, you can perform communications functions with the selected class. You cannot use the software to interact with your class until you begin a class session, and you cannot begin another class in the software until you end the current one.

To begin class sessions

1. If you have a class session running, end it.

2. From the Current Class drop-down list, select the class you want to begin.

3. Click

File > Begin Class, click Begin Class on the tool line, or click

the button next to the class name.

To end class sessions

f Click File > End Class, click End Class on the tool line, or click

the button next to the class name.

Managing classes 29

Logging in to Connect-to-Class™ (student instruction)

Your computer and your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds communicate through the Connect-to-Class™ network. In order for you and your students to communicate using this software, your students must log in to the application from their TI-Nspire™ handhelds. Below you can find instructions you can use to tell your students how to log in to the Connect-to-Class™ network.

Before your students log in

• Create your students’ accounts.

• Provide your students with their user names and, if necessary, their passwords.

• Begin the class session on your computer.

Student Point of View: The steps below are from the student’s

point of view.

To log in to Connect-to-Class™

1. Make sure the TI-Nspire™ handheld is ready for login.

2. To log in, do one of the following:

– From the home screen of your TI-Nspire™ handheld, select

5:Settings & Status > 5:Login.

– From a screen other than the home screen, press ~ > 8:Login.

The Login screen displays.

3. Type your username and password. (Press field.)

30 Managing classes

e to move to the next

4. Select Login.

The Login Successful screen displays.

5. Select

OK.

If your teacher has sent any documents to you or to the class, you will receive the document(s) when you log in.

6. When all documents have transferred, select

OK.

The documents display in the class folder on the My Documents screen.

Managing classes 31

32 Managing classes

Changing the class view

From the Classroom tab, you can view the selected class in either the Student List view or the Seating Chart view. The Student List view shows your students in a table that contains their display names, first name, last name, user name, and student ID. The Seating Chart view shows your students as student icons with display names. You can change the class view at any time.

To change class view to Student List

Click View > Classroom > Student List.

-or-

On the Classroom tab, click and select Student List.

The class view under the Classroom tab changes to Student List.

Managing classes 33

To change the class view to Seating Chart

In the menu, click View > Classroom > Seating Chart.

-or-

In the Classroom tab, click and select Seating Chart.

The Classroom tab changes the class view to Seating Chart.

Arranging the seating chart

Initially, the Classroom tab arranges the students in the Seating Chart view in the order that you added them. However, you can rearrange the students so that they have the same seating arrangement in the Classroom tab as they do in your actual classroom. You can rearrange the seating chart at any time.

To arrange students in the seating chart

1. Select the students’ class.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. On the menu bar, select View > Classroom > Seating Chart.

-or-

On the Classroom tab, click

34 Managing classes

and select Seating Chart.

The Classroom tab opens, displaying your class in the Seating Chart view.

3. Within the Classroom tab, drag each student’s icon to the location that you want.

The Connect-to-Class™ software moves the student icons to the new locations.

Note: Do not place one student’s icon on top of another student’s icon. If you do this, you will only be able to see one of the students’ icons.

Removing items from the Class Record

The Class Record maintains a list of all of the actions you have performed in your class. Items remain in this list until you remove the items or you remove the class. You can remove items from the Class Record at any time.

Managing classes 35

To remove items from the Class Record

1. In the Class Record, click the item you want to remove.

The software highlights the selected item in the Class Record.

2. Click

Edit > Remove From Class Record or click .

Note: If you are removing an item that is still in progress, the

Remove From Class Record dialog opens asking if you are sure you want to remove the item. Click

36 Managing classes

Remove.

Removing classes

If you have a class you no longer need, you can remove it. When you remove a class, Connect-to-Class™ software does the following:

• Removes the class from the software

• Removes the corresponding file on the hard drive

• Removes students who are not part of any other classes

Note: You cannot undo the removal of a class.

To remove classes

1. If you have a class session running, end it.

2. From the Current Class drop-down list, select the class you want to remove.

Connect-to-Class™ software shows the selected class in the Current Class field.

3. Click

4. Click Remove.

File > Remove Class.

Connect-to-Class™ software asks if you are sure you want to remove the class.

Managing classes 37

38 Managing classes

Managing student accounts

The Connect-to-Class™ software can be used to manage many student accounts associated with one or more classes. Each of your students must have an account to access the Connect-to-Class™ software on their TI-Nspire™ handhelds. This section contains information on creating and managing your students’ accounts.

Adding students to classes

Once you create your classes, you can add students to them. You can add students to your classes at any time.

Note: The instructions below explain how to add students once you

create a class. You can also add students when you create a class by importing them.

To add students to classes

1. Select the class to which you will add the students.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click

3. Enter the student’s first name.

4. Enter the student’s last name.

Class > Add Student or click Add Student .

The Add Student dialog opens.

Managing student accounts 39

5. Enter a user name.

Note: The user name you choose must be unique. It cannot exist in the current class or any other class.

6. If you want the student to create his or her own password, select

Student Chooses.

-or-

If you want to create a password for the student, select the blank password entry box and enter a new password.

7. Enter a display name.

Note: If you leave the display name blank, the Connect-to-Class™ software uses the student’s first name as the display name.

8. Enter a student ID (optional).

9. If you want to assign other classes to the student, click

Classes

. (This step is optional.)

Assign

The Assign Classes dialog opens.

10. Select the check boxes next to the classes you want to assign to the student.

11. Click

OK.

12. If you need to add another student, click Add Next Student and repeat steps 3 - 9.

13. Click Finish.

40 Managing student accounts

Checking student login status

The Connect-to-Class™ software lets you view your students’ login status from the Classroom tab. The presence of color in the icon by a student’s name indicates the status of the class and the student’s login.:

Icon Class status Student status

Class session not started (gray icon).

Class session started (pale color icon).

Class session started (fullcolor icon).

N/A

Student not logged in.

Student logged in.

Sorting student information

The Student List view in the Classroom tab shows the information for students in the selected class. It includes your students’ display names, first names, last names, user names, and student IDs. In the Student List view, you can sort your students’ information by each of these categories. The Connect-to-Class™ software sorts the information alphabetically from A-Z or Z-A and numerically from 1-9 or 9-1. You can sort student information at any time.

To sort student information

1. Select the class that contains the student information you want to sort.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. On the menu bar, click View > Classroom > Student List.

-or-

On the

Classroom tab, click and select Student List.

Managing student accounts 41

The Classroom tab opens displaying the Student List view.

3. Click the column title of the list you want to sort.

The Connect-to-Class™ software sorts the selected list.

4. If you want to sort the selected information in the opposite order, click the column title again.

Resetting student passwords

The Connect-to-Class™ software maintains the privacy of your students’ passwords. Because of this, you cannot retrieve passwords for your students if they forget them. However, you can reset your students’ passwords, if necessary. You can reset passwords for all of the students in a class or for individual students.

Note: You cannot reset the passwords of students who are currently

logged in.

42 Managing student accounts

To reset passwords for all students in a class

1. Select the students’ class.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of a student in the class.

3. Click

4. Click Class > Reset Student Password(s).

Edit > Select All.

The Connect-to-Class™ software selects all of the students in the class.

The Confirm Reset Student Passwords dialog opens.

5. Click OK.

6. The next time your students log in, instruct them to enter passwords of their choosing.

Managing student accounts 43

To reset student passwords for individual students

1. Select a class of the student whose password you want to reset.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of the student you want to edit.

3. Click Class > Edit Student or click Edit Student .

The Student Properties dialog opens.

4. Click

Reset.

5. If you want the student to create his or her own password, select

Student Chooses.

-or-

44 Managing student accounts

If you want to create a specific password for the student, select the blank password entry box and enter a new password.

6. Click OK.

The Connect-to-Class™ software resets the student’s password.

7. The next time the student logs in:

• If you selected Student Chooses, instruct the student to enter a

password of his or her choosing.

• If you created a password for the student, tell the student the

new password.

Changing student classes

Occasionally your students may move to a different class, or they may take more than one of your classes. The Connect-to-Class™ software lets you change your students’ classes when necessary.

Note: You cannot change the classes of students who are currently

logged in.

To change a student’s classes

1. Select a class to which the student belongs.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of the student you want to edit.

3. Click Class > Edit Student or click Edit Student .

Managing student accounts 45

The Student Properties dialog opens.

4. Click Assign Classes.

The Assign Classes dialog opens.

5. Select the check boxes of the student’s classes.

6. Clear the check boxes of the classes to which the student does not belong.

7. Click

OK.

8. In the Student Properties dialog, click OK.

46 Managing student accounts

Changing student names and identifiers

After you add your students, you may find that you need to change one of their names or identifiers. There are five different names and identifiers associated with your students, including:

• First name

•Last name

• User name

• Display name

• Student ID

This section covers how to change any of these types of names and identifiers.

Note: You cannot change the account information of students who are currently logged in.

To change a student’s names or identifiers

1. Select a class to which the student belongs.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of the student you want to edit.

3. Click

Class > Edit Student or click Edit Student .

Managing student accounts 47

The Student Properties dialog opens.

4. Click the field of the name or identifier you want to change, and make the necessary changes.

5. When all fields are correct, click OK.

Moving a student to another class

If any of your students move to a different class, you can move them within the Connect-to-Class™ software as well.

Note: You cannot move students who are currently logged in.

To move a student

1. Select a class to which the student belongs.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of the student you want to move.

3. Click Edit > Cut or click Cut .

The Connect-to-Class™ software removes the student from the class and places his or her student account information on the Clipboard.

4. From the Current Class drop-down list, select the class where you want to move the student.

5. Click

48 Managing student accounts

Edit > Paste or click Paste .

The Connect-to-Class™ software moves the student to the selected class.

Copying a student to another class

When you have students in more than one of your classes, you may find it convenient to simply copy them from one class to another. Copying students saves you the time of entering all of their information again.

Note: You cannot copy students who are currently logged in.

To copy a student

1. Select a class to which the student belongs.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of the student you want to copy.

3. Click Edit > Copy or click Copy .

The Connect-to-Class™ software copies the student onto the Clipboard.

4. From the Current Class drop-down list, select the class to which you want to copy the student.

5. Click Edit > Paste or click Paste .

The Connect-to-Class™ software copies the student to the selected class.

Removing a student from a class

As necessary, you can remove students from your classes. When you remove students, the Connect-to-Class™ software only removes them from the selected class. If the students are in other classes, then they remain in those classes.

Notes:

• You cannot remove students who are currently logged in.

• You cannot undo the removal of students.

Managing student accounts 49

To remove a student from a class

1. Select the class from which you want to remove the student.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the name of the student you want to remove.

3. Click

Class > Remove Student or click Remove Student .

The Connect-to-Class™ software asks if you are sure you want to remove the student.

4. Click Yes.

The Connect-to-Class™ software removes the student.

50 Managing student accounts

Exchanging files with students

The Connect-to-Class™ software lets you exchange information with the students in your classes.

• You can send files to and collect files from your students.

• You can delete files from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

• Your students can send files to you and receive files from you.

This section describes working with files and includes instructions for you and instructions you can give your students.

Sending files

You can send TI-Nspire™ handheld-compatible files (such as TI-Nspire™ documents and OS files) to your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds from your computer or your TI-Nspire™ handheld. You can send files to your whole class or to individual students.

Connecting handhelds for file transfers

Before you send files to your students, you must connect TI-Nspire™ handhelds to your computer. You can connect multiple handhelds using one of the supported hub configurations. See the Sample Hardware Setups chapter to verify that your hub configuration is supported.

To connect multiple TI-Nspire™ handhelds to your computer for file transfers, follow the steps below.

1. Connect the USB cable for the hub to your computer’s USB port. To place the hub farther away from your computer, use the provided USB extension cable.

2. Turn on the TI-Nspire™ handheld(s).

3. Using the standard A to mini B USB cable, connect the hub to the port on the top of the TI-Nspire™ handheld(s). You can use the USB cable that came with the handheld or any Standard A to Mini B USB cable.

When the handhelds are connected to the hub, the student can log in to the class session.

To send files from your computer

1. If you have not already done so, begin the class session.

Exchanging files with students 51

2. Click Tools > Send to class or click Send to class .

Select file(s) to send dialog opens.

The

3. Click the

Folders button to choose folders, or click the Files button

to choose files.

Note: You can send only files or folders, not a combination of files and folders.

4. To choose the files or folders you want to send, do one of the following:

• Navigate to the file or folder you want to send and click it. To

select multiple files or folders, press and hold the Ctrl key (Command key on a Mac®) while clicking each file name.

• Type the name of the file or folder in the File name or Folder

box. Folder names may use alphanumeric characters. You

name

can enter slashes ( / and \ ), but double slashes ( // and \\ ) and some special characters (? | : * " " < > | ) are not allowed.

Note: You can also drag and drop files from a file browser window

onto the Connect-to-Class

window to send files.

5. Click Next.

52 Exchanging files with students

The Select Individual(s) dialog opens.

6. Select the student(s) to whom you want to send the file:

• To send the file to the whole class, click

Class .

• To send the file to a student, click Individuals and then click the student. To choose multiple students, press and hold the Ctrl key (

Command key on a Mac®) while clicking each

student’s name.

Note: If you had any students selected in the Classroom tab, the Connect-to-Class™ software already has them selected.

7. Click on Send to handheld folder to select a destination folder on the handheld. You can also type the name of the destination folder if it does not appear in the history.

8. Click Finish.

The Connect-to-Class™ software transfers the file from your computer to the selected students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds. If the students are not logged in, the Connect-to-Class™ software transfers the file to the student calculators when the students log in.

The file transfer appears in the Class Record.

Once students receive the file, they can open it on their TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

Exchanging files with students 53

To send files from your TI-Nspire™ handheld

1. If you have not already done so, begin the class session.

2. Log in to your handheld:

– From the home screen of your TI-Nspire™ handheld, select

5:Settings & Status > 5:Login.

– From a screen other than the home screen, press ~ > 8:Login.

The Login screen displays.

3. Type the user name and password of your teacher account. (Press e to move to the next field.)

4. Select

The Login Successful screen displays.

5. Select

OK.

6. Select the file you want to send.

Note: You can send only one file at a time.

54 Exchanging files with students

7. Press ~ > 1:File > 6:Send.

The file is sent to all students in the class. The file is placed in the specified folder on the students’ handhelds.

The Class Record updates to show the file that was sent.

Exchanging files with students 55

Sending files (student instruction)

Your students can send files to you both during a collection and outside a collection (unprompted) at any time during a class session. Below are instructions you can use to tell your students how to send files during a collection and how to send files unprompted.

Student Point of View: The steps below are from the student’s

point of view.

1. From any screen except the home screen of your TI-Nspire™ handheld, press ~

The Login screen displays.

2. Type your user name and password.

3. Select Login.

The Login Successful screen displays.

> 8:Login.

4. Select

56 Exchanging files with students

OK.

If your teacher has sent any documents to you or to the class, you will receive the documents when you log in.

When all documents have transferred, the Transfers complete screen displays.

5. Select

OK.

Documents display on the My Documents screen.

6. Navigate to the folder that contains the file you want to send.

7. Select the file to send.

8. Press ~

> 1:File > 6:Send.

Exchanging files with students 57

The Connect-to-Class™ software sends the file to your teacher’s computer and notifies you when the transfer is complete.

Note: The file transfers to the unprompted file location on the teacher’s computer.

Managing Unprompted actions

When a student logged into a Class session sends you a file outside of a collection, an Unprompted action is created.

These files, which are stored in a database, display in the Class Record until they are removed. This section shows how to manipulate these files, including:

•Viewing

• Saving to Portfolio

•Removing

• Exporting

58 Exchanging files with students

Reviewing and opening Unprompted actions

Unprompted actions are named "Unprompted" followed by the month and date. Each Class session contains all .tns files received from students in one Unprompted folder. The Unprompted action above, for example, contains four .tns files and was created on February 8.

The latest Unprompted action appears at the top of the Class Record for the most recent files sent by a student during a Class session. During the next Class session, more recent Unprompted actions appear in the Class Record above the previous action.

To open the Unprompted action:

1. Double-click the action or right-click and choose "Record Item Properties."

The Unprompted dialog opens. By default, no items in the Unprompted action are selected.

2. From the Unprompted dialog, you can view one or more items, save the items to Portfolio, remove the items, export the items to another file location, or do nothing.

Viewing items in an Unprompted action

1. From the Unprompted dialog, click on the checkbox to the left of the item(s) you want to view.

Note: You can also click on the View icon beside an item to quickly

access the item.

Exchanging files with students 59

2. Click View.

The items open as read-only files.

Saving Unprompted action items to Portfolio

Adding items to a new Portfolio record

1. From the Class Record, double-click on the Unprompted action to open it.

2. Select the items to add to the new Portfolio record.

3. Click Save to Portfolio.

The Save to Portfolio dialog opens.

Note: If you receive an error while saving, there are probably

multiple documents assigned to a single user. You will be returned to the Unprompted dialog. Review the files on display, de-select the duplicate file that you do not want to keep, and continue with the save.

4. Type the name for the new portfolio column and click

Save.

The items are saved to the Portfolio and you return to the Unprompted dialog.

Note: The files you have saved in Portfolio display in the Class Record

until you remove them using the Remove command.

Adding items to an existing portfolio record

Note: Using this option replaces existing files, so be sure this is what you

want to do.

1. From the Class Record, double-click on the Unprompted action to open it.

2. Select the items to add to the new Portfolio record.

3. Click Save to Portfolio.

The

Save to Portfolio dialog opens.

Note: If you receive an error while saving, there are probably

4. Click on

5. Select the column name you want from the drop-down list.

6. Click

Add to existing portfolio column.

Save.

60 Exchanging files with students

Removing Unprompted action items

The Class Record displays items in Unprompted actions until you remove the Unprompted action. Even if you have exported or saved items, its Unprompted action continues to display until you remove it.

Removing individual items from an Unprompted action

To remove items from an Unprompted action:

1. From the Class Record, double-click on the Unprompted action to open it.

2. From the Unprompted dialog, click on the checkbox to the left of the item(s) you want to remove.

3. Click

Remove.

Removing an entire Unprompted action

You can remove an Unprompted action from the Class Record. This removes all items contained within the Unprompted action, as well as removing the Unprompted action from the Class record.

1. From the Class Record, click on the Unprompted action to highlight it.

2. Click

Remove from Class Record.

Exporting Unprompted action items

You can export items from the database to the file system. To export items from an Unprompted action:

1. From the Class Record, double-click on the Unprompted action to open it.

2. Select the files you want to export.

3. Click

4. Select the location for the export.

5. Click

Export.

A file browser opens.

Select Folder.

Collecting files

You can collect TI-Nspire™ documents from a folder you specify on your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds to your computer. You also can delete the collected files from the folder you specify on your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

Exchanging files with students 61

Note: Collect and Delete actions look only in the specified folder on the student handheld. If a student renames a file or moves it to a different directory, it will not be collected or deleted.

To collect files

1. If you have not already done so, begin the class session.

2. Click

Tools > Collect from class, or click Collect from class .

The Select file(s) to collect dialog opens.

3. If you want to collect a file already listed in the dialog, navigate to the file you want to collect and click it.

-or-

If you want a file not in the dialog:

a) Click Enter File name.

b) Click on the Collect from handheld folder drop-down to

select the folder. You can also type the name of a folder if it does not appear in the history.

c) In the

d) Click

Collect file name field, type the name of the file.

Add.

4. Click Next.

62 Exchanging files with students

The Select individual(s) dialog opens.

5. Select the student(s) from whom you want to collect the file:

• To collect the file from the whole class, click Class .

• To collect the file from an individual student, click Individuals

and then click the student.

Note: If you had any students selected in the Classroom tab, the

Connect-to-Class™ software already has them selected.

6. Click Finish.

Exchanging files with students 63

Receiving files (student instruction)

When you send files to your students, they receive them immediately if they are connected and logged in to the class. The instructions below describe how files will be received if the student is not logged in when you send them.

Student Point of View: The steps below are from the student’s

point of view.

To receive files

1. From the My Documents screen of your TI-Nspire™ handheld, press ~ > 8:Login.

The Login screen displays.

2. Type your user name and password.

Note: If you do not know your user name or password, ask your teacher.

3. Select

64 Exchanging files with students

The Login Successful screen displays.

4. Select OK.

If your teacher has sent any documents to you or to the class, you will receive the file(s) when you log in.

5. Select

OK.

Documents display in the specified folder on the My Documents screen.

Exchanging files with students 65

Redistributing files from a collect action

The Connect-to-Class™ software allows you to re-send files that you have collected from students.

1. From the Class Record, select a document that you have previously collected from students.

2. Click Tools > Redistribute to Class.

The file is sent to those students who received the file the first time.

If a file with the same name exists on your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds, the Connect-to-Class™ software will overwrite the existing file. The software will not warn you before overwriting the file.

Deleting files from TI-Nspire™ handhelds

When necessary, you can delete files from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds. When you delete the files, the software immediately deletes the files from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

Note: The software looks for the file to be deleted in the specified class folder on the student handheld, and the name must match exactly. If a student renames a file, or moves it to a different directory, it will not be collected or deleted.

To delete files from TI-Nspire™ handhelds

1. If you have not already done so, begin the class session.

2. Click

66 Exchanging files with students

Tools > Delete from class or click Delete from class .

The Select file(s) to delete dialog opens.

3. If you want to delete file already listed in the dialog, navigate to the file you want to delete and click it.

-or-

If you want to delete a custom file not in the dialog box:

a) Click

Enter FIlename.

The options for custom files open.

b) Click on the Delete from handheld folder drop-down to

select the folder. You can also type the folder name if it does not appear in the history.

c) In the File name field, type the name of the file.

d) Click Add.

4. Click

Next.

The Select individual(s) dialog opens.

Exchanging files with students 67

5. Select the student(s) whose files you want to delete:

• To delete the file from the whole class’s TI-Nspire™ handhelds,

click Class .

• To delete the file from a student’s TI-Nspire™ handheld, click

Individuals and then click the student. To choose multiple

students, press and hold Ctrl (Command key on a Mac®) and click on each student’s name.

Note: If you had any students selected in the Classroom tab, the Connect-to-Class™ software already has them selected.

6. Click Finish.

The Connect-to-Class™ software deletes the file from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

The file deletion appears in the Class Record.

68 Exchanging files with students

Checking the status of file transfers

When you send, collect, or delete files, you may want to see which of your students have received or sent their files.

To check the status of file transfers

In the Class Record, click the file you want to check.

The Connect-to-Class™ software indicates the status of your students as follows:

• A green background indicates that the student has

sent/received/deleted the file.

• A yellow background indicates that the student has

received the collect or delete action, but the file was not found on the TI-Nspire™ handheld.

• A red background indicates that the student has not yet

sent/received/deleted the file.

Note: You can also see the file transfer status in the file’s Properties dialog.

Canceling file transfers

If you change your mind about a file transfer, you can cancel the transfer in the Class Record. Canceling file transfers stops the Connect-to-Class™ software from transferring more files. Any files the Connect-to-Class™ software transfers before you cancel remain on the students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds.

To cancel file transfers

1. In the Class Record, click the file whose transfer you want to cancel.

2. Click Edit > Remove From Class Record or click the Remove From

Class Record button

Connect-to-Class™ software asks if you’re sure you want to remove the action.

3. Click Remove.

Connect-to-Class™ software stops the file transfer and removes the file from the Class Record list.

Exchanging files with students 69

Viewing file properties

Each file that you send or collect has a set of properties that you can view. These properties include the file’s name, size (for sent files), date sent or collected, and status. You can view the file properties at any time.

To view file properties in the Connect-to-Class™ software:

1. Select the class with the file in its Class Record.

Note: If you have a class session running, you must end it to select a different class.

2. Click the file.

3. Click

Edit > Record Item Properties or click Record Item Properties

The Properties dialog opens, displaying the file’s properties. Shown here is an example of a Collected file.

70 Exchanging files with students

Using Portfolio

Portfolio gives you a way to way to save, store, review, and manage files your students send you. Files that you save in Portfolio remain there until you remove them.

A. Open Portfolio Item(s) button. Lets you open a selected .tns file in

the TI-Nspire™ software.

B. Column header. Shows the name of the file or folder that has been

collected or saved to Portfolio. The Student header lets you sort by student name. You can resize the column header. The TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ software remembers the size adjustment the next time you start the software.

C. File icon. Shows the type of file.

D. Column Actions. Lets you perform certain actions on a column.

Clicking a file icon on this row allows you to: Select Column, Sort, Send Missing, Collect Missing, Redistribute Portfolio Column, Remove Portfolio Column, or Rename Portfolio Column. Each of these actions is explained in further detail in this chapter.

E. Date. Shows the date the file was created or saved.

Viewing Portfolio

1. Select the class that contains the Portfolio you want to view.

Note: If you wish to select a class that’s different from the current

class, you must end the class session to select a new class.

Using Portfolio 71

2. In the menu, click View > Portfolio, or click the Portfolio tab.

The Portfolio displays.

Saving an item to Portfolio

You can save (add) collected .tns files and Unprompted action items to Portfolio.

À Collected .tns file

72 Using Portfolio

Á Unprompted action item Â Right-arrow allows you to perform a number of actions (depending

on the file) including saving to Portfolio, collecting or redistributing the selected file, and others. This works the same as right-clicking your mouse.

Adding items to a new Portfolio record

1. From the Class Record, do one of the following:

– Right-click on the Collected file.

– Double-click on the Unprompted action to open it, and click on

the Select checkbox to the left of the item to select the item. Click Save to Portfolio.

Note: If you receive an error, please review "About saving

Unprompted action items."

2. Select the items to add to the new Portfolio record.

3. Click

Save to Portfolio.

The Save to Portfolio dialog opens.

4. Type the name for the new Portfolio item.

5. Click

Save.

About saving Unprompted action items

If you receive an error while saving an Unprompted action item, there are probably multiple documents assigned to a single user. You will be returned to the Unprompted dialog. Review the files on display, de-select the duplicate file that you do not want to keep, and continue with the save.

Using Portfolio 73

Adding items to an existing portfolio record

Note: Using this option replaces existing files, so be sure this is what you

want to do.

1. From the Class Record, do one of the following:

– Right-click on the Collected file.

– Double-click on the Unprompted action to open it, and click on

the Select checkbox to the left of the item to select the item. Click Save to Portfolio.

Note: If you receive an error, please review "About saving

Unprompted action items."

2. Select the items to add to the new Portfolio record.

3. Click Save to Portfolio.

The

Save to Portfolio dialog opens. Click on Add to existing

portfolio column

4. Select the column name you want from the drop-down list.

5. Click Save.

Sorting information in Portfolio

1. Click the column header of the list you want to sort.

The software sorts the selected list.

2. If you want to sort the selected information in the opposite order, click the column header again.

Deleting files from Portfolio

There may be times you want to delete files from Portfolio. For example, an incorrect file was sent to or collected from a student.

74 Using Portfolio

1. Select the items you want to delete. You may select multiple files in a column.

2. Do one of the following:

• Click Portfolio > Column Actions > Remove Item(s).

• Right-click and select Remove Item(s)

• Press the Delete key on your computer.

3. The system displays a delete confirmation screen. Click Remove to perform the deletion; click Don’t Remove to cancel the request.

Note: If a file is saved to the Portfolio and later deleted from the Class Record, that delete action does not affect the file copy in the Portfolio. The copy remains in Portfolio until it is deleted.

Opening a Portfolio item

1. Select the item you want to open. To open all items in a column, press Ctrl (Command key on a Mac®) and click the column.

2. Do one of the following:

• Click Portfolio

• Click the Open Portfolio Item(s) button , or

• Press the Enter key on your computer.

3. The system opens the item.

If you selected a column, all files are opened, one by one.

> Column Actions > Open Portfolio item(s).

Redistributing a Portfolio item

This is a useful way to return graded assignments. It is also useful if you clear the students’ handhelds (for example, before a test) and later want to return assignments for additional work.

1. Select the item you want to redistribute from the Portfolio column.

2. Click Portfolio > or right-click the column and choose Redistribute Portfolio Item.

The system sends the respective file to each student logged onto the network.

Column Actions > Redistribute Portfolio item,

Renaming a Portfolio item

You can rename a column header.

Using Portfolio 75

1. Select the column you want to rename by double-clicking the column header.

2. Click Portfolio > Column Actions > Rename Portfolio item or click the Rename Portfolio Item button.

3. The system displays the Rename Portfolio Item dialog. Type the new name, then press

4. The column appears in Portfolio with the new name.

Rename to complete the rename operation.

Collecting missing files from students

There may be times when you store a set of student files to the Portfolio and the collection is incomplete because not all students were present, had the file ready for collection, or were not logged on.

1. Select an individual file, or click a file icon on the row to select all files in that column.

Note: You can send only one column of files at a time.

2. Select Collect Missing.

3. Missing files are collected from those students who are logged onto the network and whose files were not initially collected.

Note: You can also collect missing files from the Class Record.

Column Actions

Sending missing files to students

There may be times when you send a set of student files to the students and the send is incomplete because not all students were present, or logged on, or a new student was added to the class.

1. Select an individual file, or click a file icon on the row to select all files in that column.

Note: You can send only one column of files at a time.

2. Select Send Missing.

3. Missing files are sent to those students who are logged onto the network and who did not initially receive the files.

Note: You can also send missing files from the Class Record.

76 Using Portfolio

Column Actions

Importing a .tns file into a single cell of Portfolio

To import files into a single cell in Portfolio:

1. Click on the Portfolio tab.

2. Click on the empty cell where you want to place the file.

3. Select

4. Select the file you want to import and click

Note: If a file already exists for the chosen Portfolio entry, a dialog opens

warning you that the existing file will be replaced. To save over the existing file, click

Portfolio > Column Actions > Import Item or right-click

Import Item.

A file browser opens.

Import.

Replace. Choose Keep Existing to cancel the action.

Using Portfolio 77

78 Using Portfolio

The Transfer Tool

Connect-to-Class™ software includes a Transfer Tool that you can use to transfer files or folders to TI-Nspire™ handhelds when a class session is not active. The Transfer Tool allows you to transfer document files and operating system (OS) files to a succession of handhelds, without requiring students to log in.

The Transfer Tool streamlines the file transfer process. You can select folders, or TI-Nspire™ document and OS files that you have stored on your computer and install them on your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds. Once the transfer begins, it continues until you stop it. TI-Nspire™ handhelds can be connected in succession and receive queued files. Connect-to-Class™ software keeps track of what handhelds have been connected and the status of file transfers to those handhelds.

If you are sending the same files to your entire class, sending files to handhelds when students are not present, or if you do not plan on collecting documents using Connect-to-Class™ software, then you should use the Transfer Tool. Transfer Tool does not require a student’s login to send files to the handheld; it simply sends the files to connected handhelds, allowing you to send files with or without students present. The Transfer Tool also allows you to clear folders and files on the handheld, as well as transfer TI-Nspire™ OS files.

This section covers the information you need to know to use the Transfer tool.

Opening the Transfer Tool

You can open the Transfer Tool from the Connect-to-Class™ software home screen.

To open the Transfer Tool

1. If you have a class session running, end it.

2. Select Tools > Transfer Tool.

The Transfer Tool dialog displays.

The Transfer Tool 79

Adding files or folders to the transfer list

You must add TI-Nspire™ document files, folders, or operating system files (OS) to the transfer list in order to transfer them.

Only one OS per handheld type may be added to the list.

Adding files to the transfer list

1. Click the Add to Transfer List button.

The Add to transfer tool window displays.

80 The Transfer Tool

2. To select files to send, click the File tab. To select folders, click the

Folder tab.

3. Navigate to the file or folder you want to add, and click to select it.

Note: To select multiple files or folders, press and hold the Ctrl key (

Command key on a Mac®) while clicking each file name.

4. Click Select. The file(s) are added to the list on the Transfer Tool screen.

5. Repeat Steps 2 - 6 until all files or folders for transfer are added to the list.

6. Click Start Transfer to send the files.

Note: Clicking Start Transfer transfers all of the files and folders in the Transfer Tool, including files that may have already been in the list when you added new files.

Removing files from the transfer list

If there are TI-Nspire™ documents, folders, or OS files in the transfer list that you no longer want to have available for transfer, you can remove the files from the transfer list.

1. Click the name of the file you want to remove from the transfer list.

Note: To select multiple files or folders, press and hold the Ctrl key (

Command key on a Mac®) while clicking each file name.

2. Click

Remove Selected.

The Transfer Tool 81

Changing the destination folder

You can change the destination folder for a file transfer.

1. Click on the current folder name.

2. Type a new name in the

Note: Folder names may use alphanumeric characters. You can enter slashes ( / and \ ), but double slashes ( // and \\ ) and some special characters (? | : * " " < > | ) are not allowed.

3. Click Change.

In addition, you can select a destination folder from a list of previously used folder names. To do this, click on the cell, then click the down arrow at the right side of the cell to list previously used folder names. Click on the class name you want to use.

Edit destination folder box.

Viewing transfer status

To view the status of individual file transfer for a selected handheld, click the Status tab and then click on the + before the file name to expand the display.

In the expanded view, the following information displays for each connected handheld:

• Handheld ID (and handheld icon).

•Name of file

• Progress bar for that file on that handheld.

• Error conditions:

– Low battery

– Wrong handheld type

–Memory full

– Lost connectivity

Other transfer status information

• When a new handheld is connected, the status updates.

• The handheld progress of a file disappears when it reaches 100%.

• Incomplete handheld transfers remain in the expanded view of the file status.

• During a transfer session, the transfer tool keeps track of what handheld IDs have connected and successfully completed one or more transfers.

82 The Transfer Tool

• If a handheld unplugs and then replugs into the transfer session, the transfer tool shows the status of completed transfers, and resumes transfer of other files, if necessary.

• During a transfer, if you select the Setup tab, all the controls are disabled (read only).

If you stop a transfer

• Files under the Setup tab remain listed.

• Status information for the transfer no longer displays under the Status tab. The message “No transfers are active. Use the Setup tab to configure and start the transfer” displays.

Deleting handheld folders and files before transferring files

The Transfer Tool provides the option to delete all files and folders on each connected handheld before beginning a new file transfer. This allows you to "baseline" your students’ handhelds to make sure that your students’ handhelds contain only the files you want them to use. By default, this option is not selected.

You will find this option useful whenever your student’s handheld should be blank. Here are some times when you might want to delete folders:

• At the end of a semester, grading period, or conclusion of any Instruction module

• Before administering exams

To delete folders and files on connected handhelds

1. Click the check box next to the option.

The Transfer Tool 83

2. Click the Start Transfer button to begin the deletion.

A message displays to confirm that you want to delete the folders and files.

3. Click

Yes to confirm.

The status tab tracks the progress of the delete actions as they occur, displaying which handhelds have been plugged in, and when the actions are completed.

Stopping file transfers

You can stop a file transfer at any time.

To stop a file transfer

1. Press the Stop Transfer button.

2. A warning dialog displays, asking if you are sure you want to stop the transfer.

84 The Transfer Tool

3. To confirm that you want to halt transmission, click Ye s . Transfers are stopped.

Note: If any student handhelds received the file or files, those files remain on the handhelds.

Closing the Transfer tool

When you finish transferring files to your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds, close the Transfer tool. To do this, click Close.

The Transfer Tool 85

86 The Transfer Tool

Troubleshooting

This section contains information to help you quickly solve problems you may encounter while using the Connect-to-Class™ software, including error messages and connectivity issues.

Error messages

Below you can find solutions to error messages that you or your students might come across while using the Connect-to-Class™ software, including:

• Computer error messages

• TI-Nspire™ handheld error messages

Computer error messages

Error message Possible causes or solutions

Invalid First Name In the Add Student dialog, you

did not enter the student’s first name or you included invalid characters in the first name.

Invalid Last Name In the Add Student dialog, you

did not enter the student’s last name or you included invalid characters in the last name.

Invalid User Name In the Add Student dialog, you

either did not enter a user name or you did not meet the user name requirements. User names must contain 3 to 12 letters and/or numbers.

Invalid Password In the Add Student dialog, you

either did not enter a password or you did not meet the password requirements. Passwords must contain 3 to 12 letters and/or numbers.

At Least One Class Must be Selected

You do not have any classes selected for the student you are creating or editing.

Troubleshooting 87

TI-Nspire™ handheld error messages

Error message Possible causes or solutions

Communication failed

Check the cable

Class not started

• The TI-Nspire™ handheld is not connected to the hub and/or USB cable correctly. Check the cable connections to the hub and the TI-Nspire™ handheld, then try again.

(Student point of view only) The

• teacher hasn’t started Connect-to-Class™ software on his or her computer. Wait until the teacher starts Connect-to-Class™ software and the class, then try again.

(Student point of view only) The

teacher hasn’t started the class in Connect-to-Class™ software. Wait until the teacher starts the class and try again.

entered is not correct. Make sure you are using the correct user name and password and try again. User names and passwords are case-sensitive.

Connectivity Issues

If you encounter problems sending, collecting, or transferring a file, make sure your setup is correct:

1. Confirm that you are logged in.

2. Check the USB cable connection on your handheld by disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable from the handheld.

3. Check the USB cable connection between your computer and hub by disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable at both locations.

88 Troubleshooting

Glossary

This section provides reference material that you may find helpful while using the Connect-to-Class™ software. In it, you can find terminology and file types.

Ter m s

Class – A group of student accounts with an associated class record, seating layout, and various preferences and settings.

Class Record – A component of the Connect-to-Class™ computer home screen. The Class Record shows the network actions of a class as well as a list of historical actions.

Class Session – A period of time when the Connect-to-Class™ network is available for a particular class.

Classroom Tab – A component of the Connect-to-Class™ computer home screen. In the Classroom tab, you can view representations of the students in the current class; add, edit, or remove students from the current class; view visual indications of the students’ log in status; and view the status of the current network action.

Classroom View – A means of representing the students in a class. Connect-to-Class™ sofware’s two classroom views are the Seating Chart view and the Student List view.

Collect – To transfer files from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds to your computer.

Connect-to-Class™ Computer – A computer running the Connect-toClass™ software.

Connect-to-Class™ Handheld – A TI-Nspire™ handheld connected to the Connect-to-Class™ network.

Current Class – Part of the Connect-to-Class™ home screen that lets you select previously created classes and start/end class sessions for the selected class.

Display Name – The name of a student that appears in the Connect-toClass™ window.

Glossary 89

Portfolio – A file management system that allows you to save, store, review, and manage files your students send you. Files that you save in Portfolio remain there until you remove them.

Seating Chart – The Classroom view that shows a class’s students as icons labeled with their display names.

Send – To transfer files from your computer to your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds and from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds to your computer.

Status – The progress of a current action or the final state of an historical action. For example, the status “15 of 20” means that Connectto-Class™ software has transferred 15 out of a possible 20 files.

Student List – The Classroom view that lists a class’s students with their display names, first names, last names, user names, and student ID.

Teacher Account – An account (user name and password) that lets you log into the Connect-to-Class™ network as a teacher.

Transfer – The exchange of TI-Nspire™ handheld data between Connect-to-Class™ computers and Connect-to-Class™ TI-Nspire™ handhelds. For example, a send or a collect.

Unprompted from Class – Files students send you that you did not request with a collect.

User Name – The name used to identify your students when they log in to the Connect-to-Class™ network from their TI-Nspire™ handhelds. Each user name must be unique throughout all of your classes.

File types

Below you can find a list of file types that you can send to or collect from your students’ TI-Nspire™ handhelds using Connect-to-Class™ software.

Type TI-Nspire™

extension

Documents .tns

Operating System (OS) .tnc, .tno

90 Glossary

Texas Instruments Support and Service

For general information

Home Page: education.ti.com

KnowledgeBase and e-mail inquiries:

Phone: (800) TI-CARES / (800) 842-2737

education.ti.com/support

For U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Virgin Islands only

International information:

education.ti.com/international

For technical support

KnowledgeBase and support by e-mail:

Phone (not toll-free):

education.ti.com/support

(972) 917-8324

Texas Instruments Support and Service 91

92 Texas Instruments Support and Service

Index

account, teacher 12 adding

Files to transfer list students to classes

arranging seating chart

beginning class sessions 29

calculators

deleting files from error messages

sending files from canceling file transfers changing

Classroom tab view

student classes checking

file transfer status

student login status Class Record

removing items from

using

class sessions

beginning

ending

classes

adding students to

changing for students

changing view

copying students to

creating

moving students to

removing

removing students from

selecting

Classroom tab

changing view

parts of

closing

Transfer Tool collecting files

computer home screen

Class Record Classroom tab Current Class

computer tools, launching

computers

error messages sending files from

Connect-to-Class™

home screen (computer) logging in to network (students)

contact information copying students copyright statement

creating

classes

teacher account

Current Class

customer support and service

deleting

calculator files

deleting files from Portfolio

ending class sessions 29 error messages

file transfers

canceling

checking status file types Files

adding to transfer list files

canceling transfers

collecting

receiving (students)

removing from transfer list

sending

sending from calculators

sending from computers 51 viewing properties

Hardware

supported configurations

home screen

computer

instructing students

on receiving files on sending files

launching computer tools 7 logging in to network

students

managing

teacher account

moving students

names

changing

network

logging in to (students)

opening

Portfolio item Transfer Tool

Operating System

important download

information

important download

information

passwords

changing for teacher

resetting for students

Portfolio

deleting items opening an item redistributing an item

renaming saving sorting viewing

properties of files

receiving files (students) 64 removing

classes

files from transfer list items from Class Record

students from classes renaming Portfolio items resetting student passwords

saving

items to Portfolio seating chart

arranging

changing class view to selecting

classes

sending

files

files (students)

files from calculators

files from computers service and support sorting

Portfolio items

student information student information, sorting student list, changing view to student portfolio students

adding to classes

arranging in seating chart

changing classes

changing names

checking login status

54 51

34 45 47

copying 49 moving

receiving files

removing from classes resetting passwords for sending files

support and service

tabs

Classroom

teacher

add to classroom view

teacher account

changing password changing user name

terms

TI-Nspire Navigator

tools (computer)

tools

on computer trademarks transfer list

adding files to

removing files from Transfer Tool

closing

opening transfers

canceling

user name, changing for teacher 14 using

Class Record

Classroom tab

Current Class

view, changing for class 33 viewing

file properties

Portfolio

Texas instruments CONNECT-TO-CLASS Reference Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Important Information

License

Sample Hardware Setups

Connect-to-Class™ Configuration Requirements

Sample Configuration diagrams

4-port, direct connect

(2) 4-port, daisy-chained

Getting started

Setting up the hardware

Starting the Connect-to-Class™ software

To start Connect-to-Class™ software

The Connect-to-Class™ software home screen

Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools

The Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools

To launch Connect-to-Class™ software computer tools

Class Record

To create your teacher account

To change the password of your teacher account

To change the user name of your teacher account

Upgrading the software and handheld OS

Registering your product

Downloading guidebooks

Accessing knowledge sites on the Internet

Updating your handheld OS

Managing classes

Creating classes

To create classes

Importing students into the class

Selecting a class

To select a class

Beginning and ending class sessions

To begin class sessions

To end class sessions

Logging in to Connect-to-Class™ (student instruction)

Before your students log in

To log in to Connect-to-Class™

To change class view to Student List

To change the class view to Seating Chart

Arranging the seating chart

To arrange students in the seating chart

Removing items from the Class Record

To remove items from the Class Record

To remove classes

Managing student accounts

Adding students to classes

To add students to classes

Checking student login status

Sorting student information

To sort student information

Resetting student passwords

To reset passwords for all students in a class

To reset student passwords for individual students

Changing student classes

To change a student’s classes

Changing student names and identifiers

To change a student’s names or identifiers

Moving a student to another class

To move a student

Copying a student to another class

To copy a student

Removing a student from a class

To remove a student from a class

Exchanging files with students

Sending files

Connecting handhelds for file transfers

To send files from your computer

To send files from your TI-Nspire™ handheld

Managing Unprompted actions

Reviewing and opening Unprompted actions

Viewing items in an Unprompted action

Saving Unprompted action items to Portfolio

Removing Unprompted action items

Exporting Unprompted action items

Collecting files

To collect files

To receive files