Tech Dave’s Blog

We have unique circumstances here at GW and that has forced the tech team to get creative, really creative.  There are not phones in every classroom, but we understand the importance of communicating between classes so we are introducing a new phone-like system, FirstClass.  Yes using FirstClass you are able to talk to other teachers like a Nextel Push-To-Talk would.

(click on the links to see screen shots)

Here is how to work it (watch video) – open FirstClass like you already do now.  To call someone, click “Collaborate” (top menu bar), click “Instant Message”.  This will open a chat.  Now click “Invite” in the lower right hand corner.  This will give you a list of everyone in the district who are logged in to FirstClass (not necessarily who is sitting at their computer).  Click the name of the person.  This will invite them into a chat, once they have joined, click and hold “Push To Talk” and talk into the mic (laptop users the mic is built into the computer).  Release the mouse button when you are done. FirstClass will send a .wav audio file that will automatically play on their computer.  To respond do the same thing.  To listen to their message again click the green arrow above the message you want.

This will take a little practice to get the clicking and talking and the proper etiquette because you can interupt someone and mess up their message.  If all else fails you can always type a message.  This is not the same as a phone, but it does enable you to communicate without walking down the hall or across the building.

If you get some free time try it out.  Let me know if you have any questions.