Using the ESTL Guides: FAQ
Q. What is a PDF file, and how do I read it?
A. PDF (Portable Document Format) is a computer file format that can
transfer documents with appearance and layout intact to any computer
being used. You can use PDF files without having the system or application
that created it. Adobe Acrobat Reader is free software which you need
to view and print PDF files. You can download it at the Adobe
Systems website.
Q. I have Acrobat Reader, but I can't see the document.
A. Check to see you have enough memory allocated to your web browser
(such as Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer) and your Acrobat
Reader. If memory is not the problem, you might want to reconfigure
your browser.
Browsers can use Acrobat Reader as a plugin (so PDF files are shown
within the browser window) or as an application (so PDF files open
the Reader in a separate window). The application option usually
works better
than the plugin.
In Netscape, you can check your settings:
Go to Edit, Preferences, Navigator, Applications
Find and select "portable document format"
Click the application or plugin button to change the settings if you
wish.
Q. What if I have printing problems?
A. Printing works best from Acrobat Reader rather than from the Reader
plugin on your web browser. You can also try to only print a few
pages at a time. Before you print, check your Page Setup settings
to make
sure you get the size desired. Check the Scale % (100%), Orientation
(vertical), and Paper (US letter) settings.
Q. How do I view a PDF file efficiently?
A. Using the View menu, you can change the magnification. Also try
settings like "Fit Width" and "Fit Visible."
A scroll bar on the right lets you move around a page or between
pages. You can also jump to a certain page.
Within Acrobat, you can use the Window menu to "Show Bookmarks" to
provide a clickable table of contents.
Q. What can I expect in an ESTL Guide?
A. Each Guide provides at least nine instructional hours. Professional
development activities as well as activities to use with students
are included. Guides contain a Table of Contents, Overview,
several Lessons,
and Resources for the facilitator. Also, the facilitator can
easily photocopy handouts and overhead transparencies from the Blackline
Masters section. Finally, a list of References for the Guide
and
Beyond is
provided.
Q. How were the ESTL Guides developed?
A. The six ESTL Guides were written by experts in specific fields
of education. They were field tested in a variety of states, grade
levels, and types of professional development programs. Then the
Guides were revised by ESTL staff.
Q. What else has ESTL done?
A. ESTL has strived to promote collaborations between teacher
education institutions and the school districts they served.
The ultimate
goal was for teachers to view their profession as a career-long
learning
experience.
Q. Who are the ESTL Guides written for?
A. ESTL is designed for teacher educators of upper-elementary
preservice and inservice teachers. However, if you are
at the middle school
level or if you are a teacher rather than a teacher educator,
you should
also find some useful resources.
Q. Can I combine Guides into a course or lengthy workshop?
A. Yes, the Guides are designed to be flexible. You can
print out lessons from different Guides and combine
them. Elementary
science
methods
instructors have used multiple guides to enhance their
course, based
on their own objectives.
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