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Photo by PCV Robert Joppa, Zimbabwe

Help

Saving Images from the Web

Using Electronic Photos in the Classroom

Working with PDF and RTF Files


Saving Images from the Web

Saving the Image (PCs) -
1. To save an image from our Web site, position the cursor over the image and click the right button on your mouse.
2. From the menu that pops up on your screen, choose the option that says "Save Image As," or (something similar).
3. Choose the directory you want to save the image to and click OK. The image is now on your computer. Remember the directory where you saved the image.

Saving the Image (Macs) -
1. Position your cursor over the image and hold down the mouse button.
2. From the menu that appears, choose "Save Image As."
3. Choose the directory where you want to save the image to and click OK. The image is now on your computer. Remember the directory where you saved the image.

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Using Electronic Photos in the Classroom

Once you have the image there are a number of ways to incorporate it into you curriculum.

Print  -  At the most basic level you can print the image and use the paper copy in the classroom.  This is especially useful if you have access to a color printer.  Such prints are suitable for bulletin boards and displays, and enhance discussions.

Word Processing Programs - All popular word processing programs allow you to insert images into documents.   The most common way is to:
1.Go to Insert on the menu bar. 
2. Select "Choose Picture" and then "From File". 
3. Browse your hard drive and select the image of interest.  This process will vary depending on your software program.  Consult the help section of you word processing program for more specific instructions.

Caution:  Word processing files with images can get large fast and may not be suitable for emailing or saving to a floppy disk.

Web Pages -  If you want to insert images into a web page there are some excellent tutorials available on the web.  We recommend www.webteacher.org as a good place to start.  Content from the World Wise Schools site can be used without written permission but we request that you credit the photographer and include a link to the Peace Corps Web site.

Presentation Software - Programs like PowerPoint allow you to enhance presentations using the computer as a visual aid.  Inserting photos into these programs is done in the same manner as word processing programs (described above).

Editing Images -  You may find it necessary to change the size of a photo, add text, or alter the image.  Most operating systems come with a basic editing program (e.g. Windows Paint).  You can also purchase other programs for a more complete set of tools.

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Working with PDF and RTF Files

In order to make materials for the learning units more useful to educators, we are providing documents in both PDF and RTF format. Instructions follow.

For flexibility: To save, open, and edit in your word processor, choose the RTF file.  RTF files work in all word processing programs and allow you to make changes. 

For handouts: For printing, choose the PDF file. You will not be able to make changes to this file.


Using RTF Files with your Word Processor

An RTF file or Rich Text Format file is a method of storing a document so that it can be widely used. An RTF file can be transferred to your computer, read by many different word processing programs, and look the same everywhere (retaining emphasis, tables, indenting, etc). 

When you click on a link to a RTF document either it will open immediately in your word processor or you will be asked whether you want to save the file or open it.

If you choose save, you will then be asked where you wish to save it. Once you decide where to save the file, you can then open the file with any word processing program.

If you choose open, the file may open immediately into your word processor. If not, you may be asked which program you would like to use to open the document. Select your word processoring program and click OK to view the document.


Using PDF Files with Adobe Acrobat Reader 

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. This format, allows you to view, navigate, and print files across all major computing platforms. In order to view and print a PDF file you first need to download and install a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Reader is provided free on Adobe's web site.

Once installed, Adobe Acrobat Reader will automatically appear when your browser begins to load a PDF document. Extensive help regarding Acrobat Reader is available under the Help menu item in the Adobe Acrobat Reader application and at Adobe Customer Support.  Adobe Acrobat Reader often comes preinstalled on newer computers.

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Water in Africa is a project of Peace Corps World Wise Schools.