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tips & tricks

Below you will find some tips and tricks from other Merlin users, if you find one that meets your needs, why not try it out!

Tables, tables, tables

Have more layout control over your pages, text boxes and wikis by using the "insert table" feature. Table looks too small when you add it to the page? Don't worry it will stretch to fit as you add text and images. Extra Tip: Right-click on the table to add more rows and columns.
Simon Wainwright, Plymouth Council

    Survey their understanding

      Use the survey tool to assess knowledge of a subject area. An instant and
    visual response to answers. The class can also see, instantly, how they have
     all voted/answered. It also allows answers to be discussed without pupils
      feeling as if they got it wrong.
      Lisa McKeaveney

Get you message across

Use a wiki to create communication that is easier to dip in to and can highlight key points.
John Pering, Torbay Council

Virtual Fieldtrip

A school trip without a risk assessment, a coach or any permission slips. Use Google Streetview to go on a ‘Virtual Fieldtrip’. Embed a Google Streetview map within a simple blank Merlin page creates your ‘Virtual Fieldtrip’. The children can use the diary in MFP or a wiki or blog in Merlin to write about their ‘visit’.

Gary Spracklen - The Prince of Wales School, Dorset

Bring in a bigger audience

‘Advertise’ your school. Feed your blog to Twitter and Facebook by using the RSS feed and ‘tipping the content’ into other sites.
Helen Southwell, Wiltshire Council

Hide it!

If you are working hard on creating a brilliant shared place, then change the permissions on it, so that no-one can find it until you are fully ready!
Steve Gillan, South West Grid for Learning

Mentors

In every school, there are a number of computer specialists, pupils who are red-hot with e-learning. Why not get them to mentor other pupils and even teachers? They could help busy teachers in other classes upload photos and keep the class shared place looking ace!
Steve Gillan, South West Grid for Learning

Generate new interest

Use thoughtmapper within an ‘Our Place’ as a newsletter.
John Pering, Torbay Council

Use Merlin to assess

Use the discussion board, video and voice recorder tools to illicit children’s prior knowledge and for them to share what they have learnt (can be used for all subjects).
Leah Sheppard - St Julian's CoE Primary School

Public Places

Create online spaces with both fully public and private elements to quickly and easily distributing electronic documents.
Matt Flectcher, Cornwall Council

Webparts

When creating a new page always choose the "web part page" option as this gives you the most flexibility when designing your page.
Simon Wainwright, Plymouth Council

If you have a Merlin tip or trick then let us know, email: merlin@swgfl.org.uk

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