Renaissance Learning NEO2A Wireless Educational Keyboard User Manual

Renaissance Learning, Inc Wireless Educational Keyboard

Users Manual

Learn how to:
s 3ENDlLESFROMTHE.%/TO
YOURCOMPUTERORANOTHER.%/
s -ANAGETHE.%/3MART!PPLETS
s 7RITEEDITANDMANAGE
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s 3ETUPA2ENAISSANCE
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PRACTICE
User Manual
Contact Information
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2011 by Renaissance Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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copyrighted material without authorization from the copyright holder. This document may be reproduced only by staff
members in schools that have purchased a NEO or SmartOption Mobile Lab. For more information, contact
Renaissance Learning, Inc., at the address above.
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6/2011 NEO
NEOMAN-0611
United States United Kingdom
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PO Box 8036
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8036
Technical questions or problems:
Telephone: (800) 338-4204
Email: support@renlearn.com
Web Site: www.renlearn.com/support
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Technical questions or problems:
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Contact your local reseller. If you do not
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Support at support@renlearn.com.
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i
NEO
User Manual
C
ONTENTS
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
NEO 1 and NEO 2 in This Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Types of Tips in This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Getting to Know Your NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
How to Install AA Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
How to Install and Charge a Rechargeable Battery Pack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Starting the NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Starting to Write on Your NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
SmartApplets Included on Your NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connecting a NEO to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Sending Files from One NEO to Your Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Printing Files from Your NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Printing from NEO Using a USB Cable Connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to Send Text to a Printer Using IR Beaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
How to Print Wirelessly Using NEO 2’s RF Capability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
About the NEO Manager Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the NEO Manager Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
On Windows Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
On Macintosh Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Starting the NEO Manager Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
On Windows Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
On Macintosh Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Registering the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
About the Tabs in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Monitoring the Connected NEOs in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using NEO 2’s Wireless Capabilities . 18
Connecting the Renaissance Receiver to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Naming the Renaissance Receiver (Wireless Network). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setting the Renaissance Place Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Installing and Using NEO Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
ii
NEO
User Manual
CONTENTS
. . . . .
Using AlphaWord Plus to Write on NEO . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Starting AlphaWord Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Typing and Editing Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Moving the Cursor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Selecting Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Deleting Text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
About the NEO Clipboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
How to See What Is In the Clipboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
How to See the Space Used and Available in the Clipboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Creating New Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Naming and Saving Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Finding and Opening Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Formatting Text. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Changing Font Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Available Font Sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Changing the Font Size on the NEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Finding Text. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Searching for Text in One File or All Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Finding and Replacing Text in One File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Finding Sections in a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
An Example of How to Search for Sections in a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Checking Spelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
How to Check Spelling in a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Turning Off Spell Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Adding Words to the User Dictionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Sending a New User Dictionary to NEOs Using NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Using the Thesaurus or the Spanish-English Word Lookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using the Thesaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Replacing the Thesaurus with the Spanish-English Word Lookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Using the Spanish-English Word Lookup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Using Linked Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Sending a Linked File to NEOs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Viewing Linked Files on NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Tips for Using Linked Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Sample Linked Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Character, Word, Paragraph, and Page Counts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
CONTENTS
iii
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
File Size Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
About the File Size Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Checking the Size and the Number of Pages Available for One File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Checking the Number of Pages Written in Files 1–8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Clearing and Deleting Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Clearing a File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Clearing All Open Files (File 1–File 8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Deleting Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Deleting the Open File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Deleting a File from a List of Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Deleting All Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Recovering Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Using the Typing Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Using NEO Manager to View, Print, and Save Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Retrieving Files from Connected NEOs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Viewing the Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
Printing Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Saving Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Where Files Are Saved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
How to Save the Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59
Sending (Beaming) Files to Other NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Sending Files to Supported Web-Based Programs Using NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Sending Files from NEO 2 to Supported Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
Retrieving Files from Supported Programs and Copying Them to NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . .63
Using NEO Manager to Send Files, Rubrics, or Lessons to NEO Files . . . . . . . . . 64
Creating and Sending Files to NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Sending Rubrics or Other Linked Files to NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66
Sending Write On! Lessons to NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
About File Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Enabling Password Protection While Working in a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
Changing a File’s Password While Working in the File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Resetting File Passwords. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
Using a NEO Text2Speech Device to Read AlphaWord Plus Files Aloud . . . . . . . 74
SmartApplets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
What Are SmartApplets? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Installed SmartApplets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
iv
NEO
User Manual
CONTENTS
. . . . .
Managing the SmartApplets on Your NEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Changing the Startup SmartApplet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Changing the Startup SmartApplet on the NEO Itself. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
Changing the Startup SmartApplet for One or More NEOs Using NEO Manager . . . . 77
Disabling and Re-Enabling SmartApplets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Disabling or Re-Enabling a SmartApplet on a Single NEO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Disabling or Re-Enabling SmartApplets for One or More NEOs Using NEO
Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Installing or Updating SmartApplets on NEOs Using NEO Manager. . . . . . . . . . 79
Choosing SmartApplet Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Deleting SmartApplets from NEOs Using NEO Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Viewing SmartApplet Information in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Adding SmartApplets to the List in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Installing SmartApplets on Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Adding SmartApplets That Have Already Been Installed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84
Responder SmartApplet for NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with AccelTest, Accelerated Math RP, or the
2Know! Toolbar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Using NEO 2 to Complete AccelTest Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Using NEO 2 in a Student-Paced Session in AccelTest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Teacher Preparation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Steps Students Follow during a Student-Paced Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86
Using NEO 2 in a Teacher-Paced Session in AccelTest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Teacher Preparation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Steps Students Follow during a Teacher-Paced Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Using NEO 2 to Complete Accelerated Math Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with Accelerated Math RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Using NEO 2 with Accelerated Math RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Teacher Preparation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Steps Students Follow to Complete Accelerated Math Assignments . . . . . . . . . . 90
Using NEO 2 with the 2Know! Toolbar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
How Participants Respond to 2Know! Toolbar Questions Using NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . .92
How Teachers Can Use NEO 2 to Control the 2Know! Toolbar Program . . . . . . . . . . .93
CONTENTS
v
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NEO
User Manual
Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2 . . . . . . . . 94
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with Accelerated Reader RP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2. 95
Things to Check Before Students Start Quizzing on NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Steps for Taking a Quiz on NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet on NEO 2 . . . . .101
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with MathFacts in a Flash RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
How Students Do MathFacts in a Flash RP School Work on NEO 2. . . . . . . . . . 102
Things to Check Before Students Start Using the MathFacts in a Flash RP
SmartApplet on NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
How Students Use the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet . . . . . . . .105
Differences Between the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet
and the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet on NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Opening the SmartApplet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Practicing MathFacts in a Flash Levels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Taking Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Viewing the History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Viewing the History for One Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109
Viewing the History for All Practices and Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Printing the History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Sending the History to Renaissance Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .111
Clearing the History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
KeyWords SmartApplet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .114
Welcome to KeyWords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
KeyWords Versions in NEO 1 and NEO 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
How the KeyWords SmartApplet Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Starting the KeyWords SmartApplet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Importing Students from Renaissance Place into NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
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Manually Adding Students in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119
Adding Students to NEO 2s from NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Adding a Student on a NEO 1 or a NEO 2 in Offline Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Choosing Your Name, Starting Lessons, and Taking the Pre-Test . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Learning New Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Building Accuracy and Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Accuracy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Speed Builder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .128
Taking an Accuracy and Speed Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Completing the Post-Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
How Students Check Progress Using Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
How Students Send Their Data to the Teacher (to NEO Manager) Using
NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Teacher Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Deleting Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Creating a Group Progress Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Sending All KeyWords Student Data from NEO 2 to NEO Manager. . . . . . . . . . 138
Requiring Students to Complete KeyWords Lessons in Order . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Setting a Pre-Test and Post-Test Level for KeyWords Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Setting KeyWords to Offline Mode on NEO 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Setting Speed and Accuracy Goals for KeyWords Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Teacher-Set Goals Versus the Default Automatic Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
How to Set Goals Manually in the Teacher Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Resetting Goals to the Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Choosing Whether to Enforce Use of the Correct Shift Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Enforcing Use of the Home Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Requiring One or Two Spaces between Sentences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Using NEO Manager with KeyWords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Setting KeyWords and KeyWords Wireless Options in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Retrieving KeyWords Data and Generating Reports in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Deleting KeyWords Students from NEO Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Resetting KeyWords Students Using NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
About KeyWords Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Creating a Master Class Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
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Using KeyWords RP to View and Print Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
Synching KeyWords Data with KeyWords RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
KeyWords Resources for Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Materials for Handouts and Transparencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
NEO Manager Start Menu or Program Folder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
NEO Manager CD or Downloaded Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Documentation CD for NEO 1 and NEO 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
KeyWords RP Resources Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Resource Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160
Resource Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Keyboarding Ergonomics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Sample Lesson Plan for Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Teaching the Lesson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Lessons in KeyWords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Why can’t I use the backspace key when using KeyWords? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Why is there so much repetition of words in the practice passages? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Why are the passages so easy? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Why is the sequence of key introduction so different from what I am used to
in other typing programs?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
Why do the students learn the ASKL keys first?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .169
What is the rationale for how the practice passages are sequenced?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Why aren’t my test scores updated when I retake an accuracy and speed
builder test in KeyWords?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Passwords on NEOs and in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . .171
The Master Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
File Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Send List Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Changing Settings for NEO and SmartApplets . . . . . .173
Checking System Status on a NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
How to Change Settings Using the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
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About the Settings in the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Spell Check Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
AlphaWord Plus Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Change Default AlphaWord Font . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Turn Calculator Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Two-Button On Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Set Screen Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Keyboard Command Reference List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
View Keyboard Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Display Battery Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Change Keyboard Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Search for Networks (NEO 2 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
About NEO 2 (NEO 2 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Wireless Security (NEO 2 Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Update Text2Speech Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Other Settings You Can Change on the NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Changing the Auto Repeat Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Changing the Transfer Speed for Sending or Beaming Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
USB or Cable Connection Transfer Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .182
Beaming (IrDA) Transfer Speed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Changing the NEO Idle Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
Changing System Settings Using NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .183
About the System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185
Changing SmartApplet Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
About the SmartApplet Settings Available in NEO Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
AlphaWord Plus Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188
Spell Check Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189
Beamer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190
KeyWords and KeyWords Wireless Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190
Disable This SmartApplet Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190
Restoring Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
How to Restore the Default SmartApplet and System Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Table of Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192
Using NEO Manager to Manage NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . .195
Using Send Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
What’s a Send List? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195
Saving Send Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196
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Opening a Saved Send List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Closing a Saved Send List That Is Open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Requiring a Password for Changes Sent to NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Clearing (Removing) a Send List Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Setting Preferences for the NEO Manager Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Resetting All Connected NEOs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Updating Your NEO Operating System or SmartApplets Using NEO
Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .200
How to Update NEOs without Preserving Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
How to Update NEOs While Preserving AlphaWord Plus Files and
KeyWords Data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .201
Getting Information about Your NEO(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Getting Information About the AlphaHub in Your SmartOption Mobile Lab . .202
Beaming Files to and from NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .203
Beaming Files Between NEOs in AlphaWord Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Beamer and the NEO Clipboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Cancelling a Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204
Changing Beamer Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .204
Troubleshooting Beaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
I want to change a setting, but I don’t know the master password. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
I don’t see the Send option on my Beamer screen.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
My NEO says it can’t find a receiving device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
I received an error when I tried to beam or receive a file.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
I have data on the clipboard that I don’t want to lose. What should I do? . . . . . . . . 206
I keep getting an invalid password message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
I beamed a file with a password, but now that file doesn’t have a password
on the receiving device. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
What does the message “could not find a sending device” mean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
What do I do if the file I’m receiving is too big? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
My friend beamed an AlphaWord Plus file to me, but Beamer didn’t let me
choose a file to put it in. It automatically put it in a new file. What happened?. . . . .207
Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files from NEO to Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
What You Need to Beam Files from NEO to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
NEO’s IR Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
IR Capability on Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
Computer Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .207
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Programs Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Installing AlphaBeam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Installing AlphaBeam on Windows Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Installing AlphaBeam on Macintosh OS 10 Computers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .210
Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files to Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Using the NEO Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .213
How to Use Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Pasting Calculations into AlphaWord Plus (Paper Tape) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Turning Off the NEO Calculator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
To Turn Off Calculator while Using AlphaWord Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
To Turn Off Calculator from the SmartApplets Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216
NEO Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Nothing appears on the NEO screen when I turn it on.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
When I turn on my NEO, I see something other than the file that I expected.. . . . . .216
When I attach my NEO to my computer, I can’t send any data, and my NEO
screen shows a file instead of the “Attached to…” message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
When I send a file to my computer, some of the characters don’t show up, or
some letters or words are missing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
I try to type in a file, but no characters appear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
My file (or the end of my file) is filled with garbage characters.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
When I transfer text to my Windows computer, the case of the characters is
reversed; all the lowercase characters show up as uppercase, and the
uppercase characters show up as lowercase.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
When I press a key, the wrong letter appears on the screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .218
My LCD screen broke. Is it covered under warranty? What should I do? . . . . . . . . . .218
Do I need antivirus software for my NEO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
What should I do if I spill something on my NEO? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
When I try to send NEO 2 files to supported programs such as Google Docs,
I see a message that says Wireless File Transfer is not installed or disabled.. . . . . . . 219
My Renaissance Place address can’t be verified in the Renaissance Wireless
Server Utility’s Server Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .219
My NEO is showing an error message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
The light on my Renaissance Receiver is amber, and my NEO 2s can’t connect.. . . 220
CONTENTS
xi
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
When I use the Responder, Accelerated Reader, MathFacts in a Flash RP, or
MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplets on NEO 2, I don’t seem to be
connected to the right Receiver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
NEO Manager Software Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
When I click the plus sign (or arrow) to check connections, NEO Manager
doesn’t show that any devices are currently connected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
I have a NEO connected to a port on the AlphaHub, but when I check the
connections, the indicator is black instead of green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
I can’t remember the password that I set, and now I can’t use NEO Manager
to configure my NEOs.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
I have a SmartApplet installed on my computer, but I can’t install it on the NEOs. .222
I’m managing a group of NEOs in a SmartOption Mobile Lab with an
AlphaHub, and I want to change a setting on one of the SmartApplets, but I
don’t see the SmartApplet in the settings list in NEO Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
When I try to drag and drop text from my Windows computer, NEO
Manager doesn’t accept it.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .222
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Reinstalling the Key Cap Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223
Reinstalling the Scissors Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .225
Reinstalling the Spacebar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
About NEO Batteries and Power Sources . . . . . . . . . .229
How Your NEO Receives Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
NEO Turns on Automatically When Connected . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Replacing AA Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Using the Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Specifications for the AC Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
About the Optional Rechargeable Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Conditioning the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Storing and Recharging NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Lifetime of the Rechargeable Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .232
Toxic Elements Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .233
Low Battery Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Checking Battery Status (Charge) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tips on Caring for Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
NEO’s Backup Lithium Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
xii
NEO
User Manual
CONTENTS
. . . . .
Warranty and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .235
Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Guarantee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Storing Your NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .236
Return Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
FCC Caution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
More Product Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Keyboard Commands and Special Characters . . . . . .239
Keyboard Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
International and Special Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Troubleshooting Special Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Write On! Lessons for NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247
Using Write On! Lessons with NEO 2s in NEO Share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
How to Use Write On! Lessons in NEO Manager for All NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Retrieving Writing Exercises from NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Using NEO Manager to Retrieve Students’ Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Sending an Exercise Directly from NEO to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Printing Exercises Directly from NEOs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Write On! Lesson Categories and Teaching Supplements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Elementary School Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258
Middle School Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
High School Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266
1
NEO
User Manual
G
ETTING
S
TARTED
Welcome to NEO, the perfect writing tool. With NEO, you can comfortably
write, edit, and store text quickly and conveniently, no matter what your
location. NEO’s light weight and long battery life make it an easy choice to use
at school, the library, in meetings, or out in the field. NEO integrates with
your computer and prints directly to your printer, either wirelessly or with a
cable connection.
If you have a NEO 2 model, you can also use it as you would use a
Renaissance Responder with a Renaissance Receiver, allowing you to get
real-time input from students in your class. You can also use NEO 2’s radio
frequency capability to print wirelessly.
NEO 1 and NEO 2 both come with NEO Manager software, the companion
program that runs on your computer (Windows or Macintosh) and lets you
manage and configure your NEOs.
This manual explains the many ways in which you can use your NEO. You can
also find webinars and on-demand sessions in the Renaissance Training
Center; go to www.renlearn.com/training/, hover the mouse pointer over
Learn by Product, and choose NEO 2.
NEO 1 and NEO 2 in This Manual
This manual describes both NEO 1 and NEO 2 models. NEO 1 models are
green with a NEO logo on the front; they use USB and IrDA connectivity.
NEO 2 models are black with a NEO 2 logo on the front. They use USB and
IrDA connectivity plus radio frequency (RF) wireless networking.
When the manual refers to NEO, the manual is referring to both models.
When it refers to NEO 1 or NEO 2, the manual is describing features that are
only available on that model.
Types of Tips in This Manual
In this manual, you’ll see two types of tips in the left margin. The icon in the
tip shows you which type it is:
Tips with a light bulb are software tips. They provide helpful
information such as reminders or alternate ways to do a task.
Tips with an apple are teacher tips. They provide ideas for using your
NEOs in the classroom.
2
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
System Requirements
. . . . .
System Requirements
For the latest system requirements for computers used with NEO and NEO
Manager, go to www.renlearn.com/requirements.
Getting to Know Your NEO
A
B
C
D
EFGH
AThe NEO screen.
BThe keyboard. The top row includes keys that
are unique to NEO, including on/off, the eight
file keys, print, spell check, find, clear file,
home, end, applets, and send.
CThe green light is on when your NEO is
connected to a computer, to a SmartOption
Mobile Lab, or to an AC adapter. If your NEO
has a rechargeable battery pack, a green light
means the batteries are charged; amber means
they are being charged.
DThe battery compartment cover.
EThe connection point for the AC adapter cord
(for NEOs with the rechargeable battery pack).
FThe IR port for infrared beaming between NEOs
or between a NEO and a computer.
GThe port for connecting NEO to a computer
using a standard USB cable.
HA USB port for connecting NEO directly to a
printer.
GETTING STARTED
Installing the Batteries
3
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Installing the Batteries
Your NEO came with either three AA batteries or a rechargeable battery pack.
(You can order the rechargeable battery pack after you receive the NEO if you
prefer it to standard batteries.) You need to install the batteries or battery
pack before you can use the NEO.
For more information about batteries and how to get the longest battery life,
see “About NEO Batteries and Power Sources” on page 229.
How to Install AA Batteries
1. On the back of the NEO, put your thumbs in the circles on the battery
compartment cover A and slide the compartment cover toward the left to
remove it from the NEO.
2. The first time you open the compartment, remove the small plastic bag
that contains a Phillips screw. You can use this screw to hold the battery
compartment cover shut.
After you install the
batteries the first
time, you may use
the small screw that came
with the NEO to secure the
cover. If you do this, you’ll
need to remove the screw the
next time you install batteries. A
A
4
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Installing the Batteries
. . . . .
3. Insert three AA batteries into the compartment. Make sure the + end of
each battery points toward the black and red cables.
4. Put the battery compartment cover back on and slide it back in place. You
can insert the small Phillips screw in the hole provided to make sure the
cover stays shut.
How to Install and Charge a Rechargeable Battery Pack
If you ordered a rechargeable battery pack, charge it as soon as possible
after you receive it (see steps 5–7 below). Do not store the NEO without first
charging the batteries.
1. On the back of the NEO, put your thumbs in the circles on the battery
compartment cover (A on the next page) and slide the cover toward the
left to remove it from the NEO.
GETTING STARTED
Installing the Batteries
5
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
2. The first time you open the compartment, remove the small plastic bag
that contains a Phillips screw. You can use this screw to hold the battery
compartment cover shut.
3. Insert the rechargeable battery pack in the NEO with the cable end
toward the matching cable in the NEO. Then, gently pull that cable out
and connect it to the rechargeable battery pack.
4. Put the battery compartment cover back on and slide it back in place. You
can insert the small Phillips screw in the hole provided to make sure the
cover stays shut.
A
A
After you install the
rechargeable battery
pack the first time,
you may use the small
screw that came with the
NEO to secure the cover. If
you do this, you’ll need to
remove the screw the next
time you install rechargeable
batteries.
6
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Installing the Batteries
. . . . .
5. Connect the AC adapter cord to your NEO at the connector shown B,
and plug the cord into a working electrical outlet. The batteries will
automatically start charging.
6. The first time you charge the battery pack, let it charge for 16 hours.
Whenever you recharge the battery pack, let it charge for 4–8 hours. The
light on the front of the NEO C is green when the NEO is fully charged.
You can use your NEO while it’s charging, but don’t disconnect it until the
light on the front turns green to show you that it is fully charged.
7. Disconnect the AC adapter cord when you’ve finished charging the
battery pack.
B
Rechargeable
batteries should be
conditioned so they
hold a full charge. For more
information, see page 230.
C
GETTING STARTED
Starting the NEO
7
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Starting the NEO
To start your NEO after you install the batteries, press on/off A.
When you want to shut down your NEO, just press the on/off key again.
NEO will shut itself off if it has been idle for 4 minutes in most SmartApplets
(30 minutes in the Responder SmartApplet and 10 minutes in the Accelerated
Reader SmartApplet).
To change the idle time on one NEO in the Control Panel, see page 183; to
change it in the system settings in the NEO Manager software, see page 183.
Please note that any changes you make will not affect the Accelerated Reader
and Responder SmartApplets.
Starting to Write on Your NEO
When you start your NEO, it opens the AlphaWord Plus SmartApplet, where
you can do your writing. Simply press one of the file keys at the top of the
keyboard to choose the file that you want to write in, and begin typing. Your
writing is saved as you type. If you turn off the NEO, or if it shuts itself off
after it has been idle, you will still find your writing in that file when you start
the NEO again.
For more information about writing in AlphaWord Plus, see page 23.
You can use the
Two-Button On
setting to require
you to press both on/off and
enter to start the NEO. This
helps prevent the NEO from
being turned on accidentally.
See page 177 to turn this
setting on using the NEO
Control Panel, or go to
page 186 to find out how to
change it for NEOs using the
system settings in the NEO
Manager software.
A
8
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
SmartApplets Included on Your NEO
. . . . .
SmartApplets Included on Your NEO
AlphaWord Plus isn’t the only SmartApplet installed on your NEO. Each NEO
also comes with several other SmartApplets (programs) installed. The table
below describes these SmartApplets; note that some are for NEO 2 only
because they require its wireless capabilities.
SmartApplet Purpose
Responder
(NEO 2 only)
Use this SmartApplet to use your NEO 2 as you would use a Renaissance Responder. You
or your students can use it with the 2Know! Toolbar, AccelTest software, and Accelerated
Math RP. You must have a Renaissance Receiver to use NEO 2 as you would use a
Responder. For more information, see page 85.
AlphaWord Plus Use this SmartApplet to write on your NEO. This SmartApplet opens automatically when
you start the NEO unless you have changed the startup SmartApplet (see page 76). For
more about writing on your NEO, see page 23.
Accelerated Reader
(NEO 2 only)
Students can use this SmartApplet to take some Accelerated Reader quizzes on their NEO
2s if you have a Renaissance Receiver and meet other requirements. For more
information, see page 94.
KeyWords (US) or
KAZ (UK)
Use this to learn keyboarding or to teach it to your students. For more information about
KeyWords or KeyWords Wireless, see page 114.
MathFacts in a
Flash RP (NEO 2
only)
Students can use this SmartApplet to complete MathFacts in a Flash practices and tests on
their NEO 2s just as they would when they log in to Renaissance Place on a computer at
school. To use this SmartApplet, you need a Renaissance Receiver, and you must meet
other requirements. For more information, see page 101.
MathFacts in a
Flash (offline)
(NEO 2 only)
This SmartApplet allows students to practice math facts on their own, much as they would
on Renaissance Responders or in Renaissance Home Connect. Work done in this
SmartApplet is not counted as school work, but it can be sent to Renaissance Place. In
Renaissance Place, the results of this practice can be included in the MathFacts in a Flash
Class Progress and Student Record Reports if you include the practice summary. For more
information, see page 105.
Beamer Use this to send (or beam) files to another NEO or to receive files from another NEO
through the infrared port. For more information, see page 203.
Control Panel Use this to change settings for the NEO or for SmartApplets. For more information, see
page 174.
AlphaQuiz
(US only)
Use this SmartApplet to administer quizzes to students on the NEO. On your computer,
you’ll need to install QuizDesigner and QuizManager. QuizDesigner allows you to create
the quizzes, and QuizManager allows you to send the quizzes to NEOs and retrieve student
responses. You can download the programs and instructions from our Web site or install
the programs and open the instructions in the NEO Manager CD’s AlphaQuiz folder (if
you received a CD). AlphaQuiz is installed on new US NEO 1s, but not new NEO 2s; you
can install this and other SmartApplets using NEO Manager (see page 79).
Calculator Use this to do mathematical calculations. See page 213.
GETTING STARTED
Connecting a NEO to Your Computer
9
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Connecting a NEO to Your Computer
You should connect your NEO to your computer when you want to
• Send a file to a program in your computer (see page 10).
• Manage your NEO using the NEO Manager software (see page 13).
Follow these steps to connect the NEO to your computer:
1. If this is the first time you have connected the NEO to your computer,
check the following:
•Make sure that you are logged in as an administrator or that you have
permissions that allow the device drivers to load properly.
•Exit the NEO Manager software if it is running on the computer.
2. Using the cable that came with the NEO, connect the thin, flat connector
A to your computer, and connect the square end B to your NEO at C.
3. On Windows computers, you may be prompted to install a driver the first
time you connect your NEO to the computer with a USB cable. If so,
accept the default values in the Wizard and click Next > in each panel.
When you’ve finished, restart the computer.
On Macintosh OS 10 computers, the first time you connect your NEO, a
keyboard setup assistant will open. Follow the instructions in the
assistant.
4. The message on your NEO will tell you that it is connected and remind
you what to press to send a file or to switch files.
If you have a
SmartOption Mobile
Lab, and you want to
use NEO Manager to work
with your NEOs, connect
them to the lab instead of
connecting them directly to
your computer. See the
instructions that came with
your lab.
B
A
C
On Windows XP
computers, you may
be notified that the
driver is not certified for
Windows XP. The driver will
work for your system; to go on,
click Continue Anyway.
10
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Sending Files from One NEO to Your Computer
. . . . .
Sending Files from One NEO to Your Computer
If you are using just one NEO, you can send NEO files to a program on your
computer in two ways:
• By connecting NEO to the computer with a cable and then sending the file.
See the steps below to do this.
• By using AlphaBeam software and NEO’s infrared beaming capability to
send the file to your computer. See page 207 for instructions.
You can send files to any program that allows you to type text, including word
processing programs, text fields in multimedia or graphics programs, or
spreadsheet programs. If you are using a spreadsheet program, on NEO, you
can set up data using tabs and returns so it transfers into your spreadsheet
program more smoothly.
Follow these steps to send a file over a cable connection:
1. Exit NEO Manager on the computer if the program is running.
2. Turn on your NEO and open the file that you want to send by pressing
one of the file keys or opening a saved file (see page 27).
3. Connect the NEO to your computer (see page 9).
4. On your computer, open the program and file that you want to send the
NEO file into. Place your cursor where you want the NEO text to start.
5. Press send on your NEO. As NEO sends the file, you will see the
following:
•The text from the NEO file will begin appearing in the file on your
computer. (If the NEO file has a linked file, the main file text will be
sent first; then, the linked file text will be sent.)
•The NEO will show a progress bar as the file is sent.
Wait until the entire file is sent.
6. Save the file on your computer.
7. If you want to send another file from your NEO, do this:
• When connected to a Windows computer: Press a and the file
number key on the NEO to switch to that file on the NEO.
• When connected to a Macintosh computer: Press a, option, and
the file number key on the NEO to switch to that file on the NEO.
Then, open the file on your computer where you want to send the NEO
file. Press send again on the NEO.
8. Disconnect the cable from your computer and the NEO.
9. If you don’t want to keep the file on the NEO, press clear file to delete the
text.
If you have a
SmartOption Mobile
Lab, there are two
ways to send files from
multiple NEOs to your
computer:
• You can retrieve and open
files from NEOs using the
NEO Manager software. See
page 52.
• If you use NEO Share,
students can press cmd-send
to send files back to you. See
the instructions you received
for NEO Share.
If your text isn’t
correct in your
computer file, your
computer program may need
a slower transfer speed. See
page 182 to change the
transfer speed for USB cable
connection file transfers.
GETTING STARTED
Printing Files from Your NEO
11
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Printing Files from Your NEO
You can print a NEO file from your computer after sending it (see page 10) or
retrieving it using NEO Manager (see page 52). You can also print directly
from your NEO. There are three ways to do this:
• You can connect your NEO to a printer with a USB cable and then press
print on the NEO as described below.
• You can use IR beaming to send the file from NEO to your printer as
described below. (For more about IR requirements, see page 207.)
• For NEO 2 only, you can use wireless printing. See the next page.
NEO doesn’t control print settings such as font, print quality, margins, and so
on. These settings are determined by the printer’s default settings.
Printing from NEO Using a USB Cable Connection
1. Plug one end of the printer’s USB cable into NEO’s USB printer port A.
2. Make sure the other end of the USB cable is plugged into the printer, and
make sure the printer is on.
3. Make sure NEO is turned on.
4. Open the NEO file that you want to print. (If you want to print a linked file
instead of the main file, press ctrl-L to open the linked file. For more
about linked files, see page 41.)
5. Press print on NEO to print the open file.
How to Send Text to a Printer Using IR Beaming
If your printer has an IR transceiver, you can print using IR beaming. Follow
these steps:
1. Make sure your NEO is turned on.
2. Open the NEO file that you want to print. (If you want to print a linked file
instead of the main file, press ctrl-L to open the linked file.)
For more about
printers’
compatibility with
NEO, go to
http://support.renlearn.com/
techkb/techkb/6833262e.asp.
A
12
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Printing Files from Your NEO
. . . . .
3. Point your NEO’s IR port A toward the printer’s IR transceiver.
4. Press print on the NEO to print the open file.
How to Print Wirelessly Using NEO 2’s RF Capability
To print wirelessly with NEO 2, you must have a Renaissance Receiver
connected to your computer. (See page 18 to set up the Receiver.) The NEO 2
file will print to your computer’s default printer.
1. Make sure your NEO 2 is turned on.
2. Open the NEO file that you want to print. (If you want to print a linked file
instead of the main file, press ctrl-L to open the linked file. For more
about linked files, see page 41.)
3. Press print on the NEO 2.
4. NEO 2 will look for a cable connection first, then for an IR connection. If
neither is found, NEO 2 will search for networks (that is, computers
connected to Renaissance Receivers).
When it lists those networks, use the arrow keys to highlight the Receiver
name you want. Then, press enter. NEO 2 will connect to the computer
that has that Receiver, and it will print to the computer’s default printer.
A
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software
13
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software
About the NEO Manager Software
When you install the NEO Manager software on your computer, it can help
you manage a single NEO or up to 30 NEOs in a SmartOption Mobile Lab.
With NEO Manager software, you can do the following:
Installing the NEO Manager Software
Follow the instructions for your type of computer to install the NEO Manager
software.
Note: The Renaissance Wireless Server Utility is installed with the NEO
Manager software. This utility is used if you have a Renaissance Receiver and
one or more NEO2s.
On Windows Computers
NEO Manager software works in Windows XP, Windows Vista, and
Windows 7.
1. Make sure that you are logged in to the computer as an administrator or
that you have administrator privileges.
NEO Manager Tasks
Where to Find
Instructions
Send files to your NEOs. You can send any text, rubrics for
assignments, or Write On! lessons to specific files on your
NEOs. You can also send linked files.
Page 64
Get files from your NEOs and view, print, or save them. This is
faster than sending files to your computer one by one from
each NEO.
Page 52
Retrieve students’ KeyWords work from US NEOs, view
reports on that work, and send the data to Renaissance Place.
(In the UK, NEO Manager does not have a KeyWords tab
because KAZ is used instead of KeyWords.)
Page 146
Install and delete SmartApplets on your NEOs. Pages 79 and 82
Change settings for connected NEOs. For example, you can
change the master password or file passwords.
Page 183
Keep track of the connected NEOs and their status. Page 17
14
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software
. . . . .
2. If you have a NEO Manager CD, insert it into your computer and view the
contents.
If you have downloaded a new version of the software, extract the files
from the .zip file you downloaded. View the extracted files.
3. Double-click the setup.exe file.
4. If your computer does not have Microsoft .NET Framework Full, you will
see a message telling you that NEO Manager requires it. Click Install.
5. When the NEO Manager installation wizard opens, click Next > in the first
panel.
6. Read the license agreement. You can print the license if you wish by
clicking the button provided. Click the first option to accept the terms and
click Next >.
7. If you already have Renaissance Wireless Server installed, you may see
a screen that tells you that it is using files that need to be updated. Leave
the first option (Automatically close and attempt to restart
applications) selected and click OK.
8. On 64-bit computers only, this happens next:
a. A message will tell you that 64-bit drivers must be installed. Click
OK.
b. The NEO Manager 64-bit Driver wizard will open. Click Next >.
c. Leave Complete selected and click Next >.
d. Click Install.
e. Click Finish.
9. If you need to restart your computer, on the last panel of the NEO
Manager installation wizard, click an option to choose whether to restart
your computer now or later. Then, click Finish.
If a restart is not required, leave the box checked if you want to view the
Read Me file. Click Finish.
On Macintosh Computers
NEO Manager software works in OS 10.4.x, 10.5.x, and 10.6.x.
1. Make sure that you are logged in to the computer as an administrator or
that you have administrator privileges.
2. If you have a NEO Manager CD, insert it into your computer and view the
contents.
If you have downloaded a new version of the software, open the .dmg file
you downloaded.
3. Double-click NEO Manager Installer.
On Windows 7, you
may be asked whether
you want to allow the
program to make changes to
your computer. Click Yes to
continue.
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software
15
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
4. Enter the administrator user name and password for the computer. Then,
click OK.
5. Read the license agreement. (You can use the buttons to print or save it.)
Then, click Continue.
6. Click Agree when the program asks if you want to agree to the license
agreement.
7. Click Install to start the installation.
8. Click OK when a message tells you that it may automatically restart your
computer after installation.
9. The installer will also ask if you want to add the program to the dock. Click
Yes or No. The installation will finish. Your computer may restart.
After installation, the folders where NEO Manager and the Renaissance
Wireless Server Utility were installed will open.
Starting the NEO Manager Software
On Windows Computers
Click StartProgramsNEO ManagerStart NEO Manager.
On Macintosh Computers
1. Open the Applications folder on your computer.
2. Open the AlphaSmart folder, then the AlphaSmart Manager 2 folder.
3. Double-click NEO Manager.
If you have added NEO Manager to the dock, you can click the icon in the
dock instead of following the steps above.
Registering the Software
The first time you start the program, a Registration window will open, asking
you to register your software. You can click Now, Later (to be reminded in
two weeks), or Never.
If you choose Now, you will go to the Renaissance Online Plus page. If you
already have an account on the Renaissance Learning Web site, you can log
in; if not, choose to create a new account. Once you are logged in, you can
select your products and the information you would like to receive. When you
have finished, click Done.
Registration for
Renaissance Online
Plus gives you
access to product tips and
other useful information as
well as notifications of
software updates.
16
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software
. . . . .
About the Tabs in NEO Manager
NEO Manager has a tab for each type of task in the program:
•Get/Print AlphaWord Files: Use this tab to get the AlphaWord Plus
files that are in files 1–8 on each connected NEO. You can then view, print,
or save the files. For more information, see page 52.
•AlphaWord Files to Send: Use this tab to send text files, linked files,
rubrics for assignments, or Write On! lessons to any of the numbered files
on the connected NEOs. For more information, see page 64.
•KeyWords (US only): Use this tab to retrieve data about student work in
KeyWords from the connected NEOs and to send the data to Renaissance
Place. For more information, see page 146. (In the UK, NEO Manager does
not have a KeyWords tab because KAZ is used instead of KeyWords.)
•SmartApplets: Use this tab to install or remove SmartApplets on the
connected NEOs. This is a good way to make sure several NEOs have the
same SmartApplets. For more information, see page 75.
•Settings: Use this tab to change the system settings or SmartApplet
settings for connected NEOs. For more information, see page 183.
•Send List: Use this tab to review a list of the files, SmartApplets, or
changes that you have chosen to send to NEOs. You can also choose which
NEOs to send these items to. When you’re ready, you can click Send. For
more about send lists, see page 195.
GETTING STARTED
Getting Started with the NEO Manager Software
17
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Monitoring the Connected NEOs in NEO Manager
The bottom of the NEO Manager window shows you how many NEO 1 or
NEO 2s (NEO devices) are connected A.
Click
B (Windows) or (Macintosh) to see the status of all connected
NEOs. You might need to wait a few moments before you see the connection
information.
A
B
Several NEOs connected through an AlphaHub in
a SmartOption Mobile Lab
One NEO connected with a USB cable
18
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using NEO 2’s Wireless Capabilities
. . . . .
You will see a circle for each connected NEO. The color of the circle shows the
status of the connection:
• Green circle: Your NEO is properly connected. An empty green circle
indicates a NEO 1, and a green circle with a “2” indicates a NEO 2.
• Yellow circle: The connected NEO needs updating.
•Red circle: An AS3000 is connected. This version of NEO Manager is
not compatible with AS3000s, and you cannot have both NEOs and
AS3000s connected to the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
• Black circle: Your NEO is not connected or is improperly connected
(refer to Troubleshooting on page 221).
When you’re properly connected, you can transfer information between your
NEO and your computer.
Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using NEO 2’s
Wireless Capabilities
If you have a Renaissance Receiver, you can use NEO 2’s wireless capabilities
to print wirelessly to your computer’s default printer. You can also use NEO 2
with the following Renaissance Learning products:
•2Know! Toolbar: NEO 2 users can respond to questions on a NEO 2. See
page 92.
•AccelTest: Students can use NEO 2 to enter their answers to assignment
questions and send their answers to the software. See page 85.
•Accelerated Math RP: Students can use NEO 2 to enter their answers to
assisted-response Accelerated Math assignments. See page 89.
•Accelerated Reader RP: Students can take Reading Practice Quizzes,
Vocabulary Practice Quizzes, and Other Reading Quizzes on a NEO 2. See
page 94.
•MathFacts in a Flash RP: On NEO 2, students can complete their school
MathFacts in a Flash practices or tests on a NEO 2 using the MathFacts in a
Flash RP SmartApplet (see page 101), or they can practice on their own
using the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet (see page 105).
Before you can use NEO 2 with these products, you must
• Connect the Renaissance Receiver to your computer.
• Name the Renaissance Receiver.
In the NEO Manager
preferences, you
can choose to
always open the connection
status when you start NEO
Manager. See page 198.
GETTING STARTED
Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using NEO 2’s Wireless Capabilities
19
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
• Set up the Renaissance Place settings if you want to use NEO 2 with
Accelerated Reader or MathFacts in a Flash.
• Install the Renaissance Responder client as described in the Accelerated
Math Software Manual if you want to use NEO 2 with Accelerated Math
RP.
Connecting the Renaissance Receiver to Your Computer
1. Make sure you have installed NEO Manager before connecting the
Renaissance Receiver. See page 13. This is important because the
Renaissance Wireless Server Utility is installed with NEO Manager.
2. The first time you connect the Receiver to your computer, make sure you
are logged in to your computer as an administrator or that you have
administrator privileges. This ensures that the device drivers load
properly.
3. Plug the square end of the data cable into the back of the Receiver A.
4. Connect the flat USB connector on the data cable to a matching USB port
on your computer B.
B
A
20
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using NEO 2’s Wireless Capabilities
. . . . .
Naming the Renaissance Receiver (Wireless Network)
It is important to set a unique name for the computer/Receiver combination
(network) so that students know they’re connecting to the correct Receiver.
This is especially important if you have more than one Renaissance Receiver
in the same building. Follow these steps to set a name for your Receiver:
1. Start the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility:
• Windows computers: Right-click in the lower-right corner of
your computer screen (the system tray) and choose Manage from the
menu that appears. If you don’t see this icon in your system tray, click
StartProgramsRenaissance Wireless ServerRenaissance
Wireless Server Utility.
• Macintosh computers: In your computer’s Applications folder, open
the Renaissance Wireless Server folder. Then, double-click
Renaissance Wireless Server Utility.
2. Type 1234 and click OK to log in. (This is the default Administrator PIN. If
you have changed the PIN, enter your new PIN.) If necessary, click Start.
3. Click the Server Settings tab.
4. Enter a new name in the Network Name field A. Make sure the name is
different from the name of your school’s other Receivers.
5. Click Update Network Settings B.
6. Click OK when the program finishes updating the network settings. Make
sure your students know the Receiver name.
The Renaissance
Wireless Server
Utility is
automatically installed with
NEO Manager. Make sure
you have installed NEO
Manager before you follow
these steps.
You can also change
the Administrator
PIN on this tab by
clicking Set Administrator
PIN, entering a new PIN, and
clicking OK. Be sure to update
the network settings if you do
this.
A
B
GETTING STARTED
Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using NEO 2’s Wireless Capabilities
21
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Setting the Renaissance Place Address
If you will be using your NEO 2s with Accelerated Reader RP or MathFacts in
a Flash RP, follow these steps to set the Renaissance Place Web address so
that the NEO 2s can communicate with the programs.
1. Start the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility:
• Windows computers: Right-click in the lower-right corner of
your computer screen (the system tray) and choose Manage from the
menu that appears. If you don’t see this icon in your system tray, click
StartProgramsRenaissance Wireless ServerRenaissance
Wireless Server Utility.
• Macintosh computers: In your computer’s Applications folder, open
the Renaissance Wireless Server folder. Then, double-click
Renaissance Wireless Server Utility.
2. Type 1234 and click OK to log in. (This is the default Administrator PIN. If
you have changed the PIN, enter your new PIN.) If necessary, click Start.
3. Click the Server Settings tab.
4. Click Renaissance Place Settings.
5. Enter the Web address for the Renaissance Place server where you are
using Accelerated Reader RP and MathFacts in a Flash RP. Then, click
Verify to make sure the utility recognizes it as a valid address. Click OK.
6. Click OK when the program verifies that the settings were changed
successfully. (The OK button is available after you verify the Web address
as described in step 5.)
To get the
Renaissance Place
address quickly,
open your browser and go to
your Renaissance Place site.
Do not log in. Copy the Web
site address and paste it into
the Renaissance Place Server
Settings window.
22
NEO
User Manual
GETTING STARTED
Installing and Using NEO Share
. . . . .
Installing and Using NEO Share
NEO Share software is also included. NEO Share is a quick and easy way to
send text or files to NEO 2 users and receive files back from them as you work
with your group or class. Using NEO Share, you can:
• Copy or drag text from another source into NEO Share and immediately
send it to NEO 2s, including text from Web sites and documents that you
have access to.
• Make text files available for NEO 2 users to pick up, including Write On!
lessons, sample linked files (rubrics), and files in favorite folders.
• Receive files that were sent back from NEO 2 users. You can open the files,
print them, or save them.
NEO Share works on your computer desktop or with interactive whiteboards
or projectors.
You can install NEO Share from the CD that you received or download it from
www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/. To find out how to install and use NEO
Share, see the instructions you received in your kit or with the downloaded
software.
23
NEO
User Manual
U
SING
A
LPHA
W
ORD
P
LUS
TO
W
RITE
ON
NEO
Since AlphaWord Plus is the SmartApplet that you use to write on the NEO, it
is the one that you will probably use the most. Writing on NEO is easy—
simply type the text, and it is automatically saved in the file that you have
open. This chapter provides more information about the many features of the
AlphaWord Plus SmartApplet.
Starting AlphaWord Plus
When you first receive your NEO, it starts AlphaWord Plus automatically
whenever you turn it on.
If you have changed the program that starts when you start the NEO (see
page 76), you can still open AlphaWord Plus by following these steps:
1. Press applets.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to AlphaWord Plus.
3. Press enter.
Typing and Editing Text
When you first start NEO and it starts AlphaWord Plus, NEO opens file 1,
which is empty. The next time you start the NEO, it opens the file you last
worked on. The cursor is where you left it in that file.
If you want to work in a different file, open it by pressing one of the file keys
(file 1–file 8) at the top of the keyboard. If you want to start a new file, but
you want to keep the text that was in that space (file 3, for example), you can
name the file (see page 26) and then close it by clearing the file (see page 48).
You can open named files later when you’re ready to work on them again.
To enter text in a file, simply begin typing. Use backspace or delete to erase
text you’ve typed. As with most word processors, text automatically wraps at
the end of each line. Press enter only when you want to separate paragraphs.
NEO saves each character as you type it.
The following tables show you how to move through your file, select text, and
cut, copy, paste, or delete text.
file 1 file 2 file 3 file 4 file 5 file 6 file 7 file 8
24
NEO
User Manual
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Typing and Editing Text
. . . . .
Moving the Cursor
Selecting Text
When you select text on your NEO, the selection is highlighted in reverse: the
selected text is light and the background is dark. To deselect text that you’ve
selected, press esc or an arrow key. (Cutting, copying, and pasting also
deselects the text.)
Press these keys... ...to move to this point:
I JOne character to the left or right
K LOne line up or down
a-KUp one screen (scrolling)
a-LDown one screen (scrolling)
a-IBeginning of line
a-JEnd of line
option-I or option-JPrevious word or next word
ctrl-I or ctrl-JPrevious sentence or next sentence
ctrl-K or ctrl-LPrevious paragraph or next paragraph
home Beginning of file
end End of file
Press these keys... ...to select the following:
shift-IOne character to the left at a time
shift-JOne character to the right at a time
shift-KOne line up
shift-LOne line down
shift-option-IFrom cursor to beginning of word
shift-option-JFrom cursor to end of word
shift-a-IFrom cursor to beginning of line
shift-a-JFrom cursor to end of line
shift-home From cursor to beginning of file
shift-end From cursor to end of file
ctrl-A or a-A Entire file
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
About the NEO Clipboard
25
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Cutting, Copying, Pasting, and Deleting Text
To cut, copy, or paste text, you must first select it (see the previous table).
Then, do one of the following:
About the NEO Clipboard
NEO has a built-in clipboard like computers do. Whenever you cut or copy
text, it is placed in the clipboard. When you use the paste command, you
paste the text from the clipboard into a file (either the same file or a new file).
The clipboard can store one block of text at a time.
By following the instructions below, you can view the text in the clipboard or
the status of the clipboard at any time.
How to See What Is In the Clipboard
Press ctrl-option-a-C. If the text in the clipboard is too long to be shown in
one screen, you can use the arrow keys to scroll through the text.
Press esc to return to your file.
How to See the Space Used and Available in the Clipboard
Press option-a-C. The screen shows you the number of text pages in the
clipboard and how much empty space (in pages) is still available.
Press any key to return to your file.
To do this: Press this:
Cut selected text and copy it to the clipboard ctrl-X or a-X
Copy selected text to the clipboard ctrl-C or a-C
Paste text from the clipboard into your file ctrl-V or a-V
Delete a character to the left of the cursor or
delete selected text
backspace
Delete a character to the right of the cursor or
delete selected text
delete
Remove the entire contents of the file clear file
26
NEO
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USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Creating New Files
. . . . .
Creating New Files
To start a new file in AlphaWord Plus, press the file keys until you find an
empty file and begin typing. NEO saves each character as you type it, so if you
press that file key again later, the text will still be there (unless you’ve
removed it).
If you want to create a new file in a file space that already has text, follow
these steps:
1. Press the file key for the file number you want to work in.
2. Press ctrl-N.
3. AlphaWord Plus will ask whether you want to keep the existing text in the
workspace:
•Press Y if you want to save text, then type a name for the text.
AlphaWord Plus saves the text as a file with the name you specified,
then clears the numbered file so you can begin your new file. You can
open the file that you saved again later; see page 27.
•Press N if you don’t want to save the existing text. AlphaWord Plus
removes the text so you can begin your new file.
Naming and Saving Files
As you write, NEO automatically saves your work, even if you turn the NEO
off. However, you can name a file that you’re working on at any time so that
you can keep it even if you clear the file space (see page 48) or create a new
file to work on something else.
You can open named files again later in one of the eight file spaces. (To find
out how to open a named file, see the next section.)
Follow these steps to name a file and save it outside the eight active files:
1. Go to the file you want to name.
2. Press ctrl-S.
3. Type a name for the file and press enter. You don’t need to worry about
saving the file again—it will save any additional changes to your text until
you close the file by clearing it or creating a new one.
Teach students to
save their files when
they begin an
assignment to ensure that
they can retrieve the files even
if they clear a file space. It’s
also helpful to teach students
to put a heading on every
document they create.
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Finding and Opening Files
27
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
Finding and Opening Files
To open a file that you know is in one of the eight active files, press the
appropriate file key.
If you don’t know where the file is, you can find the file by its first line or
name. Follow these steps:
1. Press one of the eight file keys to choose which file space you want to
use.
2. Do one of the following to find a file:
•To see a list of files by first line, press ctrl-F. The list will include both
the numbered files and named files that aren’t open in files 1–8.
•To see a list of files by name, press ctrl-O.
3. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to the file you want to open;
then, press enter.
If the file doesn’t open right away, you may see one of these messages:
Message Why It Appears What to Do
Would you like to
keep the current file?
Press Y for Yes
Press N for No
You already have text
in the file number that
you chose.
Press Y if you want to keep the
file. You must enter a name so
that you can open the file
again later. After you do that,
the new file you chose will
open.
Press N if you don’t want to
keep the file that you already
have open. The new file that
you chose will open instead.
Press the enter key to
open:
[file name] in [F#]
The file that you chose
to open is already
open in the file
number that you are
using.
If you want to open a new
copy of the file in the file
number shown, press enter.
If you want to keep using the
file in the current file number,
press esc.
It’s a good idea to
choose an empty file
space or one that
contains a named file before
you open another file. If you
have text in the file and you
haven’t named it, you will be
given the chance to name it.
By naming the file,
you’re making sure
you can open it
again later. Named files that
aren’t open are listed when
you press ctrl-F or ctrl-O.
28
NEO
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USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Formatting Text
. . . . .
Formatting Text
NEO lets you concentrate on the content of your text rather than its layout.
Only the characters themselves (ASCII key codes) are transferred from NEO
to the computer. You can set the file margins, fonts, and other style attributes
after you send a file to your computer (see page 10).
You can, however, change the size of the screen font on your NEO. See
“Changing Font Size” on page 28 for details.
You can also press the tab key to create columns or paragraph indents in your
file. If you have Show Marks on, tabs look like this: . If Show Marks is not
on, tabs look like spaces between characters.
Changing Font Size
Available Font Sizes
You can change the font size that is used on your screen when you work in
AlphaWord Plus or AlphaQuiz 3.1. The font change does not affect other
SmartApplets, and AlphaQuiz 3.1 does not support the Very Large or Extra
Large fonts.
Changing the font doesn’t add any attributes to the text, so when you send
text to your computer or printer, the text itself is plain text and uses your
default font or the font you’ve chosen in your computer program.
When you change the font size, that change applies to all files in AlphaWord
Plus. You can’t set different font sizes for different files. If, for some reason,
some of the font sizes are removed from your NEO (using NEO Manager),
AlphaWord Plus goes back to the four-line System font.
The six font sizes are shown in the table below.
Font Name
Lines Per
Screen Example
System 4
(Fixed Width)
How the System and
Large fonts are
different: Although
both are four-line fonts, the
System font is a fixed-width or
monospace font, and the
Large font is a proportional
font. In fixed-width fonts, every
character and space occupies
the exact same width. In
proportionally spaced fonts,
each character occupies only
the space it needs to display
that particular character. In the
examples in the table, note
the different widths of the
words “William,” “ill,” and
“lollipop” in each illustration.
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Changing Font Size
29
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
You can set the font size in one of three ways:
• By using a keyboard command as described below.
• Through the Control Panel SmartApplet (see the instructions below and on
page 177).
• Through NEO Manager. Note, however, that NEO Manager can only reset
the font size to the System font (four lines onscreen). See page 185.
Changing the Font Size on the NEO
1. Do one of the following:
•Press ctrl-option-a-F.
•Press applets, move the cursor next to Control Panel, and press
enter. Then, scroll down to Change default AlphaWord font and
press enter.
Extra Large 2
Very Large 3
Large 4
(Proportional)
Medium 5
Small 6
Font Name
Lines Per
Screen Example
30
NEO
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USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Finding Text
. . . . .
2. Scroll to select the font size you want to use, then press enter. (The
current size has “+” next to it.)
If you changed the font size with the keyboard command, you will go back to
the file where you were working. If you used Control Panel, you will return to
the list of settings; to see the new font size, press applets, then select
AlphaWord Plus.
Finding Text
There are a few ways to find text within AlphaWord Plus files:
• You can search for a text string within a file or across all files. See the
instructions below.
• You can search and replace text within a file (see page 31).
• You can view a list of sections in a particular file. Sections are separated by
paragraph returns, and the section selector displays the first line of each
paragraph. See page 32.
Searching for Text in One File or All Files
Follow these steps to search for text within the current file or within all files:
1. Press find or a-F.
2. Type the text you want to find, keeping these tips in mind:
•You can enter up to 16 characters, including spaces.
•If you’ve searched for text before, press clear file to remove that text
before typing the new text you want to find.
•Note that this type of search is not case-sensitive, but if you choose to
find and replace (see page 31), you can make that search case-
sensitive.
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Finding Text
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3. Do one of the following:
•To search within the current file, press enter.
•To search within all files, press option-enter. (You can’t search all files
if password protection is enabled on your NEO; see page 72.)
•To exit the Find screen without searching, press esc.
4. If the text string is found, the cursor appears at the beginning of the found
text.
If NEO can’t find the text you entered, you will see a brief message to tell
you so.
If you chose to search within all files, the NEO will open each of the files
looking for instances of the word and go to the first one it finds.
5. To find the same text again, press a-G.
Finding and Replacing Text in One File
Follow these steps to search and replace in the file you have open. (You can’t
search and replace in all files at the same time.)
1. Press ctrl-find. You will go to the Find/Replace screen.
2. Type the text you want to find in the Find field, keeping these tips in mind:
•You can search for up to 100 characters, including spaces.
•If you searched for and replaced text before, press clear file in each
field to remove your earlier text entries.
3. Press tab or L to move to the Replace field.
4. Type the replacement text.
5. Press tab or L, then press I or J to move between options for the
search (whole word, match case, and replace all). Press the spacebar to
enable or disable each option. When the option is selected, you’ll see *
between the parentheses next to that option.
• Whole word searches for complete words only. If you don’t select this
option, NEO searches for characters that may be part of a longer word
or part of more than one word (for example, searching for hat would
find that, chat, and hatchet).
• Match case finds text that exactly matches the capitalization of the
text you typed in the Find field.
You can use the
clipboard to paste
text into both the Find
and Replace With fields.
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Finding Text
. . . . .
• Replace all specifies that you want to replace all occurrences within
the file.
6. Press enter to begin the search. When the text is found, the NEO will
show you the first occurrence with options listed to the right as in the
example below.
7. Do one of the following:
•Type R to replace the found text with the replacement text.
•Type S to skip that occurrence of the found text and leave it as is.
•Press the arrow keys to scroll through the surrounding text so you can
see the found text in the context of nearby text.
•Press esc to exit without finding or replacing this or any other text.
Finding Sections in a File
In AlphaWord Plus, a “section” is a block of text separated by 1–9 blank lines.
In longer files, it is helpful to go straight to one of these sections instead of
scrolling through the files. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Press a-S to display a list of sections in the open file.
2. The number in the top right corner of the screen shows how many blank
lines AlphaWord Plus expects to see between sections A.
If you have more or fewer blank lines between sections in this document,
type the number you have used (any number from 1 to 9). When
AlphaWord Plus asks if you want to change the section separator, press Y
for yes.
3. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to the section you want; then,
press enter to move to the beginning of the section you chose.
A
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Finding Text
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An Example of How to Search for Sections in a File
In the example below, the user typed two blank lines between sections of the
document about bears. For this document, when you are looking for a section,
you would press a-S to see a list of sections and press 2 to change the
number of blank lines between sections to two. You would then see a list like
the one shown.
How sections might
appear when blank
lines are set to 2
An example of how you
might format your file in
AlphaWord Plus
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Checking Spelling
. . . . .
Checking Spelling
How to Check Spelling in a File
Follow these steps to check spelling in an AlphaWord Plus file.
1. Open the file that you want to check.
2. Press spell check to check the whole file, or press ctrl-spell check to
check text that you have selected.
3. Spell check begins checking each word in your file. If it finds a word that
isn’t in its dictionary, spell check gives you suggestions as in the example
shown here (which found the word “runn” in the file).
Do one of the following:
•Use the arrow keys to select the correct word from the list of
suggested spellings and press enter to change this word or ctrl-enter
to replace all occurrences of the mistake in this file.
•Press i to ignore the word and go on to check the next word, or press
ctrl-i to ignore all occurrences of this word in the file.
•Press E to edit the word. Then, after “New,” type the new word you
want and press enter to make the change.
•Press C to see the word in context. You can’t make changes to the
misspelled word while viewing it in context. To go back, press any key.
•Press A to add the word to the user dictionary so that AlphaWord Plus
does not question the spelling of the word in the future. When the
program tells you the word has been added, press any key.
•Press esc to exit spell check.
4. If you haven’t exited spell check by pressing esc, when it finishes
checking your file, it notifies you that the spell check is complete and
returns you to your file.
You can disable
spell check. See
page 35.
More about the user
dictionary. The ability
to add words to the
user dictionary can be
disabled by changing the spell
check settings in the NEO
Control Panel (see page 175)
or in NEO Manager (see
page 189). You can create
your own custom user
dictionary for AlphaWord Plus
so that the spell check does
not question unusual words
that you use often. See
page 36 for details.
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Turning Off Spell Check
At times, you may want to turn off the spell check feature. For example, if
students use NEO for spelling assignments, you may not want them to be able
to spell check their work.
There are three ways to turn off spell check or turn it back on:
• You can press option-a-spell check on a NEO and enter the master
password.
• You can use the Control Panel SmartApplet on one NEO (page 175).
• From NEO Manager, you can disable spell check for all connected NEOs
(see page 189).
For the first two methods, you’ll need to enter the NEO’s master password.
You can get the default master password from Technical Support, or you can
set your own master password for your NEOs using the System settings in the
NEO Manager software (see page 171).
Adding Words to the User Dictionary
If you use words that regularly trip up your spell checks—such as scientific
terms, proper names, or acronyms—you can add them to the AlphaWord Plus
dictionary so that spell check doesn’t question them in the future. There are
three ways to add words to the user dictionary:
• During the spell check, you can press A for “add” when spell check
questions the word.
• Using the Spell Check Settings in the Control Panel (see page 175), you can
add words to the user dictionary or delete the user dictionary. (You can also
turn off the ability to add words to the dictionary.)
• You can create a text file on your computer that contains the words to be
added, and then you can send it to your NEO(s) using NEO Manager. See
the next section.
This is the most efficient method if you have more than one NEO because it
updates multiple NEOs at the same time and it allows you to add several
words at the same time. You can also delete words from the user dictionary
using this method. (You can’t using the other methods.)
Whenever you make updates to your user dictionary text file, simply use
NEO Manager to send the file again, and the existing user dictionary on the
NEO(s) will be overwritten.
You can set the
master password
using the System
settings in NEO Manager.
See page 171.
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Checking Spelling
. . . . .
Sending a New User Dictionary to NEOs Using NEO Manager
Instead of adding words one by one as you
do spell checks on your NEOs, you can
create a text file on your computer that
contains all the words you want to be in the
user dictionary on your NEOs. Then, you
can use NEO Manager to send that file to
your NEOs to replace the user dictionary.
You can separate words in a text file with
spaces, commas, tabs, or returns. (The
example to the right uses returns.)
Each NEO can only have one user
dictionary. When you send a new one, it
overwrites the existing user dictionary on
the NEO.
If you want to add or remove words in your
NEO user dictionary, you can change the word list in the text file on your
computer and resend it to your NEOs.
Follow these steps to send a user dictionary to NEOs:
1. Start NEO Manager (see page 15) and connect one NEO (see page 9) or
a SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. Using a word-processing program on your computer, create a list of words
and save the file as a text file with a .txt file extension in the name (such
as mywords.txt).
3. In NEO Manager, click the File menu and choose Send User Dictionary.
4. Browse to select the text file you created; then, click Open (Windows) or
Choose (Macintosh).
5. Click the Send List tab and verify that your list of words appears in the
SpellCheck Files area of the send list.
6. If you are using a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the user
dictionary to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices, check
the NEOs that you want to send the user dictionary to, and click OK. (To
send to all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter that password and click OK.
SpiffyPro
Oban
Turlock
Cumbria
Bena
Caden
Cupertino
Islay
MegaSync
Aptos
Surrey
You can also delete
a user dictionary
using the spell
check settings in NEO
Manager. See page 189.
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Using the Thesaurus or the Spanish-English Word Lookup
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Using the Thesaurus or the Spanish-English Word
Lookup
Using the Thesaurus
Keeping writing lively and interesting can be a challenge, but a thesaurus can
help. AlphaWord Plus includes a thesaurus that you can use to replace a word
with a synonym or antonym.
To use the thesaurus, follow these steps:
1. In your file, move your cursor so it is either just before or inside the word
you want to look up. (You can skip this step if you want to look up a word
that isn’t in your file.)
2. Press ctrl-T to open the thesaurus.
3. If you moved the cursor next to a word, it will be shown between the
brackets.
If there is no word in the brackets A, or if you want to look up a different
word, type the word you want to look up. (If you need to delete text that is
already between the brackets, press clear file.)
4. Press enter.
5. If the word was found, you will be asked to pick a category (or part of
speech) as shown below. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to a
category and press enter. (If the word could not be found in the
thesaurus, you can press enter to look up a different word or esc to exit.)
6. Next, some synonyms for the word will be listed. You can do any of the
following:
•If you see a word that you want to use, move the cursor next to it and
press enter.
A
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Using the Thesaurus or the Spanish-English Word Lookup
. . . . .
•If you want to look up more words like one in the list, move the cursor
next to a word and press L.
•If you want to see antonyms (words with the opposite meaning),
press A.
•If you want to go back and choose a different category, press C.
•If you want to leave the thesaurus without doing anything, press esc.
7. If you chose to use a word, move the cursor to choose one of these
options and press enter:
•Replace the original word in your file.
•Copy the word you chose to the clipboard so you can paste it
elsewhere.
•Do a new search in the thesaurus for the word you selected.
8. Depending on what you chose, you will either return to your file or to the
thesaurus.
Replacing the Thesaurus with the Spanish-English Word Lookup
You can replace NEO’s thesaurus with a Spanish-English word lookup if you
don’t plan to use the thesaurus. In the Spanish-English Word Lookup, you
type in Spanish words to find their English equivalents.
Note: You can’t have both the English thesaurus and the Spanish-English
word lookup installed on a NEO. You must choose one.
If you decide to replace the thesaurus on your NEO with the Spanish-English
word lookup, you can use NEO Manager to do this. Follow these steps:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9).
2. In NEO Manager, click the File menu and choose New Send List.
3. Click the SmartApplets tab.
To find out how to
use the Spanish-
English word
lookup, see page 40.
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Using the Thesaurus or the Spanish-English Word Lookup
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4. Click Thesaurus Spanish in the Install List A, then click Add =>.
5. Click the Send List and verify that “Thesaurus Spanish to English”
appears in the SmartApplets section of the list.
6. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the changes
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices, check the devices
that you want to send the change to, and then click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
NEO Manager will remove the thesaurus and install the word lookup.
A
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USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Using the Thesaurus or the Spanish-English Word Lookup
. . . . .
Using the Spanish-English Word Lookup
Once you’ve installed the word lookup, follow the steps below to type a
Spanish word and find its English equivalent.
1. In AlphaWord Plus, press ctrl-T to open the word lookup (labeled
Thesaurus).
2. Type the Spanish word you want to look up and press enter.
3. Use the arrow keys to select the category of words you want to look up
and press enter.
4. Use the arrow keys to select the English word you want to use and press
enter.
If you don’t see the word you want, you can do one of the following:
•move the cursor next to the best choice you see and press L to look
up synonyms of this word, or
•press C to return to the category list.
5. If you chose to use a word, move the cursor to choose one of these
options and press enter:
•Replace the original word in your file.
•Copy the word you chose to the clipboard so you can paste it
elsewhere.
•Do a new search for the word you selected.
6. Depending on what you chose, you will either return to your file or to the
word lookup.
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Using Linked Files
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Using Linked Files
Each AlphaWord Plus file can have a linked file, that is, a file connected to the
main file.
A linked file is a place to store information related to a file. For example, you
could create a linked file with an outline of what you plan to write, a checklist
of tasks, vocabulary words, or rubric information for an assignment. Teachers
can use them to include guidelines for writing assignments.
A linked file is read-only. You can’t create or edit linked files in AlphaWord
Plus. You create them on your computer by enclosing the text within <form>
tags, and then send them to NEOs using NEO Manager (see page 42).
On your NEO, you can press ctrl-L to switch between the file you can write in
and the linked file.
Here’s an example of a simple linked file that lists vocabulary words. In this
example, the linked file includes the vocabulary words and instructions for an
assignment, and the student can write sentences with the vocabulary words in
the main file.
Text in the linked
file after it is sent to
the NEO
Main file in
the NEO
How the linked file looks
in NEO Manager (The text inside
the <FORM> tags will be in the
linked file.)
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Using Linked Files
. . . . .
Sending a Linked File to NEOs
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9).
2. Click the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
3. In the file list on the left, click the file number that you want to send to on
the NEO(s) A.
4. In the File # window B, type the text for the linked file. All text that you
want in the linked file should be inside <form> and </form> tags as shown
above. If you want to send any text into the main AlphaWord Plus file (not
the linked file), insert it before or after the <form> tags.
In your linked file, you can use the tags below to insert check boxes,
specify a preformatted section, and control line breaks. The tags in the
table are similar to HTML tags. Most have a beginning tag enclosed in
angle brackets (<PRE>) and an end tag enclosed in angle brackets with a
forward slash (</PRE>).
Tag Description
<FORM> Begin a linked file.
</FORM> End a linked file.
[] or [] Insert a check box.
<PRE> Begin a preformatted section (use this when you want
to precisely control line breaks).
</PRE> End a preformatted section.
You can also click
the Linked Files
button, type the text
for the linked file in the
<form> tags that have been
entered for you in the new
window, and then click OK
to come back to the main
window. See page 66.
AB
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5. Click the Send List tab to verify that the linked file and any other text
appears as you want it C.
6. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the linked file
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices, check the
numbers that you want to send the file to, and then click OK. (To send to
all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
The linked file and any other associated text will be sent to your NEO(s).
<NOBR> Begin no break text (use this to keep the text that
follows on a single line, if possible).
</NOBR> End of no break text.
<BR> Insert a hard return.
Tag Description
C
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Using Linked Files
. . . . .
Viewing Linked Files on NEOs
1. On your NEO, press the file number key for the file that has a linked file.
2. Press ctrl-L to open the linked file.
If the linked file has check boxes, you can check them by pressing the
spacebar or X, and you can clear them by pressing the spacebar or
backspace. Move forward through check boxes by pressing tab. Move
backward by pressing shift-tab.
If a linked file is long, you can use the arrow keys to scroll through it.
3. To return to the main file, press ctrl-L again or press the file key.
Tips for Using Linked Files
• If you send a file from a NEO to your computer that has a linked file, the
main file is sent first; then, the linked file is sent with the <form> tags.
• You can print the linked file text. Simply press ctrl-L to view your linked
file, then press print on your NEO. Whatever is on the screen when you
press print—the main file or the linked file—will be printed.
• You can copy the text of a linked file and paste it into the main file or into
another file. To do so, view the linked file by pressing ctrl-L, then press
shift-ctrl-a-C. The linked file is copied to the clipboard. Next, press
ctrl-L to return to the main file, or press one of the file keys for a different
file. Then, press ctrl-V to paste the text.
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Using Linked Files
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Sample Linked Files
Below is a sample of a complex linked file, shown as you’d create it on your
computer and how it appears on a NEO.
Story Starter
The assignment is to write a story. Every story has
four parts: a setting, characters, a plot, and a
solution. Press ctrl-L to view the steps to complete.
Write your story in the first person and begin with
one of the phrases below.
I never noticed...
I remember...
I felt...
I saw...
<FORM>
Complete each step:
<br>
[ ] Choose a setting
[ ] Choose characters
[ ] Choose a plot
[ ] Choose a solution
</FORM>
An example of a linked file you
might create on your computer
Line break
Editable text that
appears in the
main file
Text and check
boxes that appear
in the linked file
Complete each step:
[ ] Choose a setting
[ ] Choose characters
[ ] Choose a plot
[ ] Choose a solution
Story Starter
The assignment is to write a story.
Every story has four parts: a setting,
characters, a plot, and a solution.
Press ctrl-L to view the steps to
complete. Write your story in the first
person and begin with one of the
phrases below.
I never noticed...
I remember...
I felt...
The linked file on a NEO
The connected AlphaWord
Plus file
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Character, Word, Paragraph, and Page Counts
. . . . .
Character, Word, Paragraph, and Page Counts
Follow these steps to find out how many characters, words, paragraphs, and
pages are in your current file:
1. Open the file.
2. Press ctrl-W. You will see a screen like the one below, displaying
statistics for the file.
The percentage and the black bar at the bottom show you how much
more you can enter before reaching the file size limit (see page 47). For
another way to see the space remaining, see page 47.
3. Press M to see more statistics. You’ll need to scroll to view all the
information.
4. Press esc to exit the screen and return to your file.
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File Size Limits
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File Size Limits
About the File Size Limits
AlphaWord Plus has minimum and maximum file size limits:
•Default minimum size: 512 characters (about a quarter of a page)
•Default maximum size: 51,200 characters (about 25 pages)
You can change these limits using the NEO Manager software; see page 188
for more information.
When an AlphaWord Plus file reaches the limit, you will see the message
shown below. You should continue in another file or send this file to your
computer as recommended.
Checking the Size and the Number of Pages Available for One File
To see how many pages you’ve written in a file and how much space you have
left, follow the steps below.
For the purposes of this estimate, a page is the amount of text that would
print on one piece of paper when the text is in the 12-point Times New Roman
font and double-spaced.
1. Press a-i. You’ll see a screen like the one below. This screen shows the
pages used and available for this file and for all files (System).
2. When you’ve finished, press any key to exit the screen.
The amount of space
available is affected
by the size of data
files for your other
SmartApplets. For example,
if you have the AlphaQuiz
SmartApplet, which needs to
reserve space for quizzes,
you will have less space
available for AlphaWord Plus
files.
You can see the file
size as a percentage
of the limit when you
view the character, word,
paragraph, and page counts.
See page 46.
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Clearing and Deleting Files
. . . . .
Checking the Number of Pages Written in Files 1–8
If you want to see the number of pages you’ve written for all files on your
NEO, follow these steps:
1. Press shift-a-i. The screen that opens shows you the number of pages
you’ve written in each file. The current file is marked with *.
2. Press any key to exit the screen.
Clearing and Deleting Files
The text that you type in each file remains there until you clear or delete the
files. There is a difference between clearing a file and deleting it:
• Clearing a file removes the contents of an unnamed numbered file (1–8). If
the file is named (see page 26), clearing the file closes it. If you clear an
unnamed file, you can recover the text if you haven’t entered new text yet;
see page 51.
• Deleting a file completely removes both the contents of the numbered file
and the named file (if the file is named), and you can’t recover any of the
data. If the file has a linked file, the linked file is deleted as well.
The table below summarizes what happens when you clear or delete each type
of file:
File Type Pressing Clear File Does This: Deleting the File Does This:
Unnamed open file (in one of
the eight file spaces)
• Clears all text from the file, leaving
it empty. Text can be recovered.
• Deletes all text from the file, leaving it
empty. Text can’t be recovered.
Named, open file • Closes the file and leaves the file
space empty. You can reopen the
file later.
• Deletes the file and its name and
leaves the file space empty.
Clear all files off
NEOs on a regular
basis (perhaps once a
quarter) to prevent too many
files from being stored on the
school NEOs.
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Clearing and Deleting Files
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Clearing a File
1. Press the file key for the file you want to clear to open that file.
2. Press clear file.
3. Press Y to clear the file if you want to continue. (Otherwise, press N to
return to the file.)
Note: You can clear files only when your NEO is not connected to your
computer. If your NEO is connected to your computer, pressing clear file
has no effect.
Clearing All Open Files (File 1–File 8)
You can clear files 1–8 simultaneously, which can be useful if multiple users
have entered information on a NEO. This affects only the numbered files
(named or unnamed); named files that aren’t open in files 1–8 are not
affected.
Named file that isn’t open When you view a list of files using
ctrl-F and move the cursor next to a
file, pressing clear file does this:
• Clears all text from the file, leaving
it empty. Text can be recovered.
• Keeps the file name, leaving an
empty, named file.
When you delete an unopened file from
a list using ctrl-D, deleting the file does
this:
• Deletes the file and its name.
• Returns you to the file list.
Unnamed, open file with a
linked file
• Clears all text from the file. (You
can recover the text.)
• Keeps the linked file intact, but
clears any check boxes in the
linked file.
• Deletes all text from the file, plus the
linked file. The file will be empty. Text
can’t be recovered.
Named, open file with a
linked file
• Closes the named file.
• Lets you choose whether to keep
the old linked file with a new,
empty file.
• Deletes the file, its name, and its
linked file.
Named file with a linked file
when the file is not open
When you view a list of files using
ctrl-F and move the cursor next to a
file, pressing clear file does this:
• Clears all text from the main file.
(You can recover the text.)
• Keeps the file name.
• Keeps the linked file text intact,
but clears check boxes.
When you delete an unopened file from
a list using ctrl-D, deleting the file does
this:
• Deletes the file, its name, and its
linked file.
• Returns you to the file list.
File Type Pressing Clear File Does This: Deleting the File Does This:
You can also clear a
file by pressing ctrl-F,
scrolling to the file you
want to clear, and pressing
clear file.
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Clearing and Deleting Files
. . . . .
Follow these steps to clear files 1–8 at the same time:
1. Press shift-ctrl-option-a-clear file.
2. Press Y to clear all the files if you want to continue. (If not, press N to
return to the last active file.)
3. If you have named files with linked files in files 1–8, for each file,
AlphaWord Plus will ask whether you want to keep the linked file.
Note: If necessary, you can restore these files one at a time as long as you
haven’t typed new text into the files. To recover files, see page 51.
Deleting Files
Deleting a file removes everything: its contents, its name (if it is a named file),
and its linked file (if it has one). You can delete a single file, or you can delete
all files on the NEO, including named files. You can’t recover data from a file
that has been deleted.
Deleting the Open File
1. Open the file you want to delete.
2. Press option-a-clear file.
3. Press Y to delete the file permanently if you want to continue. (If not,
press N to return to the file.)
Deleting a File from a List of Files
1. From within any file, press ctrl-D. A list of files appears.
2. Move the cursor next to the file you want to delete.
3. Press enter.
4. Press Y to delete the file permanently if you want to continue. (If not,
press N to cancel.) NEO returns you to the active file space.
Deleting All Files
1. From within any file, press ctrl-option-a-clear file.
2. Press Y to permanently delete all the files (including named files not in
files 1–8). If you don’t want to do this, press N to return to the file without
deleting files.
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Recovering Files
If you clear a file, and you haven’t deleted the file or entered new text in the
file space, you may be able to recover text you’ve cleared by following these
steps:
1. Make sure you’re in the file number that the file you want to recover was
open in. The screen appears blank.
2. Press option-a-R.
3. The file should reappear onscreen. If it doesn’t, you can try an emergency
recovery, which may place “garbage” characters in your file that you need
to remove. Follow these steps:
a. Press shift-ctrl-option-a-R. Your file should reappear, possibly
along with a quantity of garbage characters.
b. Scroll to the location where the garbage characters begin and press
shift-end to select from the cursor to the end of the file; then, press
delete.
Using the Typing Timer
The Typing Timer helps you evaluate your typing proficiency by measuring
the elapsed time and words per minute (WPM). Note that the final WPM
result doesn’t subtract for errors made while typing.
When you use the typing timer, there are some restrictions:
• You can’t delete characters so that you can see any mistakes you made
when you finish.
•Pressing backspace has no effect while you use the Typing Timer.
You can edit the text you type after turning off the Typing Timer.
Follow these steps to use the Typing Timer:
1. Choose where you want to start the typing timer. You can start in an
empty file or clear the current file so it is empty. If you want to use a file
that already has text in it, place the cursor where you want to start the
Typing Timer.
NEO also includes
the KeyWords
SmartApplet, which
you can use to learn typing
skills or to teach your
students. For more about this
SmartApplet, see page 114.
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2. Press a-find. You will see this message:
3. Start typing. The elapsed time will appear as you type.
4. Press caps lock to stop. The elapsed time and words per minute will be
shown.
5. If you want to start the timer again, press enter.
If you want to exit the timer, press esc.
Using NEO Manager to View, Print, and Save Files
Retrieving Files from Connected NEOs
You can use the NEO Manager software to get the numbered files (1–8) from
all connected NEOs. You can then view the files, print them, or save them as
separate text files.
NEO Manager retrieves files 1–8 from NEOs. It doesn’t retrieve named files
that aren’t open in files 1–8. If you want to retrieve a named file, make sure
you open it on the NEO.
If you retrieve a file that has a linked file associated with it, you retrieve the
linked file text as well. When you view, print, or save the file, the linked file
text is added to the end of the main file. For more about linked files, see
page 41.
Follow these steps to retrieve files from your connected NEOs:
1. In NEO Manager, click the Get/Print AlphaWord Files tab.
If you have just one NEO connected, you’ll see “NEO USB” in the File
Contents list as shown on the next page. If you connect an entire
SmartOption Mobile Lab, the connected NEOs will be listed by number.
If you are using a
SmartOption Mobile
Lab, you may have as
many as 30 NEOs connected
to your computer. This means
you could be retrieving as
many as 240 files (8 files for
each of the 30 NEOs).
Typically, you should allow
10–45 minutes to save or print
files from 30 NEOs.
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2. If you have one NEO connected, in the File Contents area, click the +
(Windows) or (Macintosh) next to “NEO USB” A. A message appears
briefly to tell you that NEO Manager is retrieving the file(s).
If you have more than one NEO connected, use the Sort by drop-down
list B to choose whether to sort by File Number or Device (NEO).
If you sort by file number, you can click the + (Windows) or (Macintosh)
next to the file number you want to view for multiple NEOs C.
A
B
C
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If you sort by Device (by NEO), click the + or next to the NEO for which
you want to view files D. The NEO numbers match the cable numbers in
your cart.
Viewing the Files
1. Click the displayed file text to select the file you want to view A.
D
A
B
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2. Click View File B to see the selected file. The file appears in its own
window. You can save the file from here, or click Close to close the
window and return to NEO Manager.
Printing Files
1. Check the files that you want to print in the File Contents list A.
2. Click Print Files B. A print dialog box appears.
If you print a file that
has a linked file
attached, the linked
file prints on a separate page.
A
B
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3. For Macintosh computers only, make sure NEO Manager C is selected
in the third drop-down list. This ensures that the dialog box displays the
NEO Manager print options shown below.
4. Choose a printer to send the files to D.
5. Use the Print drop-down list to choose the files you want to print E:
• All Files. Prints all eight files from your NEO.
• Checked Items. Prints only the files you checked.
• File #. Prints only that numbered file.
C
EF
G
D
Windows Macintosh
E
D
F
G
H
H
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6. If you have more than one NEO connected, use the From drop-down list
to choose which NEOs to print from F:
• All devices. Prints the file(s) you chose from all connected NEOs.
•NEO #. Prints the files from the NEO connected at this numbered
cable in the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
• NEO USB. Prints from the NEO connected via a USB cable. (This is
the only option available if only one NEO is connected.)
7. Click one of the header options G:
• Print header information on first page. Prints the NEO number (or
“NEO USB”) and the file number on the first page only.
• Print header information on all pages. Prints the NEO number (or
“NEO USB”), the file number, and the page number on all pages.
• Do not print header information. Omits header information from all
pages.
8. Check the box if you want empty files to print as a blank page H. This
provides a useful visual cue if you’re printing several files from multiple
NEOs.
9. Click Print.
Saving Files
You can use NEO Manager to save any of the numbered files (1–8) that you
retrieved from your NEO(s). Files are saved in their own folders as text files.
Where Files Are Saved
If you have connected just one NEO using the USB cable, all files will be saved
in a folder named NEO USB.
AlphaWord Plus files saved on a Windows computer
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If you’ve connected a SmartOption Mobile Lab, you will see a folder for each
file number. Within that folder, you will see that file number for each
connected NEO.
AlphaWord Plus files saved on a Macintosh
When working with
multiple NEOs,
consider numbering
them 1–30 and assigning
students a specific number
to use throughout the
session. When students are
finished working with the
NEOs, be sure to connect
each student’s NEO to the
appropriate number in the
SmartOption Mobile Lab.
When you retrieve and save
files, this will help you identify
the files from each student.
Saved files on a Windows computer
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How to Save the Files
1. Check the files that you want to save in the File Contents list A.
Saved files on a Macintosh
A
B
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2. Click Save Files B. A dialog box opens.
3. On Windows computers, click Browse C and go to the location where
you want to save the files.
On Macintosh computers, navigate to the location where you want to save
the files.
4. Click the Save drop-down list D and choose one of these options:
• All Files. Saves all eight files from your NEO(s).
• Checked Items. Saves only the files you checked in step 1.
• File #. Saves only that numbered file.
5. If you have more than one NEO connected, click the From drop-down list
and choose the NEO(s) to save files from.
6. Click Save (Windows) or Choose (Macintosh). The file(s) are saved as
text files in the location you specified, either in the NEO USB folder or
separate folders for each file number. If that location already has files that
were previously saved, you may be asked if you want to replace the files.
C
D
D
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Sending (Beaming) Files to Other NEOs
When you have the Beamer SmartApplet on your NEO, you can beam files
from one NEO to another right within AlphaWord Plus. You don’t need to
open the Beamer SmartApplet to send and receive files. Follow these steps:
1. Move your NEOs to within three feet of each other and aim their infrared
ports A at each other as shown.
2. The sender should open the file he or she wants to send and press ctrl-
send.
3. The receiver should open the file space that he or she wants to receive
the text into and press ctrl-B.
4. If the file that the receiver chose was not empty, a message will ask if you
want to overwrite it or append to it (that is, add the beamed text to the end
of the file). Move your cursor next to an option and press enter.
You can also use the
Send and Receive
options in the
Beamer SmartApplet itself,
but it is faster to send files
from within AlphaWord Plus.
For more information about
beaming and the Beamer
SmartApplet, see page 203.
A
If there is text in the
clipboard of the NEO
that’s receiving a
file, NEO will ask if you want
to overwrite the clipboard with
the file you’re receiving. To
continue and allow the
clipboard to be overwritten,
press enter.
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Sending Files to Supported Web-Based Programs Using NEO 2
. . . . .
Sending Files to Supported Web-Based Programs Using
NEO 2
If you have a NEO 2 and a Renaissance Receiver, you can also send your
AlphaWord Plus files to supported programs such as Google Docs for NEO 2,
and you can retrieve documents from those programs into one of your NEO 2
files.
Note: Wireless File Transfer must be installed on your NEO 2. If you receive
a message that it is not installed or has been disabled, see page 219.
Sending Files from NEO 2 to Supported Programs
1. First, check the following:
•Make sure your Renaissance Receiver is connected to a computer
that is currently connected to the Internet. (To connect the Receiver,
see page 19.)
•Make sure you know the Receiver/Network name. (To name the
Renaissance Receiver/computer combination, see page 20.)
2. On your NEO 2, open the file that you want to send.
3. Press cmd-send.
4. NEO 2 will search for your network (Receiver) and do one of two things:
•If the NEO 2 finds that you have connected to a Receiver before, it will
ask if you want to stay connected to that network. Press Y for yes and
then enter.
•If the NEO 2 does not find a previous connection, the screen will list
the available Receivers. Press L until you have highlighted your
Receiver name; then, press enter.
5. If more than one supported program is available, you will see a list. Use
the arrow keys to highlight the program you want to use; then, press
enter.
6. NEO 2 will connect to the supported program through your computer. If
the program requires you to log in, you will be asked to enter the email
address and password. Enter the email address and press enter. Then
enter your password and press enter again.
If the file that you
send has a linked
file, in the program
you are sending to, the linked
file will be added to the end of
the main document. <FORM>
tags will appear around the
linked file text.
If you have already
sent a file to the
supported program
since you last turned NEO 2
on, it will skip steps 4–6.
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7. If you already have files in the supported program, you will see two
options. Use the arrow keys to highlight the option you prefer and press
enter. Then, follow the instructions for the options you chose:
•If you chose to save the file as a new document in the program, enter
a name for the new file and press enter.
•If you chose to replace a file that you already have in the program, use
the arrow keys to highlight the name of the file you want to replace
and press enter.
8. The file will be copied to the program. When NEO 2 has finished sending
(copying) the file, it will notify you. Press enter. You will go back to the file
you have sent.
Retrieving Files from Supported Programs and Copying Them to NEO 2
1. First, check the following:
•Make sure your Renaissance Receiver is connected to a computer
that is currently connected to the Internet. (To connect the Receiver,
see page 19.)
•Make sure you know the Receiver/Network name. (To name the
Renaissance Receiver/computer combination, see page 20.)
2. On NEO 2, press one of the file keys to open the file space that you want
to retrieve the file into.
3. Press cmd-O.
4. If the file that you opened on NEO 2 is not empty, NEO 2 will ask if you
want to keep the current file.
•If you want to keep current file, press Y. Then, enter a name for the file
and press enter. The file will be closed, but you can open it again
later.
•If you do not want to keep the file, press N.
5. NEO 2 will search for your network (Receiver) and do one of two things:
•If the NEO 2 finds that you have connected to a Receiver before, it will
ask if you want to stay connected to that network. Press Y for yes and
then enter.
•If NEO 2 does not find a previous connection, the screen will list the
available Receivers. Press L until you have highlighted your Receiver
name; then, press enter.
6. If more than one supported program is available, you will see a list. Use
the arrow keys to highlight the program you want to use; then, press
enter.
By saving files as a
new document,
students can keep
multiple drafts of their work
in the supported program.
This can be helpful if you
require your students to show
multiple revisions of their
writing.
If you have already
sent a file to a
supported program
since you last turned NEO 2
on, it will skip steps 5–7.
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7. NEO 2 will connect to the program through your computer. If the program
requires you to log in, you will be asked to enter the email address and
password. Enter the email address and press enter. Then enter your
password and press enter again.
8. The next screen will list the files found in the supported program. Use the
arrow keys to highlight the file that you want to copy to your NEO 2. Then,
press enter.
9. The file will be copied from the program to the file space you opened on
NEO 2. When NEO 2 has finished copying the file, it will open it.
Using NEO Manager to Send Files, Rubrics, or Lessons
to NEO Files
In NEO Manager, you can send text files to NEOs. You can also create or
select linked files or assignment rubrics to send, or you can select Write On!
lessons to send to your NEOs.
Warning! When you send a file to NEOs, let NEO Manager finish sending it
before disconnecting the NEOs from your computer. If you don’t, you could
corrupt system files on your NEOs.
Creating and Sending Files to NEOs
NEO Manager can send files you’ve created on your computer to your NEOs.
You can compose text in another program and paste or drag it into NEO
Manager, or you can type text directly into NEO Manager.
Comments that were
inserted in the
document within
Google Docs will appear in
square brackets [ ] in the
document on NEO 2.
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If your computer is connected to a group of NEOs in a SmartOption Mobile
Lab, you can send the files to all connected NEOs or just specific NEOs that
you select.
Follow these steps to send a file to NEOs:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
3. Check the number of the file where you want to send text A. Note that
any existing text in that file number on the NEOs will be overwritten.
4. In the File # area B, type the text you want to transfer, or paste or drag
the text from another program.
You can send empty
files to your NEOs to
overwrite existing
files. This is a handy way to
remove all text from files 1–8
on your NEOs. If you want to
delete all files from the NEOs,
including named files that
aren’t open in files 1–8, it’s
better to use the Delete All
Files setting in the NEO
Manager AlphaWord Plus
settings; see page 188.
AB
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5. Click the Send List tab C and verify that the text you want to send
appears in the list.
6. If you are using a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the text
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices D. Check the
devices that you want to send the text to, then click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
Sending Rubrics or Other Linked Files to NEOs
NEO Manager can also send assignment rubrics or other linked files to NEOs.
You can create your own linked file to send, open a text file that you want to
link, or select one of the sample linked files. The text will be linked to the file
that you send it to on the NEO; it won’t be in the main file.
Follow these steps to send a rubric or another linked file to NEOs:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
You can send
multiple files
simultaneously. To
do this, repeat steps 3–4 until
you’re ready to send; then,
review the Send List tab to
make sure all the files appear
before clicking Send.
C
D
For more about
linked files, see
page 41.
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3. Check the number of each file where you want to send the rubric A.
(Note that if there is existing text in that file on the NEOs, that text will be
removed.)
4. Click Linked Files B at the bottom of the window.
5. Now, you can create a linked file, select a sample one, or open a file that
contains the text that you want to make a linked file:
• To create your own linked file, type the text between the <form> and
</form> tags in the window C. If you want to insert a check box, click
Insert a checkbox D and change the text that is inserted behind the
box. If you want to save the linked file to use again, click Save As E
and save it as a text file in the location you select. When the linked file
is done, click OK. The text will be shown in the File # area of the
AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
Tips for using rubrics:
Encourage students to
use their prewriting to
type a rough draft before
presenting them with a rubric.
This encourages students to
use keyboarding skills to
actually revise instead of
looking for typos.
Consider incorporating
requirements that are
commensurate with current
grammar lessons.
A
B
Any text that is
outside the <form>
</form> tags will be
in the file space itself, not in
the linked file.
C
D
E
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• To select a sample linked file, use the drop-down list F. When you
select one of these files, the text will appear in the window G, and you
can change it as needed. Then, click OK. The text will be shown in the
File # area of the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
• To open a text file that you want to make a linked file, click Open
H and find and select the text file. Then, click Open. Click OK in the
Linked Files window to select the file you’ve opened. The text will be
shown in the File # area of the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
The sample linked
files are also
available in NEO
Share.
F
G
H
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6. Click the Send List tab and verify that the text you want to send appears
in the list.
7. If you are using a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the
linked file to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check
the NEOs that you want to send the text to, then click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
8. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
Sending Write On! Lessons to NEOs
NEO Manager can also send Write On! lessons to NEOs. Write On! lessons
include writing lessons, literacy skills activities, and vocabulary strategies.
For more about Write On! lessons, see page 247.
Follow these steps to send lessons to NEOs:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. Click the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
You can transfer
multiple rubrics
simultaneously. To
do this, repeat steps 3–5 until
you’re ready to send; then,
review the Send List tab to
make sure all the files appear
before clicking Send.
You can also use
NEO Share to send
Write On! lessons to
NEO 2s.
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3. Check the number of the file where you want to send the lesson A. (Note
that any existing text in that file on the NEOs will be overwritten.)
4. Click WriteOn Lessons B at the bottom of the window. If the file you
have chosen already has text, an alert will appear to remind you that the
text will be replaced; click Yes to continue.
5. Double-click one of the categories on the left C to find the available
lessons, or click the category and click Next. You may need to open a few
different subcategories before you see a list of lessons. You can click
Back to back up one category level.
A
B
You can make your
own Write On!
lessons. To do this,
create a new folder for the
lessons. Then, create text files
that contain each of your
writing prompts or writing
lessons. Save each file with a
.txt extension. When you’ve
finished, move the folder into
the Write On Text Files folder.
(In Windows, the folder is
ProgramFiles\Renaissance
Learning\. On Macintosh
computers, the folder is
Applications : AlphaSmart :
AlphaSmart Manager 2.
C
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6. Click the lesson you want to select D and view the text in the Preview
area E. You can continue to click the lesson files until you find the one
you want to use; then, click Insert F. The lesson text will be shown in the
File # area of the AlphaWord Files to Send tab.
7. Read through the lesson. You can make changes if you’d like. Since the
lesson includes instruction, examples, and many writing prompts,
teachers generally divide the lesson among several files. (The lines made
up of = signs are natural places to break the file.) To break up the file, you
can cut some of the text from this file, click another file number, and paste
the text into that file. When you do this, students will see different parts of
the lesson in the different files you send to NEOs.
8. Click the Send List tab and verify that the lesson you want to send
appears in the list.
D
E
F
You can transfer
multiple lessons
simultaneously. To
do this, repeat steps 2–7 until
you’re ready to send; then,
review the Send List tab to
make sure all the files appear
before clicking Send.
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About File Passwords
. . . . .
9. If you are using a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the
lesson to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check the
NEOs that you want to send the lesson to, then click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
10. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
About File Passwords
If you enable password protection for your NEO(s), you can set a password
for each file. Then, any time you press a file key or open a named file, you
must enter the file’s password or the master password.
The following sections explain how to enable password protection, set a
password for a file, and reset all file passwords.
Enabling Password Protection While Working in a File
You will need the NEO’s master password to enable password protection. You
can set that password using the System settings in NEO Manager (see
page 171) or contact Technical Support to get the default master password.
1. Be sure you know your master password (see page 171 to set the master
password using the System settings in NEO Manager).
2. Press ctrl-option-a-P. A message will tell you whether password
protection is on or off.
3. To change the setting, type the master password and press enter. A
message will tell you what the setting has been changed to.
4. Press any key to exit the screen. All AlphaWord Plus files will have the
password write until you change the password for each file (see the next
section).
There are three
types of passwords
for NEOs and NEO
Manager: file passwords, the
master password, and the
send list password. For more
information, see page 171.
You can also enable
or disable file
passwords in the
Control Panel (see page 176)
or using NEO Manager (see
page 188).
USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
About File Passwords
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Changing a File’s Password While Working in the File
When you first enable password protection for AlphaWord Plus files, all files
have the same default password: write (unless you’ve changed the default in
NEO Manager—see page 188).
If you want to give each file a unique password instead, follow the steps
below. Passwords can be up to six characters long. They aren’t case-sensitive.
They can contain letters, numbers, and symbols, but not spaces. If you don’t
know an individual file’s password, you can enter the NEO’s master password
instead. (To set the master password, see page 171.)
Follow these steps to change a file’s password within AlphaWord Plus:
1. Open the file for which you want to change the password. You need to
enter the current password to open it. If you’ve never changed the
password, enter the default password (write), or enter the master
password.
2. Press option-a-P. You will see a screen like the one below.
3. Type the current file password. Press tab and type your new password;
then, press tab and type it again to confirm it.
4. Press enter. A message will tell you that the password has been
changed; then, you’ll return to your file.
Resetting File Passwords
If you forget file passwords, you can reset the passwords for all AlphaWord
Plus files on this NEO back to the default password (write or the default
password you chose in NEO Manager).
The steps below tell you how to reset all file passwords on the NEO. You can
also reset them from the Control Panel (see page 176) or in NEO Manager
(see page 188).
1. With an AlphaWord Plus file open, press shift-ctrl-option-a-P.
2. Type the master password and press enter. A message will notify you that
the passwords have been reset to the factory default (write).
3. Press any key to exit the screen.
You can also change
each file’s password
in the Control Panel;
see page 176. In NEO
Manager, you can set the
same password for all files
(see page 188), but you can’t
set a unique password for
each file.
You can use the
same password for
every file if you
name your file before you
change the password.
You need the master
password to reset
file passwords. Use
the System settings in NEO
Manager to set this password;
see page 171.
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USING ALPHAWORD PLUS TO WRITE ON NEO
Using a NEO Text2Speech Device to Read AlphaWord Plus Files Aloud
. . . . .
Using a NEO Text2Speech Device to Read AlphaWord
Plus Files Aloud
If you have an optional NEO Text2Speech device from Renaissance Learning,
the device can read aloud the text you write in AlphaWord Plus. To turn the
device on or off or to change options such as the speed or volume, press
ctrl-J.
For more information, refer to the NEO Text2Speech User Manual, which
you received with the device.
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S
MART
A
PPLETS
What Are SmartApplets?
SmartApplets are the programs installed on your NEO. AlphaWord Plus—the
program you use to write on the NEO—is just one of the available
SmartApplets.
Installed SmartApplets
By default, NEOs come with these SmartApplets installed:
To see a list of the installed SmartApplets, press applets. To choose the one
you want to use, press the arrow keys to move the cursor next to that
SmartApplet; then, press enter.
SmartApplet Where to Find More Information
Responder (NEO 2 only) Page 85
AlphaWord Plus Page 23
Accelerated Reader (NEO 2 only) Page 94
KeyWords (US NEOs) or KAZ (UK NEOs) Page 114
MathFacts in a Flash RP (NEO 2 only) Page 101
MathFacts in a Flash (offline) (NEO 2 only) Page 105
Beamer Page 203
Control Panel Page 174
AlphaQuiz (NEO 1; can be installed on
NEO 2)
See the instructions on the NEO
Documentation CD or at
www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/.
Calculator Page 213
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SMARTAPPLETS
Managing the SmartApplets on Your NEO
. . . . .
An additional SmartApplet, Co:Writer, is available from Don Johnston, Inc. If
you purchase this SmartApplet and it was not already installed when you
received your NEOs, be sure to follow the installation instructions provided
by Don Johnston, Inc.
Managing the SmartApplets on Your NEO
The easiest way to manage SmartApplets is to use NEO Manager. In NEO
Manager, you can do the following:
• Change the startup SmartApplet (the one that starts automatically when
you start a NEO). See the instructions below.
• Disable SmartApplets on your NEOs (see page 78).
• Install new or updated SmartApplets on the connected NEOs (see page 79).
• Change SmartApplet settings on NEOs (see page 81).
• Remove SmartApplets from the connected NEOs (see page 82).
• View SmartApplet information (see page 83).
• Add SmartApplets to the list available in NEO Manager (see page 84).
You can also perform some of these tasks on the NEO itself. For example,
from the SmartApplets menu, you can change the SmartApplet that starts
when you start the NEO, and you can disable SmartApplets (see page 78).
Changing the Startup SmartApplet
The startup SmartApplet is the one that starts automatically when you turn
on a NEO. AlphaWord Plus is the startup SmartApplet when you first receive
your NEOs. You can change the startup SmartApplet on the NEO itself (see
the steps below) or using the NEO Manager software (see page 77).
Changing the Startup SmartApplet on the NEO Itself
1. Press applets.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to the SmartApplet that you
want to start when you turn on your NEO.
If you don’t set a
startup SmartApplet,
when you turn on your
NEO, it goes to the
SmartApplets list, with the
cursor next to the SmartApplet
you were working in the last
time you turned the NEO off.
SMARTAPPLETS
Changing the Startup SmartApplet
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3. Press ctrl-applets. An asterisk designating the startup SmartApplet
appears in the menu.
Repeat the steps to turn the setting off.
Changing the Startup SmartApplet for One or More NEOs Using NEO
Manager
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab.
3. Click System in the settings list on the left A.
4. In the list of system settings on the right, click the drop-down list next to
Startup SmartApplet B and choose the SmartApplet that you want to
start when the NEO(s) are turned on. When you do this, the box for the
setting will automatically be checked.
5. Click the Send List tab and verify that your system setting change
appears in the send list.
6. If you are using a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the
setting change to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices.
AB
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SMARTAPPLETS
Disabling and Re-Enabling SmartApplets
. . . . .
Check the numbers to which you want to send the change, then click OK.
(To send to all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter that password and click OK.
Disabling and Re-Enabling SmartApplets
You can disable a SmartApplet on NEOs. When you do this, the SmartApplets
can’t be used, but they are still installed on your NEOs, and you can enable
them again later.
To disable or re-enable SmartApplets, you can use the SmartApplet menu on
a single NEO, or you can use the NEO Manager software to disable the
SmartApplet on one or more NEOs.
Disabling or Re-Enabling a SmartApplet on a Single NEO
1. Press applets.
2. Move the cursor next to the SmartApplet you want to disable.
3. Press ctrl-a-L.
4. Enter the master password and press enter. The symbol appears next
to the SmartApplet to show it has been disabled.
5. Repeat these steps to enable the SmartApplet.
Note: If you want to disable the Calculator SmartApplet, from within
AlphaWord Plus press ctrl-a-C and then enter the master password.
Disabling or Re-Enabling SmartApplets for One or More NEOs Using NEO
Manager
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab.
You need the master
password to disable
SmartApplets. You
can use the System settings in
NEO Manager to set this
password (see page 171) or
contact Technical Support to
get the default master
password.
SMARTAPPLETS
Installing or Updating SmartApplets on NEOs Using NEO Manager
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3. On the left, click the SmartApplet that you want to disable or enable on
your NEO(s) A.
4. On the right, after the Disable this SmartApplet setting, click Yes B.
The box will be checked. (To enable the SmartApplet again, click No.)
5. Click the Send List tab and verify that your setting change is in the list.
6. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the setting
change to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check
the boxes for the NEOs that you want to send the changes to, and click
OK. (To send to all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
Installing or Updating SmartApplets on NEOs Using NEO
Manager
You can install new SmartApplets, update SmartApplets, or reinstall
SmartApplets that you’ve removed. To do this, you install a SmartApplet on
your computer, then select it and send it to your NEO(s) using NEO Manager.
For more information about available SmartApplets, visit our Web site.
A
B
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SMARTAPPLETS
Installing or Updating SmartApplets on NEOs Using NEO Manager
. . . . .
If you have a mixed SmartOption Mobile Lab with both NEO 1s and NEO 2s,
please keep in mind the following:
• SmartApplets that are only for NEO 2 (Responder, Accelerated Reader, and
MathFacts in a Flash) will not be installed on NEO 1s.
• NEO 1s don’t have as much space as NEO 2s. For mixed labs, the
information shown in the Memory column is based on the space left on
NEO 1s, not NEO 2s, since NEO 1s have the smallest amount of space.
Follow these steps to install SmartApplets on NEOs:
1. If you have a new SmartApplet that isn’t already available to install in
NEO Manager, see “Adding SmartApplets to the List in NEO Manager” on
page 84.
2. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15).
3. Connect your NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
4. In NEO Manager, click the SmartApplets tab if it is not already selected.
5. There are two ways to choose the SmartApplets you want to install on
NEOs:
•Click a SmartApplet in the SmartApplet List A and drag it to the Install
List B.
•Select the SmartApplet(s) in the SmartApplet List A; then click
Add => to move them to the Install List B. To select more than one
SmartApplet to add, hold down the Shift key, the Ctrl key in Windows,
or the a key on Macintosh computers as you click the SmartApplets
you want to add.
If you don’t see the
SmartApplet you
want to install in the
list, and you know you
installed it on your computer,
see page 84 to add it to the
list.
A
BC
Not everything in the
SmartApplet list is a
SmartApplet. The list
includes your NEO fonts, spell
check, the Thesaurus, the
Spanish-English word lookup,
Text2Speech Updater for
NEO Text2Speech devices,
and Wireless File Transfer
(NEO 2 only). You can install
and delete these items just as
you would SmartApplets.
SMARTAPPLETS
Choosing SmartApplet Settings
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As you add SmartApplets to the Install List, check the Memory column C
to make sure there is enough memory available on the NEOs to install the
SmartApplets you want. The darker color shows the space used on the
NEO, and the lighter color shows what is needed by the SmartApplet(s)
you want to install. If you don’t have enough memory to install the
SmartApplets you want, you could delete some SmartApplets from NEOs
as described on page 82.
6. Click the Send List tab and verify that the SmartApplets you want to
install appear in the list.
7. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the
SmartApplets to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices.
Check the box for each NEO that you want to send the SmartApplets to,
and click OK. (To send to all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
8. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
Choosing SmartApplet Settings
Many SmartApplets have their own settings, and the NEO itself has system
settings. You can change the settings in the NEO Control Panel (see page 174)
or in NEO Manager (see page 187).
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SMARTAPPLETS
Deleting SmartApplets from NEOs Using NEO Manager
. . . . .
Deleting SmartApplets from NEOs Using NEO Manager
Normally, it is better to disable SmartApplets (see page 78) instead of
removing them so that you don’t need to take the time to install the
SmartApplets again later. (Installing some SmartApplets on several NEOs
can take some time.)
However, you might want to remove SmartApplets to free up memory or
because you’re beginning a new session or activity in a class.
To remove SmartApplets from your NEOs, you select the SmartApplets you
want to keep in NEO Manager. Then, you choose to delete all other
SmartApplets as described in the steps below.
Important: When you remove some SmartApplets, such as AlphaQuiz or
KeyWords, you also remove any files associated with them. For example, if
you remove KeyWords, you also remove your students’ KeyWords work and
progress reports. If there is KeyWords information on the NEOs that you
want to save, be sure to retrieve the data first (see page 146).
Follow these steps to delete SmartApplets from NEOs:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the SmartApplets tab.
3. Click each SmartApplet you want to install or keep in the SmartApplets
List A, then click Add => to move it to the Install List B. You should add
all SmartApplets that you want on your NEOs, including those that are
already installed on the NEOs.
C
AB
SMARTAPPLETS
Viewing SmartApplet Information in NEO Manager
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4. Check the box above the SmartApplet list C to specify that all
SmartApplets that are not in the Install List should be deleted from NEOs.
5. Click the Send List tab and verify that only the SmartApplets you want to
keep on your NEOs are in the Send List.
6. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the changed
SmartApplet list to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices.
Check the boxes for the NEOs that you want to send the SmartApplets to,
and click OK. (To send to all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
Viewing SmartApplet Information in NEO Manager
Follow these steps to get more information about the SmartApplets that are
installed on your computer.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the SmartApplets tab.
3. Double-click the SmartApplet for which you want information A, or click
the SmartApplet, click the File menu, and choose Get SmartApplet Info.
4. The window that appears will show you the name of the SmartApplet, the
version, the RAM and ROM size, and the copyright date. To close the
window, click OK (Windows) or Close (Macintosh).
Be careful not to
delete non-
SmartApplet items
that you want to keep. The
SmartApplet list includes the
fonts included on your NEO,
spell check, the Thesaurus,
Text2Speech Updater for
NEO Text2Speech devices,
and Wireless File Transfer
(NEO 2 only) for sending files
to and from services such as
Google Docs.
A
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SMARTAPPLETS
Adding SmartApplets to the List in NEO Manager
. . . . .
Adding SmartApplets to the List in NEO Manager
Installing SmartApplets on Your Computer
1. If NEO Manager is open on your computer, close the program.
2. Connect your NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
3. Next, follow the instructions for your type of computer:
Windows computers:
a. If you download the SmartApplet from the Web site, you receive a
.zip file. Extract the files from this .zip file. You will see a folder with
the same name as the original .zip file. Open the folder.
b. Double-click the file that ends with .OS3KApp. NEO Manager will
open with the SmartApplets tab selected and the new SmartApplet in
the Install List. If you want to install it on NEOs, see page 79.
Macintosh computers:
a. If you download the SmartApplet from the Web site, double-click
the file you downloaded. If the downloaded file ends with .sit, a
folder with a similar name will appear; open the folder. If the
downloaded file ends with .dmg, the volume will open.
b. Start NEO Manager (see page 15).
c. Click the File menu and choose Add to Applet List.
d. Find and select the .OS3KApp file. Then, click Choose. You will go to
the SmartApplets tab in NEO Manager, and the new SmartApplet will
be in the Install List.
Adding SmartApplets That Have Already Been Installed
If you have installed a new or updated SmartApplet on your computer, and
you don’t see it in the list of SmartApplets in NEO Manager, follow these
steps to add it to that list:
1. In NEO Manager, click the File menu and choose Add to Applet List.
2. In the dialog box that appears, find the new SmartApplet file and select it.
(The file name should end with OS3KApp.) Then, click Open (Windows)
or Choose (Macintosh).
3. The SmartApplet will be added.
If the SmartApplet is already in the list in NEO Manager, a message may
ask whether you want to replace the SmartApplet with the one you’ve
chosen; click Yes or No. You may also see a message that simply tells
you the SmartApplet is already in the list; click OK.
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R
ESPONDER
S
MART
A
PPLET
FOR
NEO 2
NEO 2 includes a Responder SmartApplet that lets you use your NEO 2 like a
classroom response system or “clicker.” Students can use NEO 2 to complete
assignments for AccelTest and Accelerated Math RP software. You can also
use NEO 2 with the 2Know! Toolbar.
Important: You can’t use NEO 2 with more than one program at a time. If
you have both AccelTest and Accelerated Math RP, or if you have the 2Know!
Toolbar and one of these programs, you should only have one of the three
programs open at a time.
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with AccelTest, Accelerated
Math RP, or the 2Know! Toolbar
Make sure you have done the following before you use NEO 2 with any of
these programs:
• Connect the Renaissance Receiver to your computer (see page 19).
• Assign a unique name to the Receiver/wireless network (see page 20).
• Install AccelTest, the 2Know! Toolbar, or the Renaissance Responder client
(for Accelerated Math). To install AccelTest, see the AccelTest Software
Installation Guide. To install the 2Know! Toolbar, see the NEO 2 Resource
Guide. To install the Renaissance Responder client for Accelerated Math,
see the Accelerated Math Software Manual on the Renaissance Place
Manuals page.
Using NEO 2 to Complete AccelTest Assignments
If you ordered a SmartOption Mobile Lab, you received AccelTest software
with your NEO 2s. When you choose “Responder” as the scoring method for
assignments in AccelTest, students can use their NEO 2s to complete
assignments instead of using Responders. If you choose “NEO 2 Only” as the
scoring method, students may only use NEO 2s. Students can use NEO 2 to
complete in-class assignments, but not homework.
For more information, see the AccelTest User Manual. You will find this
manual under AccelTest in the Start menu (Windows) or in the AccelTest
program folder (Macintosh).
NEO 2 does not
support the
homework and
notes features in AccelTest,
though you can use those
features with standard
Renaissance Responders.
Also, NEO 2s do not support
assigned owners.
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RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 to Complete AccelTest Assignments
. . . . .
Using NEO 2 in a Student-Paced Session in AccelTest
Student-paced sessions allow students to work on anything that has been
assigned to them in the AccelTest class Gradebook except for Homework.
Students can complete these assignments without needing the teacher to lead
the session or send the questions one by one. The instructions below explain
what teachers and students need to do in order to use NEO 2 during a
student-paced session.
Teacher Preparation Steps
1. Make sure your Renaissance Receiver is connected to your computer
and that the computer is on.
2. Click the AccelTest Responder menu and choose Start Student Paced
Session.
3. Make sure students have their student ID from the AccelTest Gradebook.
(IDs are also available in the AccelTest Student ID Report.) Since NEO 2s
don’t have assigned owners, the student ID is always used to identify the
student for assignments.
Steps Students Follow during a Student-Paced Session
1. Press on/off to turn NEO 2 on.
2. Press applets.
3. Make sure the cursor is next to Responder; then, press enter.
4. NEO 2 will attempt to join the session.
•If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, it will ask if
you want to stay connected to it; press Y for yes or N for no. Then,
press enter.
•If you haven’t connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, the NEO
2 will show you a list of networks (Renaissance Receivers). Use the
arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
5. Type your AccelTest student ID and press enter.
6. If you have only one assignment available, the program will ask if you are
ready to work on the assignment. Press Y for yes to continue; then, press
enter.
If you have more than one assignment, the program will list the
assignments you have with a letter before each assignment name. Press
the letter for the assignment you want; then, press enter.
RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 to Complete AccelTest Assignments
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7. NEO 2 will show you the first question in the assignment. Choose or type
an answer for each question; then, press enter:
•For multiple-choice questions, press the letter next to the answer you
want to choose.
•For true-false questions, press T for true or F for false.
•For yes/no questions, press Y for yes or N for no.
•For questions that ask you to enter a number, type the number and
press enter.
•For short-answer questions, type the answer and press enter. Your
answer can have up to 40 characters.
Note: If the assignment is printed, it may include some questions that you
can’t answer on NEO 2, such as essay questions; answer these
questions on paper.
You can answer the questions in order or use these commands to go
back or to go to a specific question:
8. When you’ve answered all the questions, the program will ask if you are
ready to submit your work.
•If you are, press Y for yes and press enter. When the assignment is
complete, your score may be shown; if so, press any key when you’re
ready to leave that screen. The NEO 2 will go back to the
To do this... ...press these keys:
Scroll through a question. Press K and L.
Go forward or back one
question.
Press a-?. Arrows ( ) will appear to the
right of the question number. As long as you
see those arrows, you can press K to go back
one question or L to go forward one question.
Press a-? again when you want the arrow
keys to scroll through the question instead.
Go to a specific question
number.
Press find, type the question number, and
press enter.
Go to the end of the
question.
Press a-L.
Go to the beginning of the
question.
Press a-K.
Switch between the
question and answers in
multiple-choice
questions.
If both the question and the answer choices
require scrolling, you can press the tab key or
the I or J key to switch between the
question and the answer. Then, use the K and
L keys to scroll up or down.
You may see
“Sending” when you
enter the answer to
each question.
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RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 to Complete AccelTest Assignments
. . . . .
SmartApplets list. If you want to work on another assignment, press
enter to choose the Responder SmartApplet again and repeat these
steps.
•If you are not ready, press N for no and press enter. You will go back
to question one, and you can go through each question again to check
your answers.
Using NEO 2 in a Teacher-Paced Session in AccelTest
In AccelTest, teachers use teacher-paced sessions when they want to ask
questions of the entire class and have the class answer the questions at the
same time. The instructions below explain how to use NEO 2 during a
teacher-paced session.
Teacher Preparation Steps
1. Make sure your Renaissance Receiver is connected to your computer
and that the computer is on.
2. Click the AccelTest Responder menu and choose Start Teacher-Paced
Session.
The steps that you follow next depend on the options you choose in the
Responder Session Wizard. For detailed instructions for setting up the
session and asking the questions during the session, refer to the user manual
that was installed with your AccelTest software.
Steps Students Follow during a Teacher-Paced Session
1. Press on/off to turn NEO 2 on.
2. Press applets.
3. Once the teacher has started the session, make sure the cursor is next to
Responder; then, press enter.
4. NEO 2 will attempt to join the session.
•If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, it will ask if
you want to stay connected to it; press Y for yes or N for no. Then,
press enter.
•If you haven’t connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, NEO 2
will show you a list of networks (Renaissance Receivers). Use the
arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
5. Type your AccelTest student ID and press enter.
RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 to Complete Accelerated Math Assignments
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6. When the teacher tells you to do so, press enter. Then, choose an
answer for the first question:
•For multiple-choice questions, press the letter next to the answer you
want to choose and press enter.
•For true-false questions, press T for true or F for false and press
enter.
•For yes/no questions, press Y for yes or N for no and press enter.
•For questions that ask you to enter a number, type the number and
press enter.
•For short-answer questions, type the answer and press enter. Your
answer can be up to 40 characters long.
After you press enter, a message will tell you that your answer has been
recorded. Repeat this step for each question in the session.
7. When the teacher ends the session, the teacher will ask you to press
enter again. A message will tell you that there is no session. Leave N (no)
selected and press enter again to finish.
Using NEO 2 to Complete Accelerated Math Assignments
Students can also use NEO 2 to complete Accelerated Math RP assignments.
NEO 2 can be used for assisted-response (multiple-choice) assignments, but
not for free-response assignments or extended-response assignments.
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with Accelerated Math RP
Before students can complete Accelerated Math assignments on NEO 2, you
must do the following:
• Have Accelerated Math RP version 3.1 or higher installed and registered on
your Renaissance Place server.
• Install NEO Manager on the teacher’s computer (see page 13). This will also
install or update the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, which enables
NEO 2 and the Renaissance Receiver to communicate with Accelerated
Math RP.
• Connect a Renaissance Receiver to the teacher’s computer (see page 19).
• In the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, name your Renaissance
Receiver and make sure students know the Receiver name (see page 20).
For some types of
teacher-paced
sessions, you’ll see
the question on the NEO 2
screen. For others, you will
only see your answer choices
(not the possible answers).
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RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 to Complete Accelerated Math Assignments
. . . . .
• Install the Renaissance Responder client program on the teacher’s
computer (see the Accelerated Math Software Manual on the Renaissance
Place Manuals page).
• Students can complete assisted-response practices with NEO 2. If you want
them to be able to complete assisted-response exercises and tests with
NEO 2 as well, check the setting of the Scoring preference for each class. (In
the UK, use the Marking preference.)
Using NEO 2 with Accelerated Math RP
Teacher Preparation Steps
1. Make sure your students have printed copies of their assignments.
2. Start the Renaissance Responder program at the computer with the
Renaissance Receiver connected. Log in with your Accelerated Math RP
user name and password. (To install the program and connect it to your
Renaissance Place server, see the Accelerated Math Software Manual.)
Steps Students Follow to Complete Accelerated Math
Assignments
1. Press on/off to turn NEO 2 on.
2. Press applets.
3. Make sure the cursor is next to Responder; then, press enter.
4. NEO 2 will attempt to join the session.
•If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, it will ask if
you want to stay connected to it; press Y for yes or N for no. Then,
press enter.
•If you haven’t connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, NEO 2
will show you a list of networks (Renaissance Receivers). Use the
arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
5. Enter the form number printed at the top of the assignment. Then, press
enter.
6. If the NEO 2 tells you to wait until your assignment is retrieved, press
enter again.
7. When the NEO 2 shows your name and form number, press Y for yes if
this information is correct; then, press enter. (If not, press N for no and
enter the form number again.)
8. Press the letter keys (A, B, C, or D) to enter your answer to each
question. Then, press enter.
RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 to Complete Accelerated Math Assignments
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You can answer the questions in order or use these commands to go
back or to go to a specific question:
9. When you’ve answered the last problem, NEO 2 asks if you’re ready to
submit your work. If you are, press Y for yes and press enter. (If you’re
not ready, press N for no and press enter to go back and go through the
problems again.)
10. If NEO 2 asks you to wait while your assignment is saved, press enter
again. When the assignment is done, you will be asked to get your TOPS
report at the printer. The NEO 2 will go back to the SmartApplets list.
11. When all students have finished their assignments, the teacher can click
End Session in the Renaissance Responder program at the computer
and close the program.
To do this... ...press these keys:
Scroll through a question. Press K and L.
Go forward or back one
question.
Press a-?. Arrows ( ) will appear to the
right of the question number. As long as you
see those arrows, you can press K to go back
one question or L to go forward one question.
Press a-? again when you want the arrow
keys to scroll through the question instead.
Go to a specific question
number.
Press find, type the question number, and
press enter.
Go to the end of the
question.
Press a-L.
Go to the beginning of the
question.
Press a-K.
If some students
haven’t submitted
their work before
you end the session, you’ll
be asked whether these
scores should be recorded as
is or saved for a later date. For
details, see the Accelerated
Math Software Manual.
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RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 with the 2Know! Toolbar
. . . . .
Using NEO 2 with the 2Know! Toolbar
If you have your Renaissance Receiver connected and you’ve installed NEO
Manager on your computer, you can also use NEO 2 with the 2Know!
Toolbar. Participants can use NEO 2 to respond to questions. Teachers or
session leaders can use it to control the toolbar program as they would use a
teacher Responder. For more information about using the 2Know! Toolbar,
click the Options button in the program and choose Getting Started.
How Participants Respond to 2Know! Toolbar Questions Using NEO 2
Participants follow these steps to respond to questions from the 2Know!
Toolbar:
1. Press on/off to turn NEO 2 on.
2. Press applets.
3. Make sure the cursor is next to Responder; then, press enter.
4. NEO 2 will attempt to join the session.
•If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, it will ask if
you want to stay connected to it; press Y for yes or N for no. Then,
press enter.
•If you haven’t connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, NEO 2
will show you a list of networks (Renaissance Receivers). Use the
arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
5. Enter your response to each question:
•For multiple-choice questions, type the letter for the answer you want
to choose and press enter.
•For true/false questions, type T for true or F for false and press enter.
•For questions that require a number for an answer, type the number
and press enter.
•For “pulse” questions, you can enter Y, T, or G for yes/true/green, and
you can enter N, F, or R for no/false/red; then, press enter.
•For short-answer questions, type the answer and press enter. Your
answer can be up to 40 characters long.
The teacher will let you know when you can send your answer to each
question.
6. When you’ve finished answering questions, the teacher can shut down
the 2Know! Toolbar program. The next time you press enter, NEO 2 will
tell you there is no session and ask if you want to search for networks.
Press N for no and press enter to go back to the SmartApplets menu.
To help students
answer multiple-
choice, true/false, or
pulse questions, you can
press ctrl-caps lock or cmd-
caps lock on NEO 2 to put
the Responder SmartApplet
in “bubble mode.” In this
mode, when students type
A–E, T, F, Y, N, R, or G,
answer bubbles appear
(similar to the ones on
Responders) to help students
see the available choices. The
SmartApplet goes back to the
standard text mode when you
press ctrl-caps lock or cmd-
caps lock again, exit the
SmartApplet, or shut off the
NEO 2.
RESPONDER SMARTAPPLET FOR NEO 2
Using NEO 2 with the 2Know! Toolbar
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How Teachers Can Use NEO 2 to Control the 2Know! Toolbar Program
Teachers can use NEO 2 to control the 2Know! Toolbar program. The steps
are similar to those you would use on a Responder:
1. In the 2Know! Toolbar program,
click the Options button and
choose Teacher Responder
from the menu.
2. Click Assign in the Teacher
Responder dialog box. The
program will show you a PIN.
Leave this dialog box open.
3. Press on/off on the NEO 2 to turn it on.
4. Press applets.
5. Make sure the cursor is next to Responder; then, press enter.
6. NEO 2 will attempt to join the session.
•If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, it will ask if
you want to stay connected to it; press Y for yes or N for no. Then,
press enter.
•If you haven’t connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, NEO 2
will show you a list of networks (Renaissance Receivers). Use the
arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
7. When NEO 2 asks you to enter the Teacher Responder PIN, enter the
one that is shown in your 2Know! Toolbar program. Then, press enter.
8. In the 2Know! Toolbar program, click Close to go back to the toolbar.
9. NEO 2 will list your options. Press A to ask a question, B to show a graph,
or C to minimize the Toolbar on your computer or maximize it again; then,
press enter.
Once you choose to view a graph, you can press A to stop receiving
responses, B to close the graph, C to reset so that participants can
answer again, or D to mark or enter the correct answer; then, press enter.
10. When you’ve finished, you can unassign the NEO 2 so it is no longer
meant for use by the teacher. Follow these steps:
a. In the 2Know! Toolbar program, click Options and choose
Teacher Responder.
b. Click Unassign in the Teacher Responder dialog box.
c. Click Close.
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A
CCELERATED
R
EADER
S
MART
A
PPLET
ON
NEO 2
NEO 2 includes an Accelerated Reader SmartApplet that students can use to
take Accelerated Reader RP Reading Practice Quizzes, Vocabulary Practice
Quizzes, and Other Reading Quizzes right on the NEO 2. The Renaissance
Receiver at the teacher’s computer enables NEO 2 quiz data to be sent to
Accelerated Reader RP.
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with Accelerated Reader RP
Before students can use NEO 2 to take quizzes, you must do the following:
• Have Accelerated Reader RP version 7.5 or higher installed and registered
on your Renaissance Place server.
• Install NEO Manager on the teacher’s computer (see page 13). This will also
install or update the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, which enables
NEO 2 and the Renaissance Receiver to communicate with Accelerated
Reader RP.
• Make sure the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet is installed on your NEO
2(s). If it isn’t, you can install it using NEO Manager (see page 79). If you
would like to use Spanish quizzes, make sure that you have version 1.2 or
higher of the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet installed.
• Connect a Renaissance Receiver to the teacher’s computer (see page 19).
• In the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, name your Renaissance
Receiver and make sure students know the Receiver name (see page 20).
• Also in the utility, enter the address of your Renaissance Place server in the
Renaissance Place Settings (see page 21).
ACCELERATED READER SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2
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How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader
SmartApplet on NEO 2
Things to Check Before Students Start Quizzing on NEO 2
• Make sure you’ve done all the tasks listed in the previous section.
• In Accelerated Reader RP, set the School and Classroom Student Quizzing
preferences and the Other Reading Series preference for your class. (See
the Accelerated Reader Software Manual for instructions.)
• Students need to know this information before they start taking quizzes on
NEO 2s:
• The name you gave the Renaissance Receiver (see page 20). Students
will need to choose a Renaissance Receiver when they take quizzes.
• Their Renaissance Place user names and passwords. You can get this
information from the Accelerated Reader RP Student Information
Report.
• The quiz number. On NEO 2, students may only search for quizzes by
quiz number. If students will be using NEO 2s to take quizzes on a
regular basis, consider including quiz numbers on your Accelerated
Reader book labels.
Steps for Taking a Quiz on NEO 2
1. The teacher’s computer must be on, with the Receiver connected. (You
can use the teacher’s computer for other things while students are
quizzing.)
2. Turn the NEO 2 on and press applets.
3. Press L until the cursor is next to Accelerated Reader. Then, press
enter.
4. The first time you use the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet, it will list the
Networks that are available. (Networks are Renaissance Receivers
connected to computers.) Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight
the Receiver you want to connect to; then, press enter.
The same
Accelerated Reader
preferences apply to
students no matter where
they take quizzes—on NEO
2 or at a computer—so you
only need to set the
preferences once.
The name that you
gave the
Renaissance
Receiver is the one students
will see in the Networks list.
See page 20 to find out how to
change the name.
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ACCELERATED READER SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2
. . . . .
If you have chosen a Receiver before, the program may ask if you want to
stay connected. Press Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. (If you
choose no, you’ll need to select another Receiver.)
5. When the program asks for your user name and password, type your user
name and press enter or L or tab. Then, type your password and press
enter.
6. If you have an unfinished quiz, the screen will ask if you want to finish it.
Press Y for yes or N for no. If you choose yes, go to step 13. If you
choose no, the teacher or quiz monitor must enter the monitor password.
7. If you are in more than one Accelerated Reader class, your classes will be
listed. Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the class that you are
taking this quiz for; then, press enter.
8. On the next screen, use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the type
of quiz you want to take (Reading Practice, Vocabulary Practice, or Other
Reading). Then, press enter.
ACCELERATED READER SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2
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9. For Reading Practice and Other Reading Quizzes, the Find RP Quiz
screen will appear next. Type the quiz number and press enter. (If you
chose to take an Other Reading Quiz, and none are available for your
class, the screen will notify you. Press enter.)
For Vocabulary Practice Quizzes, you will be asked how you want to find
the quiz: by quiz number, by matching another quiz already taken, or by
taking a ~Second-Try and Review Words~ Quiz. Highlight an answer and
press enter. If you chose to find the quiz by quiz number, type the number
and press enter. If you chose to match a quiz already taken, highlight the
quiz name and press enter; if there was only one matching vocabulary
quiz, you won’t be asked to select one.
10. If the quiz is available in both English and Spanish, the screen will list
both. Use the arrow keys to select a quiz and press enter.
11. If the screen asks you how the book was read, use the arrow keys to
select an answer; then, press enter.
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ACCELERATED READER SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2
. . . . .
12. The quiz title will be shown.
If the monitor password is not required, press Y for yes to confirm that you
want to take the quiz; then, press enter.
If the screen asks for the monitor password, the teacher or quiz monitor
must enter the Accelerated Reader monitor password and press enter.
Note: If you are not allowed to take the quiz, the screen will notify you.
Depending on the restriction, it may ask if you want to take a different quiz
or tell you to press applets to log out. There are many reasons why you
may not be allowed to take the quiz:
•There are date or time restrictions.
•You aren’t allowed to take quizzes.
•No students are allowed to take this specific quiz.
•You have taken the quiz before.
•You have chosen a ~Second-Try and Review Words~ Quiz, but you
don’t have review words.
13. NEO 2 will show you one question in the quiz. To answer each question,
press the letter for the answer you want to choose; then, press enter to
go to the next question.
If you need to scroll to see all of the answers A, use the up and down
arrow keys. If the question is long and you need to scroll to see all of the
question, you can use the up and down arrow keys to scroll in the
question; then, press tab or J to switch to the answers so you can use
the arrow keys to scroll there.
You cannot
substitute the NEO 2
master password for
the monitor password. You
must use the monitor
password set in the
Accelerated Reader RP
preferences.
To stop a quiz, press
ctrl-A or cmd-A.
Then, ask the quiz
monitor or teacher to enter the
Accelerated Reader monitor
password and press enter.
A
ACCELERATED READER SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2
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14. After you enter your answer to the last question, you may be asked how
you liked the book. Press the letter for the answer you want to choose;
then, press enter.
15. If the screen asks for the monitor password, ask the teacher or quiz
monitor to enter the password and press enter.
16. The RP Score Summary will show you how you did on the quiz. It may
also show you information about the points you’ve earned.
If the summary asks if you want to see the questions you missed, press Y
for yes or N for no and press enter. If you choose yes, you can see each
missed question, your answer, and the correct answer. Press enter after
you read each one.
If the summary does not ask if you want to view the missed questions,
press enter to continue.
17. A TOPS Report may be sent to the default printer for the teacher’s
computer. If the program asks what language you’d like to print the report
in, use the arrow keys to highlight a language. Press enter.
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ACCELERATED READER SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Take Quizzes in the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet on NEO 2
. . . . .
18. After you finish a Reading Practice Quiz, the program may ask if you want
to take the matching Vocabulary Practice Quiz. Press Y for yes if you
want to take that quiz, or N for no if you don’t want to take it right now.
Then, press enter.
19. The program will ask if you want to take a different quiz. Press Y for yes if
you want to take another quiz, or N for no if you don’t want to take another
one right now. Then, press enter. If you choose no, you will go back to the
list of SmartApplets available on the NEO 2.
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M
ATH
F
ACTS
IN
A
F
LASH
RP S
MART
A
PPLET
ON
NEO 2
NEO 2 includes a MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet that students can use
to practice or take tests right on the NEO 2. The Renaissance Receiver at the
teacher’s computer enables the student’s NEO 2 work to be sent to MathFacts
in a Flash RP.
This SmartApplet is for school work; students work on practices and tests just
as they would when they log in to Renaissance Place on a computer at school.
Students can use the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet to practice
on their own (see page 105).
Preparing to Use NEO 2 with MathFacts in a Flash RP
Before students can use the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet on NEO 2,
you must do the following:
• Have MathFacts in a Flash RP version 3.1 or higher installed and registered
on your Renaissance Place server.
• Install NEO Manager on the teacher’s computer (see page 13). This will also
install or update the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, which enables
NEO 2 and the Renaissance Receiver to communicate with MathFacts in a
Flash RP.
• Make sure the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet is installed on your
NEO 2(s). If it isn’t, you can install it using NEO Manager (see page 79).
• Connect a Renaissance Receiver to the teacher’s computer (see page 19).
• In the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, name your Renaissance
Receiver and make sure students know the Receiver name (see page 20).
• Also in the utility, enter the address of your Renaissance Place server in the
Renaissance Place Settings (see page 21).
• In Renaissance Place, make sure your students have been added to the
database and enrolled in a MathFacts in a Flash class.
• In MathFacts in a Flash RP, set the Classroom preferences. (For
instructions, see the MathFacts in a Flash Software Manual.)
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MATHFACTS IN A FLASH RP SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Do MathFacts in a Flash RP School Work on NEO 2
. . . . .
How Students Do MathFacts in a Flash RP School Work
on NEO 2
Things to Check Before Students Start Using the MathFacts in a Flash RP
SmartApplet on NEO 2
• Make sure you’ve done the tasks listed in the previous section.
• Make sure students know the name you gave the Renaissance Receiver (see
page 20). Students will need to choose a Renaissance Receiver when they
work in the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet.
• Make sure students know their Renaissance Place user names and
passwords. You can get this information from the MathFacts in a Flash RP
Student Information Report.
• If you have younger students, explain how the questions and answers are
displayed on the screen and how to select or enter answers.
How Students Use the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet
1. The teacher’s computer must be on, with the Receiver connected.
(Teachers can use the computer for other things while students are
working in MathFacts in a Flash.)
2. Turn the NEO 2 on by pressing on/off; then, press applets.
3. Press L until the cursor is next to MathFacts in a Flash RP. Then, press
enter.
4. The first time you use the MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet, it will list
the Networks that are available. (Networks are Renaissance Receivers
connected to computers.) Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight
the Receiver you want to connect to; then, press enter.
If you have chosen a Receiver before, the program may ask if you want to
stay connected. Press Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. (If you
choose no, you’ll need to select another Receiver.)
The name that you
gave the
Renaissance
Receiver is the one
students will see in the
Networks list. See page 20
to find out how to change the
name.
MATHFACTS IN A FLASH RP SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Do MathFacts in a Flash RP School Work on NEO 2
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5. When the program asks for your user name and password, type your user
name and press enter or L. (You can also press the tab key or one of the
other arrow keys to move between the two fields.) Then, type your
password and press enter.
6. If you are in more than one MathFacts in a Flash class, your classes will
be listed. Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the class that you
are taking this quiz for; then, press enter.
7. What you see next depends on several things:
•whether you have worked in MathFacts in a Flash for this class before
•whether you can practice or test
•the teacher’s settings for the Mandatory Practice preference and the
Time Goals preferences
The screen may ask you whether to start a test or practice; if so, press Y
for yes or N for no; then, press enter.
If the screen does not give you any choices, press enter to continue.
8. During a practice or test, you’ll see questions like the one shown below.
The way you answer the question depends on what you see on the
screen:
•If you see arrows below the answers, press I, L, or J and press
enter. The circles below the answer choices will show you what keys
to press to choose each answer.
•If you see letters or numbers below the answers, press the letter or
number for the answer and press enter. The circles below the answer
choices will show you what keys to press to choose each answer.
•If you don’t see any answer choices, type your answer and press
enter.
If the NEO says that
the student is
already logged in,
the student may have turned
off the NEO without finishing
MathFacts in a Flash work.
Press applets to leave the
MathFacts in a Flash RP
SmartApplet. Then, go back to
step 3 to start again.
If you want to
change how
students enter
answers, change the Student
Answer Input preference in
MathFacts in a Flash
Renaissance Place. You can
require students to enter an
answer instead of choosing
one.
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MATHFACTS IN A FLASH RP SMARTAPPLET ON NEO 2
How Students Do MathFacts in a Flash RP School Work on NEO 2
. . . . .
9. After you finish the practice or test, the screen will show you how you did.
A TOPS Report may also be sent to the default printer for your teacher’s
computer. Follow the instructions for the screen you see:
•If the screen asks you whether to move on to the next level, start a
practice, or test at a new time goal, press Y for yes or N for no; then,
press enter.
•If the screen shows your score but does not give you any choices,
press enter after you read the information. After you do this, you may
be shown a list of options. If the screen gives you a list of choices,
press L to highlight the choice you want; then, press enter.
10. When the screen shows you that the session has been completed, press
applets to close the MathFacts in a Flash SmartApplet.
Tips for Practices and Tests:
• During practices, if you enter an incorrect answer, the program will put
an X over it and a box around the correct answer. Then, it will give you
the chance to choose the correct answer again.
• During tests, you can press esc or back space to go back one question.
• If the time limit is almost up for the problem, practice, or test, a clock
will flash in the middle of the black bar at the top of the screen. If you
run out of time for the practice or test, the program will let you know.
• To stop a practice or test, press ctrl-A or cmd-A. If the NEO 2 asks for a
monitor password, your teacher must enter the MathFacts in a Flash
monitor password.
The MathFacts in a
Flash TOPS Report
Preference setting
determines whether the report
is sent to the printer
automatically.
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M
ATH
F
ACTS
IN
A
F
LASH
(
OFFLINE
) S
MART
A
PPLET
The MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet for NEO 2 makes it easy for
students to practice math facts on their own when they are not doing work for
school. This section explains how to use the SmartApplet. If your NEO 2s do
not have the SmartApplet installed, you can download it from
www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/ and install it on your NEOs (see
page 79).
Differences Between the MathFacts in a Flash (offline)
SmartApplet and the MathFacts in a Flash RP
SmartApplet on NEO 2
MathFacts in a Flash (offline)
SmartApplet
MathFacts in a Flash RP
SmartApplet
Need to be in
range of a
Renaissance
Receiver while
working?
No, only when printing and
sending the history.
Yes
Can students
practice and take
tests?
Yes Yes
Can students
master levels?
No Yes
Do changes to
mastery time and
preferences in
MathFacts in
a Flash RP
affect this
SmartApplet?
No Yes
How are the
results of work
shown on
reports?
They can be included on the Class
Progress and Student Record
Reports by including the practice
summary (similar to work done in
Renaissance Home Connect or on
a Renaissance Responder).
Work done in this SmartApplet is
reported the same as work done
when students log in to
Renaissance Place using a
computer.
What problem
format is used?
Assisted-response. Depends on the setting of
MathFacts in a Flash preferences.
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MATHFACTS IN A FLASH (OFFLINE) SMARTAPPLET
Opening the SmartApplet
. . . . .
Opening the SmartApplet
1. With the NEO 2 on, press the applets key.
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight MathFacts in a Flash (offline); then,
press enter.
Practicing MathFacts in a Flash Levels
Students follow these steps to practice a MathFacts in a Flash level in the
MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet. Practices include 20–40
problems.
1. Open the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet.
2. Leave Practice/Test highlighted and press enter.
3. Use the arrow keys to highlight the type of math facts you want to practice
as shown below. Then, press enter.
4. Next, use the arrow keys to highlight the level you want to practice. Then,
press enter.
5. Practice should be highlighted on the Option screen. Press enter.
Levels that you have
already worked on
are marked with *.
Clearing the history clears the
asterisks. The history is
automatically cleared when
you send it to Renaissance
Place (see page 111). You
can also choose to clear the
history when you print it (see
page 110) or select the Clear
option in the History menu
(see page 113).
MATHFACTS IN A FLASH (OFFLINE) SMARTAPPLET
Taki n g Tes ts
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6. For each problem, press the arrow key for the answer that you want to
choose; then, press enter. For example, to choose the answer “10” in the
problem shown below, you would press L on the NEO 2 because that is
the arrow shown below “10” on the screen.
If you choose the correct answer, a square will appear around the answer,
and then the next problem will appear.
If you choose the wrong answer, an X will appear over the answer you
chose; then, a dotted square will appear around the correct answer. When
the square disappears, choose the correct answer and press enter.
If time is almost up for a problem, a clock icon will flash in the black bar at
the top of the screen; choose an answer as soon as you can and press
enter. If time runs out before you answer the problem, the next problem
will appear.
7. After you answer the last question, the screen will show you how many
problems you answered correctly out of the total number you saw. It will
also show you which problems you answered incorrectly and their correct
answers. You can use the arrow keys to scroll through the results.
When you are done, press enter to go back to the Select a Level screen.
Taking Tests
Students follow these steps to take a test for a MathFacts in a Flash level.
Tests always include 40 problems.
1. Open the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet (see page 106).
2. Leave Practice/Test highlighted and press enter.
3. Use the arrow keys to highlight the type of math facts you want to take a
test for as shown below. Then, press enter.
If you have tested on
this level and the
test is still in the
history, the practice will
include any problems you
missed on the test plus
questions deemed
challenging for the level.
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Taking Tests
. . . . .
4. Next, use the arrow keys to highlight the level you want to take a test for.
Then, press enter.
5. Use the arrow keys to highlight Test; then, press enter.
6. For each problem, press the arrow key for the answer that you want to
choose; then, press enter. For example, to choose the answer “10” in the
problem shown below, you would press L on the NEO 2 because that is
the arrow shown below “10” on the screen.
If time is almost up for a problem, a clock icon will flash in the black bar at
the top of the screen; choose an answer as soon as you can and press
enter. If time runs out before you answer the problem, the next problem
will appear.
If you need to go back one question to change your answer, press esc or
backspace. You can only go back one problem.
7. After you answer the last question, the screen will show you how many
problems you answered correctly out of the total number you saw. It will
also show you which problems you answered incorrectly and their correct
answers. You can use the arrow keys to scroll through the results.
When you are done, press enter to go back to the Select a Level screen.
Levels that you have
already worked on
are marked with *.
Clearing the history clears the
asterisks. The history is
automatically cleared when
you send it to Renaissance
Place (see page 111). You
can also choose to clear the
history when you print it (see
page 110) or select the Clear
option in the History menu
(see page 113).
MATHFACTS IN A FLASH (OFFLINE) SMARTAPPLET
Viewing the History
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Viewing the History
Students can view the history for one level or for all the work they’ve done in
the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet.
Viewing the History for One Level
Students follow these steps to see a detailed history for one level.
1. Open the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet (see page 106).
2. Leave Practice/Test highlighted and press enter.
3. Use the arrow keys to highlight the type of math facts you want to see the
history for as shown below. Then, press enter.
4. Next, use the arrow keys to highlight the level you want to see the history
for. Only levels marked with an asterisk have history available since they
are the only ones that you have worked on since the history was last
cleared. Press enter after choosing a level.
5. Use the arrow keys to highlight History; then, press enter.
6. You will see the history of your work for this level. When you have finished
reading the history, press enter to go back to the options for the level you
selected.
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Printing the History
. . . . .
Viewing the History for All Practices and Tests
Students follow these steps to view the history of their practices and tests in
the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet.
1. Open the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet (see page 106).
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight History; then, press enter.
3. Leave View highlighted and press enter.
4. The next screen lists the activities you’ve done so far, including the level
name, whether it was a practice or test, the number of problems you
answered correctly, and the time you took.
To see the full results for an activity (including a list of problems you
answered incorrectly), use the arrow keys to highlight the activity; then,
press enter.
5. When you have finished viewing full results for an activity, press enter or
esc to go back.
Printing the History
Students follow these steps to print the history of their practices and tests in
the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet.
Before the history can be printed, you must have a Renaissance Receiver
connected to your computer, and students need to know the name of the
Renaissance Receiver. See “Setting Up the Renaissance Receiver and Using
NEO 2’s Wireless Capabilities” on page 18.
1. Open the MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplet (see page 106).
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight History; then, press enter.
MATHFACTS IN A FLASH (OFFLINE) SMARTAPPLET
Sending the History to Renaissance Place
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3. Use the arrow keys to highlight Print; then, press enter.
4. The first time you print the history (or send it to Renaissance Place), your
NEO 2 will search for the networks that are within range. (Networks are
Renaissance Receivers connected to computers.) Then, it will show you a
list. Use the arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then,
press enter.
If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, you will be
asked whether you want to stay connected to the Receiver you chose. To
continue with this Receiver, press Y for yes and press enter. (If you need
to choose a different Receiver, press N for no, then enter.)
5. Next, your name or ID. (This information will be printed on the history.)
Then, press enter.
6. After your history has been sent to the computer’s default printer, you will
be asked if you want to clear the history—that is, erase the history of the
practice you’ve done so far in this SmartApplet.
If you want to clear (erase) the history, press Y for yes. Then, press enter.
If you do not want to clear the history, press N for no. Then, press enter.
Sending the History to Renaissance Place
Students or teachers follow these steps to send the practice and test history to
MathFacts in a Flash Renaissance Place. The history is automatically cleared
when you send it to Renaissance Place.
Before you follow these steps, print the MathFacts in a Flash Student
Information Report in Renaissance Place to get the PIN for each student.
The history will be sent to the Renaissance Place address that you set in the
Renaissance Wireless Server Utility. See page 21.
To find out how to
name the
Renaissance
Receiver (network), see
page 20.
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Sending the History to Renaissance Place
. . . . .
In MathFacts in a Flash RP, you can see the practice data in the Class
Progress and Student Record Reports if you choose to include the practice
summary.
1. In Renaissance Place, the teacher should print the MathFacts in a Flash
Student Information Report to get the PIN for each student. Then, give
students their PINs. Each student will need his or her PIN to send the
history to Renaissance Place.
2. Open the MathFacts (offline) SmartApplet (see page 106).
3. Use the arrow keys to highlight History; then, press enter.
4. Use the arrow keys to highlight Send to Renaissance Place; then, press
enter.
5. The first time you send the history to Renaissance Place (or print it), your
NEO 2 will search for the networks that are within range. (Networks are
Renaissance Receivers connected to computers.) Then, it will show you a
list. Use the arrow keys to highlight the one you want to connect to; then,
press enter.
If you have connected to a Renaissance Receiver before, you will be
asked whether you want to stay connected to the Receiver you chose. To
continue with this Receiver, press Y for yes and press enter. (If you need
to choose a different Receiver, press N for no, then enter.)
6. The next screen will remind you that the history is cleared from this NEO
when you send it to Renaissance Place.
If you want to continue, press Y for yes. Then, press enter.
If you don’t want to go on, press N for no. Then, press enter.
7. Next, enter your MathFacts in a Flash PIN from the Student Information
Report. (Teachers who are following these steps enter the PIN for the
appropriate student.) Then, press enter.
8. The NEO 2 will notify you when the history has been sent and cleared.
Press enter.
To find out how to
name the
Renaissance
Receiver (network), see
page 20.
MATHFACTS IN A FLASH (OFFLINE) SMARTAPPLET
Clearing the History
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Clearing the History
Students follow these steps to clear (delete) the MathFacts in a Flash
practice and test history. Note: The history can also be cleared after you print
it, and it is automatically cleared whenever you send it to Renaissance Place.
1. Open the MathFacts (offline) SmartApplet (see page 106).
2. Use the arrow keys to highlight History; then, press enter.
3. Use the arrow keys to highlight Clear; then, press enter.
4. The next screen will ask if you are sure that you want to clear the history.
(If you have not printed the history or sent it to Renaissance Place, the
screen will also remind you of that.)
To continue clearing the history, press Y for yes, then enter.
If you don’t want to clear the history, press N for no, then enter.
If students are
sharing NEO 2s, clear
the history after each
session.
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K
EY
W
ORDS
S
MART
A
PPLET
Welcome to KeyWords
The KeyWords SmartApplet develops basic keyboarding skills using fun and
interesting lessons. KeyWords uses a language-based system that entertains
as it trains. It provides cumulative lessons that teach accuracy and speed a
few keys at a time, and it offers encouragement with positive feedback and
helpful hints.
KeyWords also checks progress at each level with typing tests. You can then
view progress reports on the NEO or by using the KeyWords program in
Renaissance Place.
The KeyWords design is based on research about how people learn to type:
• Speed and typing fluency increase more readily if simple words are used
and repeated. The KeyWords method follows this model of repetition,
presenting diverse vocabulary, rhymes, and humor to keep lessons
interesting.
• Typists learn patterns of keystrokes more quickly when they aren’t
interrupted by immediate corrections. The KeyWords error-checking
method emphasizes the importance of words and phrases.
• Speed skills and accuracy are best developed independently. KeyWords
provides separate lessons for these skills. You can set proficiency goals and
view reports as learners test themselves.
• Speed increases with practice typing words and phrases instead of random
letters. By practicing with words and phrases, new typists learn common
letter patterns that are the building blocks for simple and complex words.
This promotes the ability to quickly recognize and type letter combinations
that occur frequently.
KeyWords Versions in NEO 1 and NEO 2
NEO 1 and NEO 2 use different versions of the KeyWords SmartApplet:
KeyWords is used on NEO 1, and KeyWords Wireless is used on NEO 2. The
screens in these versions look different, and at times the steps for a task are
also different. This chapter tells you how to use both versions of the
KeyWords SmartApplet. In most places, the NEO 2 screens are shown.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
How the KeyWords SmartApplet Works
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How the KeyWords SmartApplet Works
1. Teachers add students, or learners add themselves as students. Teachers
may also set pre-test levels for students (see page 139).
2. The student completes the Start Here! activity and the pre-test.
3. The student selects a group of keys to learn. (Teachers may require
students to complete the lessons in order; see page 139.)
4. The student works through the activity for learning the new keys.
5. The student uses the accuracy and speed builder activities.
6. The student takes an accuracy and speed test.
7. The student or teacher checks student progress using reports on the
NEO, or the teacher synchronizes the KeyWords data with Renaissance
Place and views reports in the KeyWords RP program.
8. After completing all lessons, the student takes a post-test.
Starting the KeyWords SmartApplet
KeyWords comes installed on each NEO. To start KeyWords, follow these
steps:
1. After starting the NEO, press applets.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to KeyWords (NEO 1) or
KeyWords Wireless (NEO 2); then, press enter.
3. You’ll see this KeyWords startup screen:
Select a SmartApplet and press enter:
K MathFacts in a Flash RP 1.1
- KeyWords Wireless 4.0
L Control Panel 1.04
If you plan to use the
KeyWords RP
reports (within
Renaissance Place), there
are a few setup tasks you will
need to perform, and you will
need to make sure your
KeyWords students are in
Renaissance Place as well.
See the KeyWords User
Manual in Renaissance Place.
If KeyWords is not
installed on your
NEO, see page 79 to
install it.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
. . . . .
NEO 2
NEO 1
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
Note: If you are using NEO 1, or if you have chosen to use KeyWords in
offline mode on NEO 2 (see page 140), to add students, follow the
instructions in “Adding a Student on a NEO 1 or a NEO 2 in Offline Mode” on
page 122.
For NEO 2s only, you can add students to NEO Manager on your computer so
that students can choose Add a student, then log in (see page 121) and start
learning to keyboard.
In NEO Manager, you can add students one by one or import them from a file
or from Renaissance Place.
Importing Students from Renaissance Place into NEO Manager
If you are using Renaissance Place software, and you already have KeyWords
RP classes set up for reporting, you can import your students directly from
your KeyWords RP classes by following these steps. This makes it easier to
make sure that you have the same students in KeyWords RP (for reporting)
and in the KeyWords SmartApplet on your NEO 2s.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15).
Select your name or choose to add name:
- Teacher options
- Add a student
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
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2. Click the KeyWords tab A.
3. Click Add B.
4. Click the Import from Renaissance Place option. Then, click Next >.
5. Enter the address that you use to go to Renaissance Place in your Web
browser C.
6. Enter the user name and password that you use to log in to Renaissance
Place D. Click Next >.
A
B
C
D
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Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
. . . . .
7. If there is more than one school in Renaissance Place, click your school;
then, click Next >.
8. Check the boxes next to the classes that you want to import students
from; then, click Next >.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
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9. On the next panel, all students are checked. All checked students will be
imported. If there are any students that you do not want to import, remove
the check mark next to those students. Then, click Next >.
10. Read the summary. Then, click Import to import the students.
11. Click Done after the students have been imported.
12. The students will be listed on the KeyWords tab. To add the students from
NEO Manager to each NEO (or to have the students add themselves by
logging in), see “Adding Students to NEO 2s from NEO Manager” on
page 121.
Manually Adding Students in NEO Manager
If you are not using Renaissance Place, you can follow these steps to add your
keyboarding students in NEO Manager:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15).
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
. . . . .
2. Click the KeyWords tab A.
3. Click Add B.
4. Click the option Manually enter student names. Then, click Next >.
5. Enter each student’s first name, last name, and the user name and
password that you want the student to use to log in to KeyWords. Then,
click Add. Repeat this step for each student.
6. Click Done after adding the last student.
7. The students will be listed on the KeyWords tab. To add the students from
NEO Manager to each NEO (or to have the students add themselves by
logging in), see “Adding Students to NEO 2s from NEO Manager” on
page 121.
A
B
The first name and
last name can each
be up to 35
characters long. The user
name can have from 2 to 50
characters. The password can
have from 2 to 20 characters.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Adding Students to NEO 2s Using NEO Manager
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Adding Students to NEO 2s from NEO Manager
To add students on NEO 2s, or to have students add themselves, follow these
steps.
Note: Whether you are adding the students or they are adding themselves,
the Student Information Report in NEO Manager gives you a helpful list of
students’ user names and passwords. See page 149.
1. After starting KeyWords, press the ↓ key until Add a student is
highlighted; then, press enter.
2. You may be shown a list of Networks that are available. (Networks are
Renaissance Receivers connected to computers.) Use the up and down
arrow keys to highlight the Receiver you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
If you have chosen a Receiver before, the program may ask if you want to
stay connected. Press Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. (If you
choose no, you’ll need to select another Receiver.)
3. Type the student’s user name (your user name if you are the student) and
press enter. Then, type the password and press enter.
The name that you
gave the
Renaissance
Receiver is the one
students will see in the
Networks list. See page 20
to find out how to change the
name.
If you make a
mistake, press back
space to erase and
correct the error. If the error is
on a different line, use the
arrow keys to go to the error
so you can correct it.
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Adding a Student on a NEO 1 or a NEO 2 in Offline Mode
. . . . .
4. You will see a “Checking Settings” message, then “Adding new student.”
After this, you will return to the KeyWords starting screen, and the student
who was added will be listed.
Teachers may want to set students’ pre-test levels before they begin
working in KeyWords. You can set each student’s level to Beginning
Typist, Intermediate Typist, or Advanced Typist. This determines what the
student will be asked to do in the test. To set the pre-test level, see
page 139.
Adding a Student on a NEO 1 or a NEO 2 in Offline Mode
Use this method to add your students to the KeyWords SmartApplet if any of
the following is true:
• You are using NEO 1.
• You are using NEO 2, but you don’t have a Renaissance Receiver, and you
are using the KeyWords SmartApplet in offline mode (see page 140).
Students can also add themselves to the NEO by following these steps.
Note: The examples in the steps below show NEO 2 screens. NEO 1 screens
look different, but the steps are the same.
1. After starting KeyWords, press the ↓ key to move down to Add a
student; then, press enter.
Use the Student
Information Report
in NEO Manager to
get students’ user names
and passwords. See
page 149.
Add each student to
just one NEO to avoid
confusion in reports.
The student can only use
KeyWords on a NEO where
he or she has been added,
and limiting the student to
work on a single NEO will help
you accurately monitor the
student’s progress through
KeyWords lessons.
These steps
describe how to add
a student to the
KeyWords SmartApplet. If
you want to use KeyWords RP
for reports, you’ll need to add
students in Renaissance
Place as well.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Choosing Your Name, Starting Lessons, and Taking the Pre-Test
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2. Enter the student’s first name, press enter, and enter the student’s last
name. Then, press enter.
3. Enter a password for the student (2–6 characters), press enter, and type
the password again. Then, press enter.
4. NEO will show you that the student is being added; then, it will return to
the KeyWords start screen, which will now include the new student’s
name.
5. If you want to add more students, repeat the steps above. All students
that you add will be listed alphabetically by last name.
You may want to set your students’ pre-test levels before they begin
working in KeyWords. You can set each student’s level to Beginning
Typist, Intermediate Typist, or Advanced Typist. This determines what the
student will be asked to do in the test. To set the pre-test level, see
page 139.
Choosing Your Name, Starting Lessons, and Taking the
Pre-Test
After students have been added, they can begin working through the lessons.
The first lesson is an introductory overview to teach students how to sit
properly and where to place their hands on the keyboard. The other lessons
help students learn new keys, build speed and accuracy, and test their
proficiency.
Students can follow these steps to start work in the KeyWords SmartApplet.
If you make a
mistake, press back
space to erase and
correct the error. If the error is
on a different line, use the
arrow keys to go to the error
so you can correct it.
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Choosing Your Name, Starting Lessons, and Taking the Pre-Test
. . . . .
1. After starting KeyWords, press the ↓ key to move down to your name in
the list. Then, press enter.
2. If you are using NEO 1, go to step 3.
On NEO 2, you might be asked to choose a network, or you might be
asked if you want to stay connected to a specific Receiver name.
Networks are Renaissance Receivers connected to teacher computers.
The teacher should tell you which Receiver to use.
•If the screen lists the networks, use the up and down arrow keys to
highlight the correct name; then, press enter.
•If the screen asks if you want to stay connected to a Receiver, press Y
if the name is correct or N if it is not correct. Then, press enter. If you
choose no, you’ll be asked to choose a different one.
3. Type your KeyWords password and press enter. (If you don’t know what
password to use, talk to your teacher.)
4. Use the arrow keys to highlight Pre-Test and press enter.
5. For the pre-test, after viewing instructions, type the text as instructed. At
the end of the pre-test, you will see how many words per minute (WPM)
you typed and how many errors you made. When you finish, you will go
back to the list of lessons.
The arrows on the
screen show you that
there are more options
above or below the ones
you’re viewing.
The teacher can set
the difficulty level of
the pre-test and
post-test; see page 139 to
find out how to change it on
the NEO itself or page 146 to
find out how to change the
level for multiple students and
NEOs using NEO Manager.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Choosing Your Name, Starting Lessons, and Taking the Pre-Test
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6. After you complete the pre-test, you will return to the lesson list. Notice
that there is an asterisk (*) next to the pre-test that you’ve completed. The
* will appear next to each lesson as you complete it. The + will appear
next to each lesson that you have started, but not finished.
7. To start the first lesson, select Start Here! and press enter.
8. Follow the instructions on the NEO screen to learn about the space bar
and enter key, how to sit properly, and where to put your hands on the
keyboard.
Note: This lesson will refer you to the keyboard picture. You or your
teacher can find this picture in the KeyWords Extras folder on the NEO
Manager CD, in the SmartApplets folder on the NEO 1 and NEO 2
Documentation CD, or in the KeyWords RP resources. For more about
the resources available to KeyWords teachers, see page 159.
9. Now, select another lesson you want to complete (such as A S K L Keys)
and press enter. In each of the other lessons, you can choose one of
three options:
• Learn new keys helps you learn to type the keys. For more
information about this, see the next section.
• Use accuracy and speed builders helps you improve your accuracy
and increase your speed while typing these keys. For more
information, see page 126.
• Take accuracy and speed test lets you test your proficiency using
these keys. For more information, see page 129.
As you complete each task, you can choose another option within this
lesson, or you can select another lesson. To go back to a previous screen
(such as the lesson list or the list of names), press esc until you get to that
screen.
You may see an x
before some lessons
if the teacher
requires you to do the
lessons in order (see
page 139 and page 146). The
x means that you have not
passed the Accuracy and
Speed Test for a previous
lesson. Once you pass the
test, the x will disappear from
the next lesson.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Learning New Keys
. . . . .
Learning New Keys
When you choose the Learn new keys option within a lesson, KeyWords
asks you to type the keys you’re learning and to type combinations of the keys
in different sequences.
If you type the wrong key, KeyWords will make corrections, but if you
continue to type the wrong keys, KeyWords will give you a hint and show you
the keyboard layout with the key highlighted to help you find it. You must
press the correct key to go on.
You can find visual aids that help you learn keyboarding on the NEO Manager
CD, on the NEO 1 and NEO 2 Documentation CD, or in the KeyWords RP
resources. See page 159.
Building Accuracy and Speed
When you choose Use accuracy and speed builders in a lesson,
KeyWords helps train you to press keys correctly, which improves your
accuracy and helps you build up speed. For each lesson, there are six practice
passages in the accuracy and speed builders. The following example shows
the practice passages for the ASKL keys. (On the NEO, you would typically
only see three of these passages listed at one time.)
To choose the passage you want to work on, move the cursor next to it and
press enter.
You can’t skip
forward or backward
during an activity.
You must perform the
activities as they are
presented. However, you can
stop a lesson by pressing esc.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Building Accuracy and Speed
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Accuracy
During the accuracy portion of this activity, KeyWords will ask you to type
each of the words and then give you the words in different sequences. The
accuracy builder helps you practice your newly learned keystrokes with whole
words and phrases. It emphasizes precision, not momentum. KeyWords
presents passages of small words or letter patterns to type.
When you complete all the lines in the passage, KeyWords displays the
number of errors you made. Errors are the number of words you typed
incorrectly; even if you make more than one mistake typing a word, it counts
as only one error. Typing extra spaces between words also counts as one
error.
KeyWords compares your accuracy (number of errors) to the passing criteria
(see page 141). If you don’t meet the passing criteria, a message will tell you to
type more carefully so you make fewer mistakes, and you will not go to the
speed builder. On NEO 1, when you press the space bar, you will go back to
the screen where you can select passages. On NEO 2, you will be asked if you
want to try the Accuracy Builder again; if you want to do this, leave Y selected
and press enter.
If you meet the passing criteria, you will see a message like the one below, and
when you press the space bar, you will go on to the speed builder.
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Building Accuracy and Speed
. . . . .
Speed Builder
After you pass the accuracy activity, KeyWords gives you a speed builder
activity. You cannot go straight to the speed builder activity; it always starts
automatically after you pass the accuracy activity. Even if you’ve completed
the accuracy activity before, you must go through it again before you can work
on the speed builder.
KeyWords shows you your goal before the activity, and afterwards, it shows
you whether you met the goal. (For more about goals, see page 141.) Goals are
based on the number of words you type per minute. Type the text on the
screen and press the space bar when asked to do so. As you type, the progress
bar will show you the rate at which you should be typing words to meet your
goal.
When you finish the activity, a message will show you whether you met your
goal. If you met your goal, you will see a message like this:
If not, you will see a message like the one below. After you press the space bar,
you will see a message asking if you want to try the speed builder again. Press
Y for yes or N for no.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Taking an Accuracy and Speed Test
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Taking an Accuracy and Speed Test
The third option in each lesson, Take accuracy and speed test, lets you
test your progress. Each lesson has four different tests that you can take. You
can retake a test anytime. Your record shows only your best results.
When you choose this option, the NEO shows the goals you need to meet for
accuracy and speed in order to pass the test.
As in the accuracy builder, the number of errors is counted as the number of
incorrectly typed words. Even if you make more than one mistake while
typing a word, it counts as only one error. Typing extra spaces between words
also counts as an error.
The top line on the screen shows you the text to type and when to press
enter. After you’ve finished the test, the screen shows your accuracy and
speed scores, your goal, and whether you passed for accuracy and for speed.
Note that you may pass either accuracy or speed without passing the other
element.
Press the space bar on this screen. One of two things will happen:
• On NEO 1s, or on NEO 2s running in offline mode (see page 140), you will
return to the lesson screen.
• On NEO 2s running in online mode (see page 140), you will be asked to
choose a network name, or you will be asked if you want to stay connected
to the last one you chose. Then, KeyWords will send information about all
of your KeyWords work to the NEO Manager program on the teacher’s
computer.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Completing the Post-Test
. . . . .
Completing the Post-Test
After the student has completed all levels, he or she takes a post-test by
following these steps:
1. After selecting your name and entering your password, use the arrow
keys to select Post-Test; then, press enter.
2. The first two screens tell you how the test will work and then tell you to
place your fingers on the Home row. Press the space bar after reading
the instructions on each screen.
3. Type the text in the test as instructed. Press enter after typing each line.
4. When you have finished, the screen will show how many words per
minute you typed (WPM) and the number of errors you made. Press the
space bar after reading this information.
You can take the post-test more than once if you want to improve your
score. The results of your best post-test will be saved.
How Students Check Progress Using Reports
Students can check their progress any time to see how well they are doing on
KeyWords lessons. These reports are available:
•Student Progress Report: This report includes all the lessons the
student has worked on. It shows the keys that the student did each lesson
for, the student’s goals for words per minute (WPM) and accuracy, and the
student’s actual scores. It also shows whether the student has passed the
accuracy and speed test, and it lists the accuracy and speed builders that
the student has done. The pre-test and post-test are included in this report,
but they include only your words per minute and number of errors since
goals do not apply and since there is no separate accuracy and speed test.
•Last Lesson Report: This report shows the keys the lesson was for, the
student’s goal for words per minute (WPM), the student’s actual words per
minute, the student’s goal for errors, the student’s actual number of errors,
and whether the student passed the accuracy and speed test. The pre-test
and post-test are included in this report, but they include only your words
per minute and number of errors since goals do not apply and since there is
no separate accuracy and speed test.
The teacher can set
the difficulty level of
the pre-test and
post-test; see page 139.
Teachers can also
create a Group
Progress Report.
See page 136. Reports are
also available in KeyWords
RP in Renaissance Place; see
page 155.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
How Students Check Progress Using Reports
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When a student or teacher selects a report, he or she can do one of the
following:
• Choose to print it.
• Send it directly to the computer that has the Receiver attached.
• Send it to an AlphaWord Plus file on the NEO.
If you choose to send it to an AlphaWord Plus file, the report may wrap across
several lines, so it might be difficult to read. However, you can send the file to
a computer (see page 10) or print it (page 11); if you use a monospace font like
Courier, the report will have its proper formatting.
Sending reports to AlphaWord Plus is also useful because if you are using
several NEOs with NEO Manager, you can use that program to retrieve the
files from multiple NEOs at the same time (see page 52). You can then view,
save, or print the reports.
Follow these steps to create a report:
1. In KeyWords, select your name (or your student’s name) from the student
list and press enter.
2. If you are using KeyWords in online mode (see page 140), you may be
shown a list of Networks (Receivers connected to computers) that are
available. Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the Receiver you
want to connect to; then, press enter.
If you have chosen a Receiver before, the program may ask if you want to
stay connected. Press Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. (If you
choose no, you’ll need to select another Receiver.)
3. Type the password and press enter.
4. On the Select Lesson or Option screen, press ↑ to move up to Student
reports at the top of the list. Then, press enter.
5. You can choose a Student Progress Report or a Last Lesson Report. Use
the arrow keys to select the report you want; then, press enter.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
How Students Check Progress Using Reports
. . . . .
6. Follow the instructions for your NEO model:
NEO 2
The report will appear on the screen. Press one of the following keys:
•Esc lets you leave the report screen.
•Print prints the report wirelessly. NEO 2 will look for the Renaissance
Receivers in range, and it may ask you to choose a Receiver from a
list. The report will be sent to the default printer for the computer that
is connected to the Renaissance Receiver.
•Send sends the file to either the computer or to an AlphaWord file on
the NEO. Choose one of the options on the screen:
• Send directly to the computer: If you choose this option, make
sure NEO Manager is not running on the computer. Then, connect
your NEO to the computer via USB cable (see page 9). At the
computer, open any program that accepts text (such as a word
processing or spreadsheet program). Press send on the NEO.
Disconnect the cable when the file has been sent.
• Transfer to an AlphaWord file: Choose this option if you want to
send the report to an AlphaWord Plus file in one of the eight open
files on the NEO. Then, type the number of the file you want to
send the report to. If the NEO warns you that the text that’s
already in the file will be deleted, press Y for yes if you want to
continue. The file that you sent the report to will open. On the
NEO, the report may wrap across several lines, making it difficult
to read, but if you print the file or send it to a computer and use a
monospace font like Courier, you can see the report with its proper
formatting.
NEO 1
Choose one of the three options on the screen:
•Print: Connect your NEO directly to a printer using the USB cable.
Then, press print.
• Send directly to computer: If you choose this option, follow these
steps:
a. Make sure NEO Manager is not running on the computer.
b. Connect your NEO to the computer via USB cable (see page 9).
c. At the computer, open any program that accepts text (such as a
word processing or spreadsheet program).
d. Press send on the NEO to send the NEO file into the computer
file.
e. Disconnect the cable when the file has been sent.
If characters get
jumbled when you
send to a computer
file, you may need to change
the transfer speed; press
option-
a
-S.
If file passwords are
enabled for
AlphaWord Plus
(see page 72), you must enter
the password for the file
you’ve chosen before the
KeyWords report can be
saved there. You can
substitute the master
password for the file
password.
If characters get
jumbled when you
send to a computer
file, you may need to change
the transfer speed; press
option-
a
-S.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
How Students Send Their Data to the Teacher (to NEO Manager) Using NEO 2
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• Transfer to AlphaWord file: Choose this option if you want to send
the report to an AlphaWord Plus file in one of the eight file spaces on
the NEO. Then, type the number of the file you want to send the report
to. If the NEO warns you that the text that’s already in the file will be
deleted, press Y for yes if you want to continue. The file that you sent
the report to will open. On the NEO, the report may wrap across
several lines, making it difficult to read, but if you print the file or send
it to a computer and use a monospace font like Courier, you can see
the report with its proper formatting.
How Students Send Their Data to the Teacher (to NEO
Manager) Using NEO 2
Students who are using KeyWords on a NEO 2 can follow these steps to send
their KeyWords data to NEO Manager. Although the student’s data is sent
after each Accuracy and Speed test, it is sometimes useful to send the data at
other times, such as at the end of a class period in which the student did not
take a test.
Once students send data to NEO Manager, teachers can synchronize it with
Renaissance Place (see page 155) so that they can see the information on
KeyWords RP reports. (Teachers can also send all students’ KeyWords data
from a specific NEO 2 to NEO Manager; see page 138.)
Important: These steps are only for NEO 2s running KeyWords in online
mode, and you must have a Renaissance Receiver connected to your
computer. If you have chosen offline mode (see page 140), you are using
NEO 1, or you do not have a Renaissance Receiver, you need to connect the
NEOs to your computer to collect and report on the data.
1. In KeyWords, select your name (or your student’s name) from the student
list and press enter.
2. You may be shown a list of Networks that are available. (Networks are
Renaissance Receivers connected to computers.) Use the up and down
arrow keys to highlight the Receiver you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
If file passwords are
enabled for
AlphaWord Plus
(see page 72), you must enter
the password for the file
you’ve chosen before the
KeyWords report can be
saved there. You can
substitute the master
password for the file
password.
NEO Manager does
not need to be open
when students send
their data.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Teacher Options
. . . . .
If you have chosen a Receiver before, the program may ask if you want to
stay connected. Press Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. (If you
choose no, you’ll need to select another Receiver.)
3. Type the password and press enter.
4. On the Select a Lesson or Option screen, press ↑ to move up to Send
KeyWords data to teacher at the top of the list. Then, press enter.
5. If you want to send your data, leave Y selected and press enter. (If not,
press N, then press enter.)
6. A message will show you that the data is being sent to NEO Manager.
Another message will notify you when the task is complete. Press the
space bar to continue.
Teacher Options
In addition to generating reports and setting goals, the Teacher Options in
KeyWords allow you to do the following:
• Delete one or more KeyWords students.
• Create a Group Progress Report.
• Send KeyWords data for all students to NEO Manager.
• Require students to complete the lessons in order.
• Set the pre-test and post-test level for each student.
• Set KeyWords to offline mode for NEO 2.
• Set custom words per minute or error goals or reset goals to the default.
• Set whether students must type the home row at the beginning of activities.
• Set whether KeyWord reinforces use of the correct shift key.
• Set whether one space or two spaces are required between sentences.
• View student progress using various reports.
The master password is required when you set teacher options.
You can use NEO Manager to set the master password for your NEOs (see
page 171).
You can also change
these settings in
NEO Manager. Click
the Settings tab, then click
KeyWords or KeyWords
Wireless on the left to see the
settings you can change. For
more about changing settings
for KeyWords or other
SmartApplets, see page 187.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Deleting Students
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Follow these steps to change teacher options:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to move to Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter. The teacher options will be
listed.
Deleting Students
Within the teacher options, you can choose to delete one or more KeyWords
students from the NEO. This does not delete students from KeyWords RP or
from NEO Manager. (To delete students from NEO Manager, see page 151.)
Important: After you delete a KeyWords student, there is no way to recover
that student’s work. Make sure you want to permanently delete the student’s
work before following the steps below.
Follow these steps:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. In the list of teacher options, do one of the following:
•If you want to delete just one student, use the arrow keys to select
Delete a student and press enter. Then, select the student’s name
and press enter.
•If you want to delete all KeyWords students, use the arrow keys to
select Delete all students and press enter.
4. A message will warn you that the data for the student(s) is about to be
erased. If you’re sure you want to continue, press Y for yes. If not, press N
for no.
You can also delete
all KeyWords
students from NEOs
using NEO Manager. To do
this, click Settings, click
KeyWords or KeyWords
Wireless on the left, and
choose Yes for the Delete all
students option. Then, send
the change to your NEOs. You
cannot remove individual
students in NEO Manager.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Creating a Group Progress Report
. . . . .
Creating a Group Progress Report
One of the teacher options allows you to create a group progress report. This
report provides information on each student’s last lesson, including the
following:
• the student’s goals
• actual performance for speed and accuracy
• whether the student passed the accuracy and speed test
If a student’s last lesson was a pre-test or post-test, only the actual
performance for speed and accuracy are shown since goals do not apply.
The report includes only those students who have used KeyWords on this
NEO.
Follow these steps to create the report:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter. (For more about the master
password, see page 171.)
3. Select Create a group progress report and press enter.
4. Follow the instructions for your NEO model:
NEO 2
The report will appear on the screen. Press one of the following keys:
•Esc lets you leave the report screen.
•Print prints the report wirelessly. NEO 2 will look for the Renaissance
Receivers in range, and it may ask you to choose a Receiver from a
list. The report will be sent to the default printer for the computer that
is connected to the Renaissance Receiver.
•Send sends the file to either the computer or to an AlphaWord file on
the NEO. Choose one of the options on the screen:
• Send directly to the computer: If you choose this option, make
sure NEO Manager is not running on the computer. Then, connect
your NEO to the computer via USB cable (see page 9). At the
computer, open any program that accepts text (such as a word
processing or spreadsheet program). Press send on the NEO.
Disconnect the cable when the file has been sent.
Students can view
Progress Reports
and Last Lesson
Reports. See page 130.
Reports are also available in
KeyWords in Renaissance
Place; see page 155.
If characters get
jumbled when you
send to a computer
file, you may need to change
the transfer speed; press
option-
a
-S.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Creating a Group Progress Report
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• Transfer to an AlphaWord file: Choose this option if you want to
send the report to an AlphaWord Plus file in one of the eight open
files on the NEO. Then, type the number of the file you want to
send the report to. If the NEO warns you that the text that’s
already in the file will be deleted, press Y for yes if you want to
continue. The file that you sent the report to will open, showing you
information about each student’s latest KeyWords lesson. On the
NEO, the report may wrap across several lines, making it difficult
to read, but if you print the file or send it to a computer and use a
monospace font like Courier, you can see the report with its proper
formatting.
NEO 1
Choose one of the three options on the screen:
•Print: Connect your NEO directly to a printer using the USB cable.
Then, press print.
• Send directly to computer: If you choose this option, follow these
steps:
a. Make sure NEO Manager is not running on the computer.
b. Connect your NEO to the computer via USB cable (see page 9).
c. At the computer, open any program that accepts text (such as a
word processing or spreadsheet program).
d. Press send on the NEO to send the NEO file into the computer
file.
e. Disconnect the cable when the file has been sent.
• Transfer to AlphaWord file: Choose this option if you want to send
the report to an AlphaWord Plus file in one of the eight file spaces on
the NEO. Then, type the number of the file you want to send the report
to. If the NEO warns you that the text that’s already in the file will be
deleted, press Y for yes if you want to continue. The file that you sent
the report to will open, showing you information for each student’s
latest KeyWords lesson. On the NEO, the report may wrap across
several lines, making it difficult to read, but if you print the file or send
it to a computer and use a monospace font like Courier, you can see
the report with its proper formatting.
If file passwords are
enabled for
AlphaWord Plus
(see page 72), you must enter
the password for the file
you’ve chosen before the
KeyWords report can be
saved there. You can
substitute the master
password for the file
password.
If characters get
jumbled when you
send to a computer
file, you may need to change
the transfer speed; press
option-
a
-S.
If file passwords are
enabled for
AlphaWord Plus
(see page 72), you must enter
the password for the file
you’ve chosen before the
KeyWords report can be
saved there. You can
substitute the master
password for the file
password.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Sending All KeyWords Student Data from NEO 2 to NEO Manager
. . . . .
Sending All KeyWords Student Data from NEO 2 to NEO
Manager
When you use KeyWords Wireless on NEO 2 in online mode (see page 140),
data for each student’s KeyWords work is sent to NEO Manager after each
Accuracy and Speed test. Students can also send their KeyWords data to NEO
Manager at any time (see page 133).
At times, you may need to send all KeyWords data from a specific NEO 2 to
NEO Manager. This sends the data for all students who have used KeyWords
on that NEO to NEO Manager. When you do this, the data is not removed
from the NEO 2.
Follow these steps:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Send Keywords student data to NEO Manager and press enter.
4. A message will remind you what this option does. To continue, leave Y
selected and press enter. (If you don’t want to continue, press N, then
enter, instead.)
5. You may be shown a list of Networks that are available. (Networks are
Renaissance Receivers connected to computers.) Use the up and down
arrow keys to highlight the Receiver you want to connect to; then, press
enter.
If you have chosen a Receiver before, the program may ask if you want to
stay connected. Press Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. (If you
choose no, you’ll need to select another Receiver.)
6. NEO 2 will check settings, then send the data. When the NEO 2 has
finished sending the data to NEO Manager, it will notify you. Press the
space bar.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Requiring Students to Complete KeyWords Lessons in Order
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Requiring Students to Complete KeyWords Lessons in
Order
If you want your students to complete the KeyWords lessons in the order
listed, follow these steps:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Turn sequential lessons ON (or OFF) and press enter.
4. The next screen will show you whether the sequential lesson requirement
is on or off; then, it will ask if you want to turn it on (if it’s off) or off (if it’s
on). If you want to change the setting, press Y for yes. On NEO 2, press
enter to finish changing the setting.
Setting a Pre-Test and Post-Test Level for KeyWords
Students
Before your students begin working in KeyWords, you may want to set the
pre-test and post-test level to indicate whether the student is a beginning
typist, an intermediate typist, or an advanced typist. This determines the
difficulty of the pre-test and post-test. If you do not set the level, it defaults to
Intermediate Typist.
Level
Estimated
Time
Required
Grade
Level GLE
Number
of
Words
Number
of
Unique
Letters
Number of
Punctuation
Marks
Beginning
Typist
1 minute 1–2 0.7 22 19 2
Intermediate
Typist
2 minutes 3–4 2.0 46 24 4
Advanced
Typist
4–5
minutes
5–6 3.1 91 26 6
You can also change
this setting in NEO
Manager. With the
NEO(s) connected, click the
Settings tab in NEO
Manager, click KeyWords or
KeyWords Wireless on the
left, and choose Yes or No
after Require Sequential
Lessons. Then, send the
change to your NEOs.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Setting KeyWords to Offline Mode on NEO 2
. . . . .
Follow these steps to set the level for the KeyWords students using this NEO:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Set Pre-Test/Post-Test level and press enter.
4. Use the arrow keys to select the name of the student who needs the level
set. Then, press enter.
5. The next screen shows the current pre-test and post-test level for the
student. (The default is Intermediate Typist.) Use the up and down arrow
keys to choose a different level.
6. Press esc when you have finished setting the level.
7. If you want to set the level for another student, repeat steps 4–6. When
you have finished, press esc until you have gone back to the screen that
you need.
Setting KeyWords to Offline Mode on NEO 2
NEO 2 can run the KeyWords Wireless SmartApplet in online or offline
mode. The default is online mode.
Online mode requires you to have a Renaissance Receiver connected to your
computer. In online mode, you can add or import students in NEO Manager
(see page 116), and when you choose to add them on NEO 2, you can simply
enter their user names and passwords. After students take an Accuracy and
Speed test, their data is automatically sent to NEO Manager. Students can
also choose to send their KeyWords data to NEO Manager.
Offline mode does not allow KeyWords data to be sent to NEO Manager
wirelessly. In offline mode, you must add students manually on each NEO 2
(see page 140).
To change modes on a NEO 2, follow these steps:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Set student offline mode and press enter.
4. The screen will show whether offline mode is on or off. Then, it will ask if
you want to change the setting. (Remember: when offline mode is ON,
you are using KeyWords in offline mode. When offline mode is OFF, you
are using KeyWords in online mode.)
Press Y for yes to change it or N for no; then, press enter.
In NEO Manager, you
can change the pre-
test/post-test level for
all existing students (but not
new ones you will add later).
With the NEO(s) connected,
click the Settings tab in NEO
Manager, click KeyWords or
KeyWords Wireless on the
left, and use the drop-down
list to choose a level after Pre-
Test/Post-Test level. Then,
send the change to your
NEOs. If you update the
KeyWords SmartApplet, the
pre-test and post-test levels
may be reset to the default for
all students; see page 147.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Setting Speed and Accuracy Goals for KeyWords Students
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Setting Speed and Accuracy Goals for KeyWords
Students
In the Teacher Options, you can also set new speed (words per minute or
WPM) and accuracy (error) goals for students who use KeyWords on each
NEO. As your students’ typing improves, you may want to set a higher goal
for words per minute and a lower goal for errors. Only teachers can set goals;
students can’t set their own goals.
When you set goals, you are setting them for all lessons and all students who
use this NEO. You can’t set different goals for different students who are
using the same NEO. The goals apply to all accuracy and speed builders and
to tests.
Teacher-Set Goals Versus the Default Automatic Goals
If you set goals using the teacher options, those goals will stay the same for all
lessons and students until you change them.
If you do not set goals using the teacher options, KeyWords starts with easy
goals for all students and gradually makes the goals more difficult as students
progress through lessons. The following table shows how the goals progress
as a student works through lessons.
Lesson
Accuracy/Error Goal
(Maximum)
Words per Minute (WPM)
Goal (Minimum)
Pre-Test NA NA
ASKL Keys 12 8
DJF Keys 12 10
TH Keys 12 12
GO Keys 10 14
EI Keys 10 16
PR Keys 10 16
QU Keys 8 16
WY Keys 8 18
Z? Keys 8 16
X. Keys 8 18
C, Keys 8 20
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Setting Speed and Accuracy Goals for KeyWords Students
. . . . .
If you have set goals in the teacher options and you want to go back to the
default automatic goals that are shown in the table, see the instructions on
page 143 to reset goals to the default.
How to Set Goals Manually in the Teacher Options
Follow these steps to set new goals that are the same for all students and
lesson activities:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Set custom WPM and error goals and press enter.
4. To change the words per minute goal, follow the instructions for your
model:
•For NEO 1: To increase the words per minute goal, press the K key.
To decrease it, press the L key. After changing the goal, press the
space bar.
•For NEO 2: The screen shows the current words per minute goal.
Type the new goal that you want to set. You can enter any number
from 1 to 99. Press enter.
MV Keys 8 22
NB Keys 8 22
" ' ! Keys 8 14
Number Keys 6 14
Post-Test NA NA
Use the arrow keys to change the
words per minute:8
(Press [SPACE BAR] to continue.)
Lesson
Accuracy/Error Goal
(Maximum)
Words per Minute (WPM)
Goal (Minimum)
You can also set
KeyWords goals in
NEO Manager. With
the NEO(s) connected, click
the Settings tab in NEO
Manager and click Keywords
or KeyWords Wireless on the
left. Then, enter values for the
custom WPM and error goals
and send the changes to your
NEOs.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Setting Speed and Accuracy Goals for KeyWords Students
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5. To change the maximum number of errors allowed, follow the instructions
for your model:
•For NEO 1: To increase the number of allowable errors, press the K
key. To decrease it, press the L key. Then, press the space bar.
•For NEO 2: The screen shows the current maximum number of errors
allowed goal. Type the new goal that you want to set. You can enter
any number from 0 to 99. Press enter.
You will return to the teacher options list.
Resetting Goals to the Default
Follow these steps to change back to the default goals, which change as
students progress through the lessons. (See the table that starts on page 141.)
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Reset WPM and error goals to default and press enter.
4. On NEO 1s, a message will tell you that the goals have been reset. Press
the space bar to go back to the teacher options.
On NEO 2s, you will be asked whether you want to reset the goals. Press
Y for yes or N for no; then, press enter. A message will tell you that the
goals have been reset. Press the space bar to go back to the teacher
options.
Use the arrow keys to change the
Allowable errors:8
(Press [SPACE BAR] to continue.)
You can also reset
KeyWords goals in
NEO Manager. With
the NEO(s) connected, click
the Settings tab in NEO
Manager and click Keywords
or KeyWords Wireless on the
left. Choose Yes after Reset
WPM/error goals to default.
Then, send the change to your
NEOs.
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Choosing Whether to Enforce Use of the Correct Shift Key
. . . . .
Choosing Whether to Enforce Use of the Correct
Shift Key
For faster and more accurate touch-typing, students should learn to type a
capital letter by holding down the shift key with the opposite hand from the
one that is typing the letter. For example, to type “A,” you should hold down
the shift key using the little finger of the right hand while typing a with the
little finger of the left hand.
If you choose to enforce this practice, in the teacher options, Correct Shift Key
Enforcement should be “On” (as it is when you first receive the NEO). If it is
on, when students are learning new keys in lessons that require them to type
capital letters, NEO will show a message like the one below if they use the
incorrect shift key.
Follow these steps to turn this option on or off:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Turn require correct shift key ON (or OFF) and press enter.
4. The next screen will show you whether correct shift key enforcement is on
or off; then, it will ask if you want to turn it on (if it’s off) or off (if it’s on). If
you want to change the setting, press Y for yes; if not, press N for no. On
NEO 2, press enter.
You can also change
this setting in NEO
Manager. With the
NEO(s) connected, click the
Settings tab in NEO
Manager, click KeyWords or
KeyWords Wireless on the
left, and choose Yes or No
after Turn Require correct
shift key OFF or ON. Then,
send the change to your
NEOs.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Enforcing Use of the Home Row
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Enforcing Use of the Home Row
Because returning your fingers to the home row is such an important concept
in touch-typing, you can choose to have KeyWords request that students
press the home row keys (A S D F J K L ;) in sequence during lessons.
When this option is turned on, students see the message below at the
beginning of each accuracy and speed builder activity and each test.
Students must then type the home row keys in order from left to right before
they can exit the screen and go on to the lesson. If they type the keys
incorrectly, KeyWords backspaces to where they made the error, and it won’t
let them continue until they press the correct letters in the correct order.
This option is off by default. To turn it on or off again, follow these steps:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
3. Select Turn Home Row Confirmation ON (or OFF) and press enter.
4. The next screen will show you whether home row confirmation is on or off;
then, it will ask if you want to turn it on (if it’s off) or off (if it’s on). If you
want to change the setting, press Y for yes. On NEO 2, press enter.
Requiring One or Two Spaces between Sentences
In traditional keyboarding classes with typewriters, typists were asked to put
two spaces after a period before starting a new sentence. Modern typesetting,
word processing, and Web pages all use just one space between sentences.
The KeyWords settings default to 2 spaces between settings, but in the
teacher options, you can change the number of spaces that you want your
students to include between sentences. Follow these steps:
1. In KeyWords, use the arrow keys to select Teacher options and press
enter.
2. Type the master password and press enter.
You can also change
this setting in NEO
Manager. With the
NEO(s) connected, click the
Settings tab in NEO
Manager, click KeyWords or
KeyWords Wireless on the
left, and choose Yes or No
after Turn Home Row
Confirmation ON or OFF.
Then, send the change to your
NEOs.
You can also change
this setting in NEO
Manager. With the
NEO(s) connected, click the
Settings tab in NEO
Manager, click KeyWords or
KeyWords Wireless on the
left, and choose 1 or 2 after
Set Spaces between
sentences. Then, send the
change to your NEOs.
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Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
. . . . .
3. Select Set one/two spaces between sentences and press enter.
4. On NEO 1, use the K or L keys to change the number of spaces between
sentences. You can specify either 1 or 2. After making the change, press
the space bar.
On NEO 2, the screen will show the current setting and ask if you want to
change it. Press Y for yes or N for no. Then, press enter.
Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
NEO Manager can be helpful to KeyWords users in these ways:
• For NEO 2, it lets you add your KeyWords students or import them from
Renaissance Place (see page 116). After you’ve done that, you can easily add
your students on NEO 2s (or they can add themselves) using their user
names and passwords.
• It lets you set all KeyWords options from one screen at your computer.
• If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab with an AlphaHub, NEO Manager
lets you manage KeyWords options for up to thirty NEOs at the same time.
• NEO Manager can retrieve KeyWords data from NEOs and create reports
that you can print and save.
• NEO Manager can also synchronize that data with the KeyWords program
in Renaissance Place, allowing you to use that program to generate reports.
(See page 155.)
The following procedures explain how to use some KeyWords features of
NEO Manager.
Setting KeyWords and KeyWords Wireless Options in NEO Manager
The KeyWords settings that you can change in NEO Manager are the same
ones that you can change on the NEO itself in the Teacher Options. However,
changing the settings in NEO Manager is sometimes faster because you can
make all setting changes in one window, and you can change settings for all
NEOs that are connected to your computer.
In the table on the next page, all options except for “Enable student offline
mode” are available for both the KeyWords SmartApplet (NEO 1) and
KeyWords Wireless (NEO 2). “Enable student offline mode” is only available
for KeyWords Wireless.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
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The following table describes the KeyWords settings you can change and
where to find the same settings on the NEO itself.
Setting What It Does Where to Find on the NEO
Disable this
SmartApplet
Turns off access to KeyWords so it can’t be used on the NEO(s).
KeyWords is still installed, but if anyone tries to select it in the
list of SmartApplets, the user is notified that it is disabled. Users
of NEO need the master password to enable it again. Click Yes
or No.
Press applets, move the
cursor down next to
KeyWords, and press ctrl-
a-L. Then, enter the master
password and press enter.
will appear next to
KeyWords in the list.
Delete all
students
Deletes all students who have been added to KeyWords and their
KeyWords data. Click Yes or No. Note: In NEO Manager, you
can delete all students, but not individual students. To delete
one student, use the KeyWords teacher options on the NEO.
You can delete one student
or all students in the teacher
options in KeyWords. (See
page 135.)
Enable
student
offline mode
(applies to
NEO 2 only)
For NEO 2s, this sets the KeyWords SmartApplet to offline
mode, which means there will be no wireless communication
between your NEO 2s and NEO Manager. In this mode, you
must enter student information manually on each NEO, and
KeyWords data cannot be sent from NEOs to NEO Manager
except when you retrieve it on the KeyWords tab in NEO
Manager.
On NEO 2s only, you can
find this setting in the
teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 140.)
Require
sequential
lessons
Determines whether KeyWords students must complete the
KeyWords lessons in the order they are listed. Click Yes or No.
You can also find this setting
in the teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 139.)
Pre-test/Post-
test level
Sets the pre-test and post-test level for all new and existing
students to Beginning Typist, Intermediate Typist, or Advanced
Typist. The level determines the content of the pre-test and post-
test for each student. Choose a level from the drop-down list.
Note: If you update the KeyWords SmartApplet from NEO
Manager, and Replace SmartApplets on device with
SmartApplets from Computer is checked in the NEO
Manager preferences, all students’ pre-test and post-test levels
will be reset to the default.
In the KeyWords teacher
options, you can set a
separate level for each
student. (See page 139.)
Set custom
WPM goals
Sets a specific words per minute (WPM) speed goal for all
students and all lessons. This overrides the automatic
progression of goals that KeyWords normally uses (see
page 141). Type the minimum words per minute you want
students to achieve. (The default is 8.)
You can set goals in the
teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 142.)
Set custom
error goals
Sets a specific goal for maximum errors allowed per activity for
all students and all lessons. This overrides the automatic
progression of goals that KeyWords normally uses (see
page 141). Type the maximum errors you want students to be
allowed. (The default is 12.)
You can set goals in the
teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 142.)
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Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
. . . . .
Follow these steps to change KeyWords options in NEO Manager.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. Click the Settings tab in NEO Manager.
3. Click KeyWords or KeyWords Wireless A in the list of SmartApplets on
the left as shown.
Reset
WPM/error
goals to
default
Resets goals to the ones used by default in KeyWords (see
page 141). Click Yes or No.
You can reset goals in the
teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 143.)
Turn require
correct shift
key OFF
Determines whether KeyWords checks to make sure that
students use the shift key opposite the letter they are typing to
make that letter uppercase. If students use the wrong shift key,
they will see a message asking them to use the other shift key.
Click Yes or No.
You can turn this
requirement on or off in the
teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 144.)
Turn Home
Row
confirmation
ON
Determines whether KeyWords requires students to type the
home row keys at the beginning of each accuracy and speed
builder activity and the beginning of each test. This helps get
students used to placing their hands on the home row. Click Yes
or No.
You can turn this
requirement on or off in the
teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 145.)
Set spaces
between
sentences
Determines whether students are required to type one space or
two between sentences. Click 1 or 2.
You can change the spaces
required between sentences
in the teacher options in
KeyWords. (See page 145.)
Setting What It Does Where to Find on the NEO
If KeyWords or
KeyWords Wireless
isn’t in the Settings
list, one or more of the
connected NEOs doesn’t
have KeyWords installed. To
install it on all connected
NEOs, click the
SmartApplets tab, click
KeyWords (NEO 1) or
KeyWords Wireless (NEO 2)
in the list, and click Add.
(Once you’ve chosen to install
it, you can change the
settings.) Then, send the
SmartApplet to the NEOs (see
page 79).
A
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Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
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4. Make changes as needed to the settings listed on the right. (Make sure
the box is checked for each setting you’re changing. As you change
settings, notice that the KeyWords or KeyWords Wireless box is
automatically checked on the left.)
5. Click the Send List tab and make sure that your changes are listed.
6. If you have multiple NEOs and you want to limit the changes to certain
NEOs, click Select Devices. Then, check the NEOs that should get the
changes, and click OK.
7. Click Send.
Retrieving KeyWords Data and Generating Reports in NEO Manager
Follow the steps below to retrieve your students’ KeyWords data from NEOs
and view, save, or print reports.
Note: For NEO 2, if KeyWords is being used in online mode (see page 140),
students’ KeyWords data is automatically sent to NEO Manager after each
Accuracy and Speed test, and the student can send the data to NEO Manager
at any time (see page 133). Teachers can also send all KeyWords data from a
specific NEO 2 to NEO Manager (see page 138).
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
To restore all
KeyWords settings
to the defaults, click
Restore Defaults at the
bottom of the window.
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Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
. . . . .
2. Click the KeyWords tab in NEO Manager. NEO Manager will retrieve
students’ KeyWords data from all connected NEOs. You can click the
Device column heading A to sort students by the device they are using
instead of by name.
3. Check the boxes next to the students or devices (NEOs) you want to
include in reports and click Reports B. (If you don’t check any students,
the program will assume you want to include all students listed.)
4. First, click the report you want to
generate: Student Detail,
Student Progress, or Student
Information C:
•The Student Detail Report
lists each student’s
information separately by
lesson, including the goals,
actual words per minute and
errors, whether the lesson was passed, and the accuracy and speed
builders completed.
•The Student Progress Report includes information on each student’s
latest lesson, including the goals, actual words per minute, actual
errors, and whether the lesson has been passed.
•The Student Information Report includes your students’ first names,
last names, user names, and passwords. This is useful if you have
added your students in NEO Manager (see page 116) and you want to
give students their user names and passwords so they can log in.
Next, click the group you want to include: the selected (checked) students
or all students D. Click OK to continue.
B
A
C
D
For pre-tests and
post-tests, only the
actual words per
minute and errors are shown
since the other information
does not apply to these tests.
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Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
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5. If you chose the Student Information Report, you will be asked to enter
the master password. (For more about that password, see page 171.)
After entering the password, click OK.
6. The report will open in a new window.
To save the report, click Save, type a name for the report and choose a
location for the file, and click Save.
To print the report, click Print, choose your printer, and click OK
(Windows) or Print (Macintosh).
To close the report window, click Close.
Deleting KeyWords Students from NEO Manager
Follow these steps to delete KeyWords students and their data from NEO
Manager. This does not delete the data from the NEO 2s that the students are
using, and if they send their KeyWords data to NEO Manager again, the
students will once again be listed in NEO Manager. If you want to remove
the students from both the KeyWords tab in NEO Manager and from the
SmartApplet on their NEO 2s, see “Resetting KeyWords Students Using NEO
Manager” on page 152.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15).
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Using NEO Manager with KeyWords
. . . . .
2. Click the KeyWords tab A.
3. Check the box B in front of the student(s) that you want to delete from
NEO Manager. You can select more than one.
4. Click Delete C.
5. A message will remind you that this will remove the students and their
data and that this cannot be undone. If you want to continue, click Yes;
the student name will be deleted from the list.
Resetting KeyWords Students Using NEO Manager
By following the steps below, you can use NEO Manager to reset KeyWords
students on connected NEOs. Resetting the KeyWords students does the
following:
• Delete all KeyWords students that have been added in NEO Manager (see
page 116).
• Delete all KeyWords students from connected NEOs.
This makes it easier to get ready to use KeyWords on your NEOs before a new
school year begins.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15).
2. Connect your SmartOption Mobile lab to your computer, or connect a
single NEO (see page 9).
3. In NEO Manager, click the Setup menu and choose Reset KeyWords
Students.
A
B
C
If any of your NEOs
are not connected
when you select this
command, you can manually
delete the KeyWords students
from that NEO; see page 135.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
About KeyWords Reports
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4. In the message that appears, if you want to continue, click Yes. (If not,
click No.) If you click Yes, the KeyWords students will be removed from
the KeyWords tab in NEO Manager and from all connected NEOs.
About KeyWords Reports
There are several different ways to get reports on student work in KeyWords:
Reports Where or How to Generate them
• Student Progress Report
• Last Lesson Report
Students can generate these reports on the
NEO from within KeyWords. See page 130.
• Group Progress Report Teachers can generate this report on the
NEO that includes information on each
student’s last lesson. See page 136.
• Student Detail Report
• Group Student Progress
Report
• Student Information Report
Teachers can view these reports in NEO
Manager. See page 149.
• Master Class Report Teachers can use templates that come with
KeyWords to create this report from each
student’s Last Lesson Report. See the
instructions on page 154.
• Certificate
• Class Report (for the
Renaissance Place class)
• Diagnostic Report
• Enrollment Report (for the
Renaissance Place class)
• Schoolwide Summary Report
• Student Detail Report
• Student Record Report
•Student Login Report
• Student Record Report
• Teacher Report
Teachers can view and print these reports
in KeyWords RP, which is available when
you own any other Renaissance Place
product. This requires that you
synchronize your KeyWords data with
Renaissance Place using NEO Manager
(see page 155). For more information about
KeyWords RP, see page 155 and the
KeyWords User Manual in Renaissance
Place.
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About KeyWords Reports
. . . . .
Creating a Master Class Report
By following the steps below, you can create a master class report that
includes the Last Lesson Reports from each of your students.
When you send a Last Lesson Report to a program on your computer instead
of printing it or sending it to AlphaWord Plus, the column headers aren’t
included so that you can easily create a master classroom report. To create the
master class report, open the LastLessonreport.xls Microsoft Excel file
included on the NEO Manager CD; then, have your students create a Last
Lesson Report and send their reports one at a time into the Excel file on your
computer. Follow the steps below.
1. Copy the LastLessonreport.xls file from one of these locations:
•The KeyWords Extras folder on the NEO Manager CD.
•The folder where NEO Manager is installed on your computer.
On Windows computers, you will find the file in Program
Files\AlphaSmart\AlphaSmart Manager 2\KeyWords Extras\.
On Macintosh computers, you will find it in Applications : AlphaSmart :
AlphaSmart Manager 2 : KeyWords Extras.
Paste the file onto your computer and open it. Click on the first cell under
the heading as shown A.
2. Have each of your students create a Last Lesson Report on their devices.
(See page 130.) Tell them to wait before choosing whether to print the
report, send it to a computer, or send it to an AlphaWord Plus file.
3. Have a student connect his or her NEO to your computer using the USB
cable. Then, have the student follow the instructions for his or her NEO
model:
•NEO 2: Press send, then Send directly to the computer.
•NEO 1: Move the cursor next to Send directly to computer and
press enter.
A
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Using KeyWords RP to View and Print Reports
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After a moment, the student will be asked to press send. This will send
the student’s data into the first row below the column headings. When the
data has been sent, have the student disconnect the NEO. Click in the
first cell in the next row.
Repeat step 3 for each student.
4. Add any other information you want in the report, such as your name or
the classroom, and then save or print the file for your records.
Using KeyWords RP to View and Print Reports
KeyWords RP is a Renaissance Place program that allows you to generate
reports about your students’ work in KeyWords on NEOs. You do not need to
purchase KeyWords RP separately. You can use it if you have another
Renaissance Place program registered and if you are using KeyWords on
NEOs. KeyWords RP provides powerful and easy-to-use reports so teachers
can see information for individual students, classes, and entire schools.
The steps below describe how to synchronize your KeyWords data on NEOs
with KeyWords RP.
For more information about using KeyWords RP, click Manuals on any
Renaissance Place page and click the KeyWords User Manual.
Synching KeyWords Data with KeyWords RP
By following these steps, you can synchronize your KeyWords data with the
KeyWords program in Renaissance Place.
Renaissance Place is a Web-based information system that brings together a
wealth of student data, giving teachers, principals, and administrators the
information they need in one place. You can use KeyWords in Renaissance
Place if you own and have registered any other Renaissance Place product,
such as Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, STAR Reading, or STAR
Math.
Before you synchronize KeyWords data with KeyWords in Renaissance Place,
you must do the following:
• Make sure KeyWords RP is installed on your server.
• Register at least one other Renaissance Place product.
• Activate your school(s) in Renaissance Place (see the KeyWords User
Manual in Renaissance Place).
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Using KeyWords RP to View and Print Reports
. . . . .
• Make sure you have your Renaissance Place user name and password. (In
NEO Manager, different Renaissance Place users can synchronize
KeyWords data from the same computer as long as they log in to the
computer using different passwords or accounts.)
• Add your KeyWords students to Renaissance Place (see the Renaissance
Place Software Manual). Make sure that the first and last names are
identical to the student names in KeyWords on the NEOs. This is important
because students’ KeyWords data is matched to their records in
Renaissance Place. Data can only be synchronized for students who have
been added to Renaissance Place.
• Make sure your KeyWords courses, classes, and teachers have been added
to Renaissance Place. Teachers must be assigned to the classes, and
students must be enrolled in the classes. You must also check the
KeyWords box for the lead teacher or check KeyWords when you assign
products to classes in the course. For instructions, see the Renaissance
Place Real Time Software Manual.
Follow these steps to synchronize KeyWords data with RP:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. Click the KeyWords tab in NEO Manager. NEO Manager will retrieve
students’ KeyWords data from all connected NEOs.
If you are using a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to sort students
by their device number instead of by name, click the Device column
heading A.
3. Click Synch with RP B.
To find manuals in
Renaissance Place,
click Manuals in the
upper-right corner of any
page. Then, click the manual
you want to open.
B
A
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Using KeyWords RP to View and Print Reports
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4. Enter the Web address that you use to access Renaissance Place C.
5. Enter the user name and password that you use to log in to Renaissance
Place D.
6. If you have synchronized with RP before, you can choose to automatically
synch students that have already been matched, or you can use the full
wizard to change previous matches of KeyWords with RP E. Click an
option.
7. Click Next >.
8. If this is your first time synchronizing, or if you chose to use the full wizard
to change previous matches, click the school you want to use if
necessary. Click Next >.
If you have synchronized before and chose to automatically synch
students with Renaissance Place in the previous step, a message will
appear telling you how many students were successfully imported into
Renaissance Place. Click Done and go to step 12.
9. Check the class(es) containing the students that you want to synchronize
with Renaissance Place. Click Next >.
E
C
D
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. . . . .
10. Match the KeyWords students with the Renaissance Place students as
described below.
11. After the progress dialog box disappears, the program will show you how
many students had data successfully imported into Renaissance Place.
Click Done.
12. Open your Web browser and go to the server address (URL) where
Renaissance Place is installed.
13. Log in to Renaissance Place (see the KeyWords User Manual in
Renaissance Place).
14. View and/or print KeyWords RP reports in Renaissance Place (see the
KeyWords User Manual).
The first time you
synchronize, or any
time you use the full
wizard, NEO Manager
performs a basic name match
(auto-matching) between the
list of Renaissance Place
students and the KeyWords
students on the NEOs.
F
G
HI
J
FClick a KeyWords student
name that you want to match
to a Renaissance Place
student. The list is based on
the KeyWords students who
were added to the NEO(s)
connected to your computer.
GClick the Renaissance Place
student name you want to
match to the KeyWords
student you selected. The list
is based on Renaissance
Place students already
enrolled in the school and
class you selected in the
previous dialog boxes.
HClick Match >> to match the
students and move them to
the Matched Students area on
the right.
IIf you want to remove a
match, click the student
names in the Matched
Students column and click
<< Unmatch to separate the
names and move them back
to their respective columns on
the left side.
JClick Next > when you have
finished.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
KeyWords Resources for Teachers
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KeyWords Resources for Teachers
The resources that are available for KeyWords can help teachers learn how to
use KeyWords to teach their students touch-typing. Resources include:
• reference materials provided with KeyWords and KeyWords RP that you
can use to make handouts and transparencies
• a review of ergonomic typing posture and body placement
• a sample lesson plan for using KeyWords in a classroom with NEOs
Materials for Handouts and Transparencies
You can find KeyWords Resources in several places, which are described
below.
NEO Manager Start Menu or Program Folder
• On Windows computers, click StartProgramsNEO
ManagerKeyWordsKeyWords Master Transparencies.
• On Macintosh computers, open Applications : AlphaSmart : AlphaSmart
Manager 2 : KeyWords Extras and double-click KeyWords
SmartApplet Master.
NEO Manager CD or Downloaded Files
In the KeyWords Extras folder on the NEO Manager CD (and in the NEO
Manager download files), you’ll find a file named KeyWords SmartApplet
Master.pdf.
Documentation CD for NEO 1 and NEO 2
If you received a Documentation CD, you find the KeyWords SmartApplet
Master.pdf file in the SmartApplets folder.
KeyWords RP Resources Page
In KeyWords RP (Renaissance Place), you can click Resources in the list of
KeyWords tasks to see many of these resources. Most of the resources can be
found on the Resources page, but you can print Certificates from the
KeyWords RP Reports page.
You need Adobe
Reader to view and
print all PDF files.
Adobe Reader is available at
www.adobe.com.
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KeyWords Resources for Teachers
. . . . .
Resource Locations
Location Resources Available
NEO Manager Start
menu or program folder
• Posture and Wrist Placement
• Key Strikes
• Finger Zones
• Home Row Keys
• Finger Placement for Lessons
• Progress Report Master
• Sustained Practice Activities
• Congratulations Certificate
NEO Manager CD or
downloaded NEO
Manager files
• Posture and Wrist Placement
• Key Strikes
• Finger Zones
• Home Row Keys
• Finger Placement for Lessons
• Progress Report Master
• Sustained Practice Activities
• Congratulations Certificate
Documentation CD • Posture and Wrist Placement
• Key Strikes
• Finger Zones
• Home Row Keys
• Finger Placement for Lessons
• Progress Report Master
• Sustained Practice Activities
• Congratulations Certificate
KeyWords RP
Resources Page
• Keyboarding Cards
• Posture and Wrist Placement (in the Getting
Started posters)
• Key Strikes (in the Getting Started posters)
• Finger Zones (in the Getting Started posters)
• Home Row Keys (in the Getting Started posters)
• Finger Placement for Lessons
• Sustained Practice Activities (under Forms and
Charts)
• Certificate (Reports page only)
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
KeyWords Resources for Teachers
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Resource Descriptions
Name of Handout Description of Master
Prepare these masters before using KeyWords on NEOs:
Posture and Wrist
Placement
This master shows a drawing of a student seated
properly with good wrist and hand position. Use it
to create an overhead transparency or a reference
handout for students.
Key Strike This master shows close-up sketches of correct
finger strike positions. Use it to create an overhead
transparency or a handout for students.
Finger Zones This master illustrates the keyboard divided into
zones. A graphic shows the fingers that
correspond to the zones on the keyboard on each
hand. Use this master as a handout or a poster.
Home Row Keys This master shows Home Row positions for the
left and right hands. Use this master as a handout
or a poster.
Use these masters while working with KeyWords on NEOs:
Finger Placement for
Lesson 1: Start Here!
This master illustrates the right and left hands
with fingers labeled, and shows those fingers in
their home row positions. It also illustrates the
finger reach to the enter key and the use of the
thumb to strike the space bar. Use it to create
handouts or posters.
Finger Placement for
Lessons 2 through 16
These masters illustrate finger placement and
reaches useful for student reference as they learn
each level. Use the masters to create a handout for
each lesson.
Progress Report Use this master to create hard copy reports for
students to fill in so they can track their progress
or hand in progress reports. This is the same
information kept by the NEO in the students’
records.
Use these masters as supplemental materials to KeyWords lessons on NEOs:
Sustained Practice These masters contain additional practice
exercises for each lesson. Students can do the
exercises by typing in AlphaWord Plus. Use these
lesson-appropriate practice sheets as students
pass each lesson.
Congratulations
Certificate
Use this master to create certificates to reward
students as they pass each KeyWords lesson.
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
KeyWords Resources for Teachers
. . . . .
Keyboarding Ergonomics
Teaching students about proper posture and physical setup can help them
prevent health problems caused by typing.
Keep the following tips for wrists and hands in mind:
• Keep wrists aligned, straight, and level.
• Position chairs so students do not stretch to reach keys.
• Wrists should not rest on anything.
Keyboarding Cards Use the cards in this document to provide
additional “game-like” activities for
reinforcement, introducing finger zones, or to
provide additional practice.
These other resources will help you use KeyWords in your classroom:
Configure NEO to
Support Students with
Unique Learning Needs
This document explains how to configure NEOs
for students with unique visual needs, motor
control needs, or physical needs.
KeyWords and
Renaissance Place
Integration QuickStart
Guide
This document explains how to add KeyWords
students and get students started on lessons,
change KeyWords settings in NEO Manager,
generate KeyWords reports in NEO Manager, and
synchronize KeyWords data with KeyWords RP so
you can use KeyWords RP reports.
Keyboarding: An
Essential Skill for the 21st
Century
This document summarizes keyboarding research
and outlines best methods for teaching this skill.
Name of Handout Description of Master
Correct hand and wrist position Incorrect hand and wrist position
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
KeyWords Resources for Teachers
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• Take periodic rest breaks.
Follow these guidelines to properly adjust equipment and posture:
• The keyboard should be just below elbow height so the elbows are bent at a
90° angle.
• The chair should adjust so you can make it fit each student properly.
• Forearms and thighs should be parallel to the floor when the student is
seated at the computer.
• Feet should be flat on the floor or placed on a tilted footrest.
• Position devices so that light does not reflect off the screen. Light reflecting
off the screen can cause eye strain and frustration.
Sample Lesson Plan for Getting Started
This sample lesson plan teaches basic keyboarding information. You should
present this lesson to students at the beginning of keyboarding instruction.
Students will learn
• Correct typing posture
• Correct wrist placement
•Home row keys
• How to strike keys
• How to strike the space bar
• How to strike the enter key
Preparation
Prepare the following overhead transparencies from the masters (see
page 159):
• Posture and Wrist Placement
• Key Strike
• Finger Zones
• Home Row Keys
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KeyWords Resources for Teachers
. . . . .
Teaching the Lesson
Explain to students that there are several basic practices that promote
successful keyboarding. These practices include sitting with the proper
posture, holding the wrists properly, striking the keys correctly, and returning
the fingers to the home row keys. The following steps guide you through the
lesson.
1. Use the Posture and Wrist Placement overhead transparency to show the
correct typing posture and wrist placement. Have students sit at their
desks with their NEOs and demonstrate the correct posture and wrist
placement. Monitor students, helping them make needed adjustments.
2. Use the Key Strike overhead transparency to explain how to strike the
keys. Have students demonstrate and practice striking the keys.
(Students can use AlphaWord Plus on their NEOs to practice striking
keys.) Monitor students, helping them make needed adjustments.
3. Use the Home Row Keys overhead transparency to show the home row
keys. Have students place their fingers on the home row keys and
practice typing A S D F and then J K L ;. Repeat several times until
students can strike the home row keys correctly.
4. Use the Finger Zones overhead transparency to show students the
keyboard zones for each finger. Have students practice striking another
key with one finger and then returning that finger to the home row key.
Practice with several fingers. Monitor students, helping them make
needed adjustments.
5. Show students how to strike the enter key and the space bar. The right
little finger strikes the enter key and then returns to the home row key.
Either thumb is used to strike the space bar. Have students practice
striking the enter key and the space bar and returning to the correct home
row key. Monitor students, helping them make needed adjustments.
6. Explain to students that pressing the enter key moves the cursor to the
beginning of the next line and that pressing the space bar inserts a space
between words.
7. Review the basics of sitting properly, using correct wrist placement,
striking the keys, and always returning to the home row keys.
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Lessons in KeyWords
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Lessons in KeyWords
The following tables list the lessons provided in KeyWords. Each table shows
the keys introduced in the lesson, the words and word patterns learned, and
the passing criteria for testing (based on the default goals—see page 141).
Lesson
Keys
Introduced Words Learned Patterns
Passing
Criteria
Pre-Test none none none none
1: Start Here! none none none 0 WPM
0 errors
2: ASKL A S K L all as ask
lass alas
sl alk
as ask
ll
8 WPM
12 errors
3: DJF D J F add dad fall
sad lad salad
flask jalls jad
jasks
fl ad
s (plural)
10 WPM
12 errors
4: TH T H sat flat hat
slat that has
fast last ash
flash slash dash
has sash talk
stalk hall tall
shall stall salt
half
th alt
ast sh
st at
ash
12 WPM
12 errors
5: GO G O dog hot fog
log jog look
took hook shook
hag sag shag
lag got shot
hot lot old
told gold sold
fold soft aloft
of off stool
fool soot tooth
toast toad oat
goat float soak
load ghost good
hood stood flood
ood old
ook oa
og ot
ool oat
ost oad
ag oast
gh
14 WPM
10 errors
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Lessons in KeyWords
. . . . .
6: EI E I eat seal flea
eagle tea eel
feel feed geese
goose loose lose
the these did
lid solid tie
lake fake gate
skate jade like
kite ashes flashes
glide slide silk
jog sigh high
tight light flight
seaside steak fish
elfish shoes headlight
ee ea
es se
ed ake
ade id
ie ish
ike ite
ide ilk
igh ight
oe
16 WPM
10 errors
7: PR P R hop stop shop
flop slop ear
hear dear fear
pear eager read
deer free tree
see red fled
tire fire tried
tar jar hard
are large ark
park dark lark
spark star ill
shrill starfish earth
thrill dope rope
hope girl radishes
soap horse reddish
apples roses spider
pillar fairies parrot
strolled prettiest sorriest
alligator refrigerator
op ear
er es
re ee
ar ard
ark ope
iest or
oll ir
thr shr
str
16 WPM
10 errors
Lesson
Keys
Introduced Words Learned Patterns
Passing
Criteria
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Lessons in KeyWords
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8: QU Q U rug hug jug
our hour four
pour flour out
shout loud house
soup gush hush
just flush trust
judge fudge pure
suds three quit
quiet quake quilt
quote quail quarter
quart equip quip
squirt spirit dollar
said heartful stutter
sputter
ug ou
out ouse
ush ust
udge qu
16 WPM
8 errors
9: WY W Y day try way
away play playful
stay joyful why
whole where flow
flowers pillow yellow
plow washed yaks
owls hoot write
laws you furry
hurry story followed
slowly
ay ow
wh ly
ory urry
aw wh
wr
18 WPM
8 errors
10: Z? Z ? zip zipper pizazz
zeal zigzag sizzle
puzzles Zeus gazes
drizzle zero lazy
jazz zesty
azz uz
ze izz
zz zi
16 WPM
8 errors
11: X. X . expert explode extra
exit express relax
reflex exhale apex
explore prefix wax
tax ox fox
duplex paradox
exasperate
ex ox
ax re
pre
18 WPM
8 errors
Lesson
Keys
Introduced Words Learned Patterns
Passing
Criteria
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Lessons in KeyWords
. . . . .
12: C, C , ace face race
circus circles sticky
quick pick chick
peck chew juice
cupcake cheetahs duck
Chuck quack call
cows careless could
carrot exactly clothes
deck crawls cards
choose chocolate
ace circ
eck ick
uck uice
ch cr
20 WPM
8 errors
13: MV M V love dove glove
move grove am
my five give
arrive thrive alive
very avoid swerve
wave caramel muddy
comics slime scratch
pimples rimful whim
pilgrim shrimp limp
mild might church
ove ive
av ve
im ime
22 WPM
8 errors
14: NB N B big bit nibble
rabbit job cob
hobby blue wobbles
singing dancing bang
beach brown building
brave balloons blossom
bouquet barley subway
caution explosion motion
extinction
ob ub
br bl
ld bb
bbl by
in ion
sion
22 WPM
8 errors
15: " ' ! " ' ! — — 14 WPM
8 errors
16: Numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 0
——14 WPM
6 errors
Post-Test none none none none
Lesson
Keys
Introduced Words Learned Patterns
Passing
Criteria
KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I use the backspace key when using KeyWords?
Backspace is disabled because keyboarding research shows that students
need to learn the patterns of keystrokes uninterrupted by immediate
corrections. Disabling backspace benefits students because they can
concentrate on speed, not on correcting errors.
Why is there so much repetition of words in the practice passages?
Research has shown that speed and confidence increase more readily if
simple words are used and are repeated often. KeyWords offsets the
repetition by providing text with humor, poetry, and rhythmic chants.
Why are the passages so easy?
Easy practice material develops speed and typing fluency more effectively,
giving the student a feeling of confidence and a sense of success. Though the
passages are easy, they provide practice in all the needed key patterns.
Why is the sequence of key introduction so different from what I am used to
in other typing programs?
Many other typing programs are based on 1950s typing instruction.
KeyWords designers sensed the need for a more language-based program,
one that reinforces the development of a reading and writing vocabulary as it
teaches typing.
The content of the passages is based on word list analysis. High-frequency
words that help develop reading and writing vocabulary and spelling skills
were chosen for the practice material. KeyWords maximizes kinesthetic and
linguistic patterns, which is why it is the most efficient and enjoyable way to
learn to touch-type.
Why do the students learn the ASKL keys first?
Two design principles distinguish KeyWords from all other keyboarding
programs: the application of kinesthetic (tactile, sensory) patterning and the
application of linguistic (language) patterns in all skill-building activities.
When students are learning the home row keys in the first lesson, they type
as. Students are typing enough on the left side of the home row keys to ensure
that their fingers are where they belong. Students are also using two fingers
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KEYWORDS SMARTAPPLET
Frequently Asked Questions
. . . . .
that are next to each other to press two keys that are next to each other in a
left-to-right motion; this is a kinesthetic pattern. The action results in a word,
as, which is also part of many other words, like fast; so as is also a linguistic
pattern. Learning the kinesthetic pattern generates a linguistic pattern.
On the right side of the home row keys, there are no short words to teach.
However, if a student types as on the left side and then adds a k, the student
has typed ask: all flowing left to right—a kinesthetic pattern—and all forming
a word—a linguistic pattern. Similarly, by typing all, the student is introduced
to another right-side home row letter in a fully patterned manner.
Students learn the ASKL keys first because these letters are part of the home
row and they can be combined to form words. When new letters are added,
they are incorporated within kinesthetic and linguistic patterns. Such
patterning makes learning to touch-type very efficient and enjoyable.
What is the rationale for how the practice passages are sequenced?
Practice passages adhere to two important principles:
• Patterned words are repeated enough times to build up a rhythm and
fluency that then transfers to typing the word within a phrase or sentence
where it is not repeated.
• Passages progress from simpler to more complex phrase and sentence
patterns.
When the phrase and sentence patterning combines with the linguistic
patterning, student typing develops in an almost effortless manner.
Why aren’t my test scores updated when I retake an accuracy and speed
builder test in KeyWords?
Your test scores are only updated if both the words-per-minute score and the
accuracy (number of errors) improve. If only one score improves, the test
scores are not updated. For example:
Original test scores: 48 words per minute, 5 errors
Test 2 scores: 42 words per minute, 3 errors—scores are not updated
because you typed fewer words per minute.
Test 3 scores: 50 words per minute, 6 errors—scores are not updated
because you have more errors.
Test 4 scores: 50 words per minute with 3 errors—scores are updated
because both scores improved.
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P
ASSWORDS
ON
NEO
S
AND
IN
NEO M
ANAGER
Three types of passwords may be used on NEOs or in NEO Manager:
•the master password
• individual file passwords
• send list passwords
The Master Password
The master password is required when you change certain settings on a NEO
(for example, when you turn Calculator or Spell Check on or off). The master
password also allows you to create individual file passwords.
You can find out the default master password by contacting Technical
Support, but it’s easier—and more secure—to specify your own using the NEO
Manager System settings.
Follow these steps to change the system settings for connected NEOs. For
more information about the system settings, see page 185.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab.
3. Click System in the Settings List A.
These passwords
are meant to protect
against accidental or
mischievous data loss and
to provide a minimum level
of data privacy. They can’t
prevent concerted, malicious
efforts to destroy data.
B
A
C
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PASSWORDS ON NEOS AND IN NEO MANAGER
File Passwords
. . . . .
4. Check the Master Password box B. (You might need to scroll down to
see this setting.)
5. Enter the master password that you want to use on connected NEOs C.
Note: When you change this setting, notice that NEO Manager
automatically checks the System box on the left A. If you remove the
check mark from this box, changes you make to settings won’t be sent to
your NEO.
6. Click the Send List tab and verify that the master password setting
change is listed on the Send List tab.
7. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the change
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check the
numbers that you want to send the text to, then click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
8. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
File Passwords
If you enable file passwords, you can set passwords for individual files. For
more information, see “About File Passwords” on page 72.
Send List Passwords
In NEO Manager, you can require a password whenever anyone tries to use
the software to send changes to NEOs (files, setting changes, or SmartApplet
changes). For more information, see “Requiring a Password for Changes Sent
to NEOs” on page 197.
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C
HANGING
S
ETTINGS
FOR
NEO
AND
S
MART
A
PPLETS
This chapter describes the settings you can change for your NEOs. You can
change many of these settings in the Control Panel on each NEO. You can also
use the NEO Manager software to change the same settings on all connected
NEOs.
Checking System Status on a NEO
For a quick view of the current settings on a NEO, check the system status to
see this information:
• System version
•Language
• Current file you’re in
• Cable speed (for text transfers to your computer)
• Keyboard layout
• Auto Repeat setting
• Sticky Keys setting
• Passwords setting
Follow these steps to check system status:
1. Press option-a-V to see a screen like the sample below.
2. Press any key to exit the screen and return to your file.
The system status
for a NEO with an
ISO (European)
keyboard differs slightly from
the one shown here.
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CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
. . . . .
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
How to Change Settings Using the Control Panel
Follow these steps to change settings for the NEO and its SmartApplets
within the Control Panel. For more information, see “About the Settings in
the Control Panel” on page 175.
1. Press applets, scroll the list to select Control Panel, then press enter.
2. Scroll to select the option you want to set and press enter.
3. Some settings, such as turning Calculator or Spell Check on and off,
require that you enter the master password to authorize the change. You
can set the master password using the System settings in NEO Manager
(see page 171) or contact Technical Support to get the default master
password. If you’re asked to enter the master password, type it and press
enter.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen until you’re satisfied with the setting.
5. Press esc to return to the previous screen. You might need to press esc
several times to return to Control Panel or the SmartApplets menu.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
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About the Settings in the Control Panel
The following settings are available in the NEO Control Panel.
Spell Check Settings
Spell check has its own settings in the NEO Control Panel. When you select
the spell check settings, you will be asked to enter the master password.
Another way to update the user dictionary on NEOs is to create a text file on
your computer and use NEO Manager to replace the user dictionary on your
NEOs with the words in the text file. See page 36.
Setting Name What It Does
Turn spell check OFF/ON This setting acts like a switch or toggle. When you
choose this setting and press enter, if spell check
was on, it will be off; if it was off, it will be on.
Turn add words to user
dictionary ON/OFF
By changing this setting, you are choosing whether
users can add words to the user dictionary while
doing a spell check in AlphaWord Plus. If spell
check finds a word that isn’t in its dictionary, but
the user knows that word is spelled correctly, the
user can usually press A to add that word to the
user dictionary so it isn’t marked as misspelled
again in the future. If you have turned off this
ability, the user cannot add the word to the user
dictionary. To change the setting, simply move the
cursor next to it and press enter to change it from
“on” to “off” or from “off” to “on.”
Delete user dictionary When you choose this setting and press enter, you
can delete the user dictionary. When you do this, all
words that have been added to the spell check
dictionary on this NEO will be deleted. Spell check
will question those words again during future spell
checks.
Add new word to user
dictionary
When you choose this setting and press enter, you
can add words to the user dictionary one at a time.
Use this feature to add words that you use often but
that spell check marks as misspelled.
You need the master
password to change
the spell check
settings. Use the System
settings in NEO Manager to
set this password; see
page 171.
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Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
. . . . .
AlphaWord Plus Settings
AlphaWord Plus also has its own settings in the NEO Control Panel:
Setting Name What It Does Other Ways to Change This
Turn show marks
in files ON/OFF
When you turn show marks on, in
AlphaWord Plus you will see for each
carriage return (enter), and you’ll see
for each tab that you type in your file. If
show marks is off, carriage returns are
not shown (except as line breaks), and
tabs are shown as spaces (see the next
page). To change the setting, move the
cursor next to it and press enter to
change it from on to off or from off to on.
•Press option-a-K in AlphaWord
Plus. In the screen that appears,
press 3 to change the show marks
setting. Then, press esc.
• In NEO Manager, click the
Settings tab, select AlphaWord
Plus on the left, check the Show
Marks box, and click On or Off.
Then, send the changes to NEOs
from the Send List tab.
Turn file
passwords
ON/OFF
This setting is normally off, so passwords
aren’t required to open AlphaWord Plus
files. If you turn this setting on, you must
enter the file’s password or the master
password when you open a file by
pressing the file key or selecting a named
file. When you first turn this setting on,
the password for all files is write. Use
the next setting to set individual file
passwords.
•Press ctrl-option-a-P in
AlphaWord Plus; then, enter the
master password to change the
setting. Press esc to go back to
AlphaWord Plus.
• In NEO Manager, click the
Settings tab, select AlphaWord
Plus on the left, check the
Passwords Enabled box, and
click On or Off. Then, send the
changes to NEOs from the Send
List tab.
Change a specific
file password
When file passwords are on or enabled as
described above, you can use this setting
to change the password for each file.
When you select this setting and press
enter, you’ll see a list of files 1–8 plus
any named files you have on the NEO.
Move the cursor next to a file, press
enter, and enter the current password
once and the new password twice; then,
press enter.
•Press option-a-P in the file that
needs its password changed. Enter
the current password, and then
enter the new password twice.
Reset all file
passwords
When file passwords are ON or enabled,
this setting changes all file passwords
back to the default password (write).
Simply highlight the setting and press
enter. You’ll be asked to enter the
master password (see page 171).
• In NEO Manager, click the
Settings tab, select AlphaWord
Plus on the left, check the File
Passwords box, and enter the
password that you want to use for
all files. Then, send the changes to
NEOs from the Send List tab.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
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When the Show Marks setting is on for AlphaWord Plus, tabs appear as right
arrows and carriage returns appear as return arrows as shown below.
Regardless of the Show Marks setting, when you send files to your computer,
tabs and carriage returns transfer correctly to your computer.
Change Default AlphaWord Font
This setting allows you to choose the font size you want to use for AlphaWord
Plus files. For more information, see page 28.
Turn Calculator Off
To turn NEO’s Calculator SmartApplet off, move the cursor next to this
setting and press enter. Then, enter the master password (see page 171) and
press enter.
There are other ways to turn the Calculator off for NEOs or to turn it back on:
• In AlphaWord Plus, press ctrl-a-C. Enter the master password (see
page 171).
•Press applets to see the SmartApplet menu. Move the cursor next to
Calculator and press ctrl-a-L. Enter the master password (see page 171).
The symbol appears next to Calculator in the list to show it has been
disabled.
• In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab, click Calculator on the left,
check the Disable this SmartApplet box on the right, and click Yes or
No. Then, send the changes to your NEOs from the Send List tab.
Two-Button On Option
Normally, NEO turns on when you press the on/off button. If your NEO
often gets turned on accidentally, perhaps because the button is pressed when
you carry the NEO in a bag or backpack, you can enable the two-button on
option to require you to press on/off and enter together to turn NEO on.
After you select this Control Panel setting, press enter to enable it (if it was
disabled) or disable it (if it was enabled).
FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
as of April 15th
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In NEO Manager, the
Two-Button On
Option is in the
system settings. See
page 183 to change the
settings or page 185 for a list
of system settings.
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CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
. . . . .
Set Screen Contrast
Use this setting to set the screen contrast. After you select this setting, you
can press K to darken the screen or L to lighten it. When you’ve finished,
press esc.
Keyboard Command Reference List
Use this setting to see a list of keyboard commands you can use on the NEO.
For a list of keyboard commands, see page 239.
View Keyboard Layout
Use this setting to see where keys are on the keyboard with the current
selected keyboard layout. This is helpful if you’ve chosen a layout other than
the standard layout (QWERTY). To set keyboard layout, use the Change
KeyBoard Layout setting under “Change KeyBoard Settings.” (For more
information, see “Change Keyboard Settings” on page 179.)
Press shift to see what characters are available when you hold down the shift
key and type. Press option to see what special characters you can type while
holding down that key. (For more about international and special characters,
see page 243.)
Display Battery Status
Use this setting to see the state of the battery charge, both as a graphic and a
percentage. Then, press any key to leave the battery status.
Another way to check the battery charge is to press ctrl-a-B while working
on the NEO.
You can view a list of
international
characters and find
out how to type them by
pressing ctrl-H in AlphaWord
Plus and selecting
International from the help
topic list.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
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Change Keyboard Settings
There are several keyboard settings in NEO:
Setting Name What It Does Other Ways to Change This
Change
keyboard
layout
This sets the keyboard layout you are using. Press the
number key that represents the layout you want to
use. Then, press esc.
• QWERTY: the standard layout used on computer
keyboards.
• DVORAK: a scientifically designed keyboard
layout that requires much less finger reaching and
stretching for the most commonly used keys, and
results in faster and easier typing.
• RIGHT (one hand): a layout that allows people
who type only with the right hand to type faster.
• LEFT (one hand): a layout that allows people who
type only with the left hand to type faster.
For pictures of the layouts, see the keyboard
examples after this table.
Note: If you change the keyboard layout, when you
use keyboard commands, note that although the
ctrl, option, a, and shift keys stay where they are,
the letter keys used in commands may have moved.
• Press option-a-L. Then, press the
number that represents the keyboard
layout you want and press esc.
• In NEO Manager, click the Settings
tab and click System on the left.
Then, check the Keyboard Layout
box on the left and choose a layout
from the drop-down list. Send your
changes to NEOs on the Send List tab.
Change slow
keys setting
Use this setting to increase or decrease the time you
must hold down a key before the character appears
on the screen (0.0 means the delay is off). Press the
up and down arrow keys to increase or decrease the
time in tenths of a second. When you’ve finished,
press esc. This setting is useful for someone who has
unsteady hands or difficulty targeting specific keys.
• Press ctrl-option-a-K while
working on the NEO. Then, use the
up and down arrow keys to increase
or decrease the delay. Press esc when
you’ve finished.
• In NEO Manager, click the Settings
tab and click System on the left.
Then, check the Slow Keys box, click
On, and enter the delay in the Slow
Key Delay field. Send your changes
to NEOs on the Send List tab.
Turn sticky
keys ON/OFF
Use this setting if it is difficult for you to perform
keyboard commands because you cannot hold
multiple keys down at the same time. When sticky
keys is on, users can press one key at a time to type
keyboard commands that use the shift, ctrl, option,
or a keys. For example, to open a file in AlphaWord
Plus, you could press a, let it go, and then press O if
sticky keys is on. To change the setting from on to off
or off to on, simply move the cursor next to it and
press enter.
• Press option-a-K while working on
the NEO. Next, press 2 to change the
sticky keys setting from on to off or
off to on. Then, press esc.
• In NEO Manager, click the Settings
tab and click System on the left.
Then, check the Sticky Keys box and
click On or Off. Send your changes to
NEOs on the Send List tab.
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Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
. . . . .
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layouts.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Changing Settings Using the NEO Control Panel
181
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Search for Networks (NEO 2 Only)
On NEO 2 models, when you use NEO 2 with a Renaissance Receiver, the first
network (Receiver) that you choose with NEO 2 is the one that is used by
default the next time you use the Responder SmartApplet.
If you want to search for a different computer/Receiver combination
(network), move the cursor next to this setting in the Control Panel and press
enter. NEO 2 will find the Renaissance Receivers that are within range and
show you their names. Use the up and down arrow keys to highlight the new
Receiver you want to use. Then, press enter to connect to it.
About NEO 2 (NEO 2 Only)
On NEO 2 models, you can select this Control Panel setting to view
information about your NEO, including the system version and the version of
other items that are unique to NEO 2.
Wireless Security (NEO 2 Only)
Use this setting to enter the encryption key if it is required for NEO 2 to
communicate with Renaissance Receivers. For more information, contact
Renaissance Learning.
Update Text2Speech Device
Use this setting to send updates to an optional NEO Text2Speech device. For
more information, see the NEO Text2Speech User Manual.
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CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Other Settings You Can Change on the NEO
. . . . .
Other Settings You Can Change on the NEO
You can also change some NEO settings that aren’t in the control panel, such
as auto repeat, transfer speed, and idle time. See the instructions below.
Changing the Auto Repeat Setting
The Auto Repeat setting is not in the Control Panel, but it is related to the
keyboard settings in the Control Panel.
Normally, when you are typing in AlphaWord Plus, any key that you hold
down will be repeated. If you want to turn this off, follow these steps:
1. Press option-a-K while working on the NEO.
2. Press 1 to turn auto repeat on or off.
3. Press esc to exit the screen and return to your work.
You can also change this setting in NEO Manager. Simply click the Settings
tab, click System on the left, check the Auto Repeat box, and click On or
Off. Send your settings to NEOs from the Send List tab.
Changing the Transfer Speed for Sending or Beaming Files
Although you cannot change the transfer speed for sending or beaming files
in the Control Panel, you can change it on individual NEOs for both USB
cable transfers and IR transfers. Changing the transfer speed is necessary
when your computer cannot accept text as fast as NEO can send it. Even on
newer, faster computers, some programs are slow to accept text, and you
must slow down your NEO transfer speed to transfer text into these
programs.
USB or Cable Connection Transfer Speed
1. Make sure your NEO is not connected to your computer. (You can change
the transfer speed only when the NEO is not connected.)
2. Press option-a-s and type the number for one of these speeds:
• 1: Very Slow. This is the slowest speed setting. It is compatible with
all machines and programs. It is especially recommended when you
use graphic-intensive programs.
• 2: Slow. This setting is compatible with all machines and most
programs.
• 3: Fast. This is the default speed, which usually works well with most
computers.
To change transfer
speed on NEOs
using NEO Manager,
use the System settings. See
page 185.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
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• 4: Fastest. This setting provides the quickest transfers. However,
some word processing programs may lose data when files are
transferred using this speed, so you might want to experiment to see
which speed works best for you.
Beaming (IrDA) Transfer Speed
1. Make sure your NEO is not connected to your computer. (You can change
the transfer speed only when the NEO is not connected.)
2. Press ctrl-option-a-S and type the number for one of these options:
• 1: Fastest speed. This setting provides the quickest IR transfers.
However, some programs may lose data when files are transferred
using this speed, so you might want to experiment to see which speed
works best for you.
• 2: Compatibility speed. This setting is compatible with all computers
and most programs.
Changing the NEO Idle Time
To change how long the NEO must be idle before it shuts down automatically,
follow the steps below.
Note that this does not change the idle time when the Accelerated Reader or
Responder SmartApplets are open. The Accelerated Reader idle time is 10
minutes, and the Responder idle time is 30 minutes.
1. Press option-a-T.
2. Press the up arrow key to increase the number of minutes, or press the
down arrow key to decrease the number of minutes. You can choose any
number from 4–59 minutes.
3. Press esc to leave the idle time screen.
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
You can also use the NEO Manager software to change NEO system settings
and SmartApplet settings. The following pages tell you how to do this.
Changing System Settings Using NEO Manager
Follow these steps to change the system settings for connected NEOs. For
more information about the system settings, see page 185.
To change idle time
on NEOs using NEO
Manager, use the
System settings. See
page 185.
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CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
. . . . .
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab.
3. Click System in the Settings List A.
4. Check the settings you want to change B. (You might need to scroll down
to view all the settings.) Then, make changes to the settings as needed.
Note: When you change settings, notice that NEO Manager automatically
checks the System box on the left A. If you remove the check mark from
this box, changes you make to settings won’t be sent to your NEO.
5. Click the Send List tab and verify that the settings you want to send
appear in the Send List.
6. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the changes
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check the
numbers that you want to send the changes to; then, click OK. (To send to
all connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
AB
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Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
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About the System Settings
The table below lists the System settings you can change in NEO Manager. (It
does not include the settings for specific SmartApplets.)
You can change many of these same settings in the Control Panel on each
NEO. See page 174 to change the settings and page 175 to find out more about
the settings.
Setting What It Does
Startup
SmartApplet
Lets you designate which SmartApplet starts automatically when you turn on
your NEO. If you don’t set a startup SmartApplet, NEO will go to the
SmartApplets list instead when you turn it on.
Auto Repeat Sets whether keys repeat when held down. The delay before keys repeat is
affected by the Slow Keys setting. If the Slow Keys setting is greater than one
second, then that delay also determines how long NEO waits before
repeating a key that is held down.
Sticky Keys Sets whether you must hold keys down together for keyboard commands or
whether you can press them sequentially. For example, to copy text, you
would normally select it and then press ctrl and C at the same time.
However, if the sticky keys setting is on, you could select the text, press ctrl
and let go, and then press C. This is useful for those who have difficulty
pressing more than one key at the same time. The sticky keys setting affects
key combinations that include the shift, option, a, or ctrl keys.
Keyboard
Layout
Lets you select alternate keyboard layouts (such as Dvorak). For more about
the keyboard layouts available, see page 178.
Idle Time Sets the length of time that a NEO can be idle before turning off
automatically (4–59 minutes). Note that this idle time does not apply when
the Responder or Accelerated Reader SmartApplets are running on NEO 2.
If the Responder SmartApplet is running, the idle time is always 30 minutes.
If the Accelerated Reader SmartApplet is running, the idle time is always 10
minutes.
Slow Keys and
Slow Key Delay
Sets a time delay for holding down a key before the character appears on the
screen. This is useful for those who have difficulty typing to ensure that brief
accidental key presses aren’t recorded.
Reset System
Font to Default
Sets your NEO to the four-line fixed-width system font instead of another
font size you’ve chosen. The font sizes that are available are:
• System (a fixed-width font, 4 lines per screen)
• Small (6 lines per screen)
• Medium (5 lines per screen)
• Large (4 lines per screen, but the font is proportional instead of fixed-
width like the System font)
• Very Large (3 lines per screen)
• Extra Large (2 lines per screen)
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Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
. . . . .
Transfer Speed Sets the rate at which text is transferred to your computer when a NEO is
connected to the computer with a USB cable. You may need to change the
transfer speed if text is missing or jumbled when you send files. These
settings are available:
•Very Slow: This is the slowest speed. It is compatible with all computers
and programs, and it’s especially recommended for programs that use
graphics heavily.
•Slow: This setting is compatible with all computers and most programs.
•Fast: This the default speed. It usually works well with most computers.
•Fastest: This setting provides the quickest transfers, but some word
processing programs may experience some data loss when files are
transferred using this speed. If you decide to try this speed, experiment to
make sure it works for your programs.
IR Transfer
Speed
Sets the rate at which text is transferred to your computer when NEO is
beaming to the computer. As with the cable transfer speed, you may need to
change this setting if you notice missing or jumbled characters when you
beam files to your computer. These settings are available:
•Fastest speed: This setting provides the quickest IR transfers. However,
some programs may experience some data loss when files are transferred
using this mode.
•Compatibility speed: This setting is compatible with all computers and
most programs.
Master
Password
Lets you set a new master password for your NEO(s). The master password is
required when you make certain changes on the NEO itself, such as enabling
or disabling SmartApplets, changing spell check settings, enabling file
passwords for AlphaWord Plus, changing or resetting those file passwords,
or changing teacher options in KeyWords. If you have enabled file passwords
for AlphaWord Plus, you can also use the master password as a substitute for
any AlphaWord Plus file password.
Printer
Selection
Doesn’t apply to NEO, but is provided for compatibility with other devices.
Two Button On
Mode
Lets you specify that two keys must be pressed at the same time—enter and
on/off—to turn your NEO on. When this mode is on, pressing on/off alone
does not turn the NEO on. This helps prevent NEO from being turned on
accidentally if the on/off key is bumped.
Speech Enabled Lets you turn on the NEO Text2Speech feature for connected NEOs. For
NEOs that have an optional NEO Text2Speech device within range, text
typed in AlphaWord Plus is read aloud when this feature is on. To turn it on
or off on the NEO itself, press ctrl-J and change the first option.
Setting What It Does
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
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Changing SmartApplet Settings
Like the System settings, the settings for each SmartApplet can be changed
either in the NEO Control Panel or in NEO Manager. Some settings are
different in the two locations.
The number of settings for each SmartApplet varies. AlphaWord Plus, for
example, has several settings; some other SmartApplets have only one.
If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab, you can only change settings for
SmartApplets that are installed on all connected NEOs or for SmartApplets
that you have just chosen to install. Only these SmartApplets are listed in the
Settings list. This can be especially important if you are using a mixed
SmartOption Mobile Lab because SmartApplets that are only for NEO 2 (such
as the Accelerated Reader and Responder SmartApplets) are not listed if
NEO 1s are connected as well as NEO 2s. Disconnect the NEO 1s if you want
to change settings for NEO 2 SmartApplets.
Follow these steps to change SmartApplet settings using NEO Manager:
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab.
3. Click the SmartApplet in the Settings List on the left A.
4. Check the settings you want to change B; then, make your changes to
the settings.
Note: When you change settings, notice that NEO Manager automatically
checks the corresponding SmartApplet check box on the left A. If you
A
B
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Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
. . . . .
remove the check mark from this box, changes you make to those
settings won’t be sent to your NEO.
5. Click the Send List tab and verify that the settings you want to transfer
appear in the Send List.
6. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the changes
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check the NEOs
that you want to send the changes to; then, click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
7. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
About the SmartApplet Settings Available in NEO Manager
AlphaWord Plus Settings
AlphaWord Plus has its own settings that you can control through NEO
Manager:
Setting: What It Does:
Disable This
SmartApplet
If checked, this setting prevents the user from using
AlphaWord Plus. See page 190.
Passwords Enabled Enables the use of individual file passwords in
AlphaWord Plus. See page 72. When teachers share a
SmartOption Mobile Lab, it is helpful to enable file
passwords and teach students to password-protect
their files. When you first enable passwords, all file
passwords are set to write. To set unique file
passwords, see page 73.
File Passwords Specifies a common password for all AlphaWord Plus
files. See page 73.
Maximum File Size
(in characters)
Set by default to 51,200 characters (about 25 pages).
The highest maximum file size allowed is 102,400
characters (about 50 pages). For more about size
limits and checking file sizes, see page 47. When
working with large files, you might notice some
performance issues, depending on the number of
SmartApplets on the NEO, the number of files, the
size of files, and data on the NEO.
Minimum File Size
(in characters)
Set by default to 512 characters (approximately a
quarter of a page). The minimum size limit ensures
that a certain amount of space is reserved on the NEO
for each file. For more about size limits and checking
file sizes, see page 47.
Some of these
settings can also be
changed in the NEO
Control Panel. You can’t set
file size limits in the Control
Panel, but you can set
passwords for individual files
instead of setting the same
password for all files. For
more information, see
page 176.
You can estimate
page lengths using a
character count of
2,048. A page is
approximately 2,048
characters, though page
length can be affected by
printer and program settings
on your computer.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
189
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When the Show Marks setting is on for AlphaWord Plus, tabs appear as right
arrows and carriage returns appear as return arrows as shown below.
When you have Show Marks turned off, tabs and carriage returns appear as
spaces on the screen. Regardless of the Show Marks setting, when you send
files to your computer, tabs and carriage returns transfer correctly to your
computer.
Spell Check Settings
Spell Check also has its own settings that you can control through NEO
Manager:
Show Marks Sets whether to display arrows where there are tabs
and carriage returns. See the example below.
Delete All AlphaWord
Plus Files
Deletes all AlphaWord Plus files on connected NEOs,
including files 1–8 and named files that aren’t in files
1–8.
Setting: What It Does:
Disable this
SmartApplet
Prevents users from performing spell checks.
Allow adding words to
dictionary
Allows users to add words to the custom user
dictionary so they are not flagged by a spell check
again in the future.
Delete user dictionary Deletes the custom user dictionary on all connected
devices.
Setting: What It Does:
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CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
. . . . .
Beamer Settings
Beamer has these settings in NEO Manager:
KeyWords and KeyWords Wireless Settings
For information about the KeyWords settings in NEO Manager, see page 146.
Disable This SmartApplet Setting
Every SmartApplet includes the “Disable This SmartApplet” setting. You can
check this box to disable the SmartApplet for connected NEOs so it cannot be
used. (To find out how to disable SmartApplets right on the NEO, see
page 78.) For example, you might disable Calculator if you want to prevent
access to electronic calculations during a quiz or math assignment.
Setting What It Does
Disable this
SmartApplet
Prevents users from using the Beamer SmartApplet.
Permit Send Determines whether users are allowed to beam files
to another NEO.
Warn if Overwriting
Clipboard
When a NEO receives a beamed file, this setting
determines whether the NEO will warn the user if the
incoming file is about to overwrite what is currently
in the NEO’s clipboard.
Send to Palm Device
as AlphaWord
When a NEO beams a file to a Palm device (including
Danas), this setting determines the format of the sent
file. If this setting is on, the file will be sent as an
AlphaWord file. If it is off, the file will be sent in
Memo Pad format.
Require Master
Password
Determines whether the master password is required
to change Beamer settings on the NEO itself in the
Control Panel. This is helpful if you want to prevent
students from changing Beamer settings, especially if
you’ve decided to turn off the Permit Send setting.
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
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Restoring Default Settings
How to Restore the Default SmartApplet and System
Settings
By following the steps below, you can restore the default settings for one
SmartApplet or all SmartApplets on the connected NEOs. To see what the
default settings are, see page 192.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Settings tab.
3. If you want to restore settings for just one SmartApplet (not all), click the
SmartApplet in the Settings List on the left A.
4. Click Restore Defaults B.
5. Click an option to choose whether to restore the default settings for just
the selected SmartApplet or for all SmartApplets (including the System
settings). Then, click OK.
If you chose to restore default settings for just one SmartApplet, that
SmartApplet and all settings will be checked. If you chose to restore
default settings for all SmartApplets, all of them will be checked, including
the System settings. All settings will be changed to the default settings.
6. Click the Send List tab and verify that the settings you want to transfer
appear in the list.
A
B
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Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
. . . . .
7. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the changes
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check the NEOs
that you want to send the changes to; then, click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
8. Click Send. If you have set a send list password (see page 197), you
must enter the password and click OK.
Table of Default Settings
These are the default settings for the NEO system and SmartApplets.
Setting Name Default
System settings
Startup SmartApplet None (before changes, AlphaWord Plus is
the Startup SmartApplet on NEOs)
Auto Repeat On
Sticky Keys Off
Keyboard Layout QWERTY
Idle Time 4 minutes
Slow Keys Off
Slow Key Delay 0 seconds
Reset System Font to Default Off
Transfer Speed Fast
IR Transfer Speed Fastest
Master Password ***** (Set your own)
Printer Selection HP LaserJet/DeskJet
Two-button ON Off
Speech Enabled No
AlphaWord Plus settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Passwords Enabled Off
File Passwords write if passwords are enabled (by default
passwords are not enabled)
Maximum File Size 51,200 characters
Minimum File Size 512 characters
CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
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Show Marks Off
Delete All Files Off
Accelerated Reader settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
AlphaQuiz settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Beamer settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Permit Send On
Warn If Overwriting Clipboard On
Send to Palm Devices as ALPHAWORD On
Require Master Password Off
Calculator settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Control Panel settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
KeyWords and KeyWords Wireless settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Delete All Students No
Enable Student Offline Mode
(KeyWords Wireless only)
No
Require Sequential Lessons No
Pre-Test/Post-Test Level Intermediate Typist
Set Custom WPM Goals 8
Set Custom Error Goals 12
Reset WPM and Error Goals to Default Yes
Turn Require Correct Shift Key Off No
Turn Home Row Confirmation On No
Set Spaces between Sentences 2
Setting Name Default
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CHANGING SETTINGS FOR NEO AND SMARTAPPLETS
Using the NEO Manager Software to Change Settings
. . . . .
MathFacts in a Flash settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
NEO Fonts
Disable this SmartApplet No
Responder settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Spell Check settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Allow adding words to dictionary On
Delete user dictionary Off
Text2Speech Updater settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Thesaurus settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Wireless File Transfer settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Wireless Updater settings
Disable this SmartApplet No
Setting Name Default
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U
SING
NEO M
ANAGER
TO
M
ANAGE
NEO
S
Earlier in this manual, you have learned how to use NEO Manager to do the
following:
• Retrieve files from NEOs (see page 52).
• Send files to NEOs (see page 64).
• Change NEO system and SmartApplet settings (see page 183).
The sections below describe other ways that you can use NEO Manager to
manage your NEOs, simplify tasks, or send updates to NEOs.
Using Send Lists
What’s a Send List?
Whenever you use NEO Manager to send files, setting changes, or
SmartApplet changes to the NEO, you can choose to save your send list so
that it’s easy to make the same changes again later.
This is helpful when you’re managing a group of NEOs in a SmartOption
Mobile Lab and you want to restore them to a specific configuration. For
example, you can use a send list to set all NEOs to your preferred
configuration quickly at the beginning of a school year, class period, or
marking period. Send lists are also helpful if you find yourself sending the
same changes to NEOs over and over.
Please note that send lists don’t include any information from the Get/Print
AlphaWord Files and KeyWords tabs. This is because those tabs retrieve
information from NEOs instead of sending it.
Tips for teacher send
lists:
• Create a “startup”
send list to help reset your
NEOs at the beginning of the
school year. The send list
could include a new master
password, enable file
passwords, and add the
necessary SmartApplets.
• Set up different types of
send lists for different types of
changes, such as a setup
send list with SmartApplets
and a separate send list that
sends files used for class
work.
• When you set up a send list
of files to send to NEOs, you
can include text in all eight file
spaces, even if you only check
one or two. When you open
the send list, you can choose
which files you want to use.
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Using Send Lists
. . . . .
Saving Send Lists
1. In NEO, make the file, setting, or SmartApplet changes that you want to
send to NEOs.
2. Click the Send List tab and verify that the changes you want to make are
in the list.
3. Click the File menu and choose Save Send List (or Save Send List As if
you already have a send list open).
4. In the dialog box that appears, go to the folder or drive where you want to
save the send list. Type a name for the send list; then, click Save.
The send list that you’ve saved is now open, so the name of the send list
now appears in the title of the NEO Manager window A.
Opening a Saved Send List
1. In NEO Manager, click the File menu and choose Open Send List.
2. Browse to the folder that contains the saved send list.
3. Click the send list you want to open. (Send lists use an .acf file extension.)
4. Click Open. The name of the send list will be shown in the title of the
window.
5. Click the Send List tab in NEO Manager to view the opened send list.
Important: If the saved send list includes setting changes for a
SmartApplet, and you are using or installing a newer version of the
SmartApplet when you open the send list, the setting changes won’t be used.
Setting changes only apply to the version of the SmartApplet that you were
using when you selected the settings.
On Macintosh
computers, you may
need to click the
arrow next to the Save As
field to see the full dialog box
that allows you to choose the
location. A
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Closing a Saved Send List That Is Open
If you want to close a send list in NEO Manager, click the File menu and
choose Close Send List.
Requiring a Password for Changes Sent to NEOs
Normally, you don’t need to enter a password to send changes to NEOs.
However, you can set a send list password so that no one can send changes to
your NEOs in NEO Manager without entering the password first. Follow
these steps to set a send list password:
1. Windows computers: Click the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
Macintosh computers: Click the NEO Manager menu and choose
Preferences.
2. Click Set Send Password (Windows) or Set Password (Macintosh).
3. If you have set a send list password before and you need to change it,
enter the old password first in the field provided.
4. Enter the same new send list password in the two fields provided. Make a
note of this password.
5. Click OK.
6. Windows computers: Click OK again.
Macintosh computers: Close the Preferences dialog box.
Clearing (Removing) a Send List Password
If you no longer want to use a send list password, you can clear it if you know
the current send list password. When you clear the send list password,
anyone using NEO Manager can send changes to your NEO(s) without
entering a password.
Follow these steps to clear the send list passwords:
1. Windows computers: Click the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
Macintosh computers: Click the NEO Manager menu and choose
Preferences.
2. Click Set Send Password (Windows) or Set Password (Macintosh).
3. Type the current password in the Old password field.
4. Leave the New password and Retype new password fields blank and click
OK.
5. Windows computers: Click OK again.
Macintosh computers: Close the Preferences dialog box.
If you forget your
send list password,
contact Technical
Support for assistance. Send
list passwords can only be set
in NEO Manager, and you
must know your old password
to set a new one or to clear the
existing password.
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Setting Preferences for the NEO Manager Software
. . . . .
Setting Preferences for the NEO Manager Software
NEO Manager has its own set of preferences. Follow these steps to change
them:
1. Windows computers: Click the Edit menu and choose Preferences.
Macintosh computers: Click the NEO Manager menu and choose
Preferences.
2. Click one of the options for the Printing preferences A, which affect
AlphaWord Plus files that you print out:
• Print header information on first page. Prints the NEO number (or
“NEO USB”) and the file number on the first page only.
• Print header information on all pages. Prints the NEO number (or
“NEO USB”), the file number, and the page number on all pages.
• Do not print header information. Omits header information from all
pages.
3. Check the box below the print options if you want empty files to print as a
blank page B. This provides a useful visual clue if you’re printing several
files from multiple NEOs.
4. If you want to set or change a password that will be required whenever
anyone sends changes to NEOs, click Set Send Password (Windows) or
Set Password (Macintosh) C, enter the new password twice (and the old
password if necessary), and click OK.
A
B
C
D
E
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5. Under the other options D, check the boxes for any of the settings you’d
like to enable:
• Use 8.3 naming convention: If this box is checked, when you save
files, NEO Manager will limit your file names to eight characters before
the dot and three after it (as in homework.txt). (The three characters
after the dot identify the file type, such as “txt” for text files.)
• Connection status display setting: If this is checked, the connection
status at the bottom of the NEO Manager window will be open as soon
as you start NEO Manager. If the box is not checked, you can still view
the connection status by clicking the + (Windows) or (Macintosh) at
the bottom of the window. (The connection status shows how many
NEOs are connected and their status.)
• Replace SmartApplets on device with SmartApplets from
Computer: When this is checked, if you choose to send a
SmartApplet to a NEO and the NEO already has it installed, the new
version of the SmartApplet from NEO Manager will overwrite the
version on your NEO. This means sending SmartApplets can take
more time, but you can be sure all your NEOs are using the same
version.
For example, if you have some NEOs with AlphaWord Plus and some
without, and you install AlphaWord with this preference checked, NEO
Manager will install AlphaWord Plus on all connected NEOs, even
those that already have it. NEO Manager overwrites the existing
version on those NEOs.
6. Use the drop-down list at the bottom of the dialog box E to choose
whether to use the default system software for NEO or a specific version.
Usually you would only use this preference with assistance from Technical
Support.
7. When you have finished making preference changes, click OK (Windows)
or close the dialog box (Macintosh).
Resetting All Connected NEOs
You can reset all connected NEO 1s or NEO 2s to the configuration they had
when you first received them. This removes all text in files 1–8 on the NEOs,
restores all default settings, and removes any SmartApplets except for the
standard ones:
• AlphaWord Plus
• Responder (NEO 2 only)
• Accelerated Reader (NEO 2 only)
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. . . . .
• MathFacts in a Flash RP (NEO 2 only)
• MathFacts in a Flash (offline) (NEO 2 only)
• KeyWords
• Control Panel
•Beamer
• AlphaQuiz (standard on NEO 1 only)
•Calculator
The spell check, thesaurus, and font sizes are included with the standard
SmartApplets.
Resetting all devices is particularly useful when you have several NEOs and
you want to begin a new session or school year with a clean slate.
Follow these steps to reset all connected NEOs:
1. If you are resetting one NEO, make sure it is connected to the computer
(see page 9). If you’re updating several NEOs in a SmartOption Mobile
Lab, make sure they are connected to the lab and the cart is connected to
your computer.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Setup menu and choose Reset All NEO
Devices.
3. A warning message about loss of data appears. Click Yes (Windows) or
OK (Macintosh). NEO Manager will send a new send list that contains the
factory default settings to the connected NEOs.
Updating Your NEO Operating System or SmartApplets
Using NEO Manager
When you install a new version of NEO Manager, and a new update is
available to the NEO operating system or to one or more SmartApplets, there
are two ways to update your NEOs. These methods are described below.
How to Update NEOs without Preserving Work
If you do not need to save AlphaWord Plus files or KeyWords student work,
you can follow the steps below to update your NEOs.
For a SmartOption Mobile Lab, this procedure will take about 45–60 minutes
for NEO 2s.
If you want to reset
KeyWords students
only (delete them
from NEO Manager and
connected NEOs), see
page 152.
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Important: This procedure removes all AlphaWord Plus files and student
work in KeyWords and AlphaQuiz, and it restores all default settings. The
procedure also removes any SmartApplets that aren’t in the standard set. The
NEO operating system and SmartApplets will be updated to the versions you
have available in NEO Manager. If you want to follow these steps, make sure
you retrieve any files you need and complete all KeyWords instruction before
updating the NEOs.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the Setup menu and choose Reset All NEO
Devices.
3. A warning message about loss of data appears. Click Yes (Windows) or
OK (Macintosh). NEO Manager will send a new list that contains the
factory default settings and updates to the connected NEOs.
How to Update NEOs While Preserving AlphaWord Plus Files and
KeyWords Data
These steps allow you to update your NEOs and still keep all AlphaWord Plus
files and your students’ KeyWords work. While this procedure will make the
updates you need, the standard procedure above is the best practice.
For a SmartOption Mobile Lab, this procedure takes about 2–4 hours for
NEO 2s.
1. Start NEO Manager on your computer (see page 15) and connect your
NEO (see page 9) or the SmartOption Mobile Lab.
2. In NEO Manager, click the SmartApplets tab.
3. For each SmartApplet that you want to update, click the SmartApplet
name and click Add. The NEO operating system will also be updated.
4. Click the Send List tab.
5. If you have a SmartOption Mobile Lab and you want to send the changes
to some, but not all, of the NEOs, click Select Devices. Check the NEOs
to which you want to send the text, then click OK. (To send to all
connected NEOs, skip this step.)
6. Click Send.
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Getting Information about Your NEO(s)
. . . . .
Getting Information about Your NEO(s)
Follow these steps to get more information about your connected NEO(s):
1. Click the File menu and choose Get NEO Info. A dialog box will open to
show you system information as well as information about each
SmartApplet on the NEO(s). The system information will include versions,
settings, and file information.
2. If you want to close the dialog box without saving the information, click
Close.
If you want to save the information in a text file, click Save (Windows) or
Save File (Macintosh). In the dialog box that opens, go to the folder
where you want to save the file, and type a name for the file. Click Save.
Getting Information About the AlphaHub in Your
SmartOption Mobile Lab
To see your AlphaHub version, click the Setup menu and choose Get
AlphaHub Version.
To get SmartApplet
information, you can
also click the
SmartApplets tab, choose
the File menu, and choose
Get SmartApplet Info. See
page 83.
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B
EAMING
F
ILES
TO
AND
FROM
NEO
S
Beamer is a SmartApplet that lets NEO send text wirelessly to and from
another NEO. Beamer uses IrDA technology to transfer information in
seconds, without the use of cables, cords, or networks. The Beamer
SmartApplet is installed on your NEO when you receive it.
You will find the NEO infrared port A on the back of the NEO:
Beaming Files Between NEOs in AlphaWord Plus
If you have the Beamer SmartApplet, you don’t have to have it open to beam
AlphaWord Plus files from one NEO to another. You can use commands to
send and receive files right within AlphaWord Plus. See “Sending (Beaming)
Files to Other NEOs” on page 61.
Beamer and the NEO Clipboard
Beamer uses the clipboard to receive data before placing it into a SmartApplet
such as AlphaWord Plus. If you already have data in the clipboard, Beamer
will warn you before receiving a beam. This gives you a chance to save the
data on the clipboard in another file before you agree to receive the beam.
For example, text that you have copied from AlphaWord Plus may be in the
clipboard, and you may not have copied it into another file yet. The warning
gives you the chance to do this before overwriting the clipboard with the
beamed information.
If you’re beaming frequently, you might not want to be warned about
clipboard data each time. In this case, you would turn this setting off in the
Beamer settings (see “Changing Beamer Settings” on page 204).
A
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Cancelling a Beam
. . . . .
Cancelling a Beam
At any time, from any device, you can press esc to cancel either beaming or
receiving a file.
Changing Beamer Settings
The Beamer settings allow you to customize how the program works. You can
change these settings:
• Choose whether to permit the NEO to send.
• Choose whether NEO warns you if receiving data will overwrite what’s on
the clipboard.
• Choose whether to send to Palm OS devices in AlphaWord or Memo Pad
file format.
• Choose whether to require a master password to change Beamer settings
on this NEO.
If you’re an individual user using Beamer, you probably won’t need to change
your settings very often. If you’re using several NEOs in a group setting such
as a classroom, you might want more control over who can beam data and
how.
Follow these steps to change Beamer settings:
1. On your NEO, press applets.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to Beamer in the list; then,
press enter. The Beamer screen appears.
3. Move the cursor next to Settings and press enter.
4. Move the cursor next to the setting you want to change and press enter.
Since each setting has only two options, pressing enter automatically
chooses the option that isn’t currently selected. For example, if you move
the cursor next to “Permit Send: YES” and press enter, the setting will
change to “Permit Send: NO.”
Select a Beaming function:
- Send
- Receive
- Settings
You can also change
Beamer settings
using NEO Manager.
Click the Settings tab and
click Beamer in the list on the
left; then, make your setting
changes. Be sure to send
them from the Send List tab.
This is the most efficient way
to change Beamer settings for
several NEOs connected to
your computer in a
SmartOption Mobile Lab.
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There are four Beamer settings:
• Permit Send determines whether this NEO is allowed to beam to
other devices. You can choose “Yes” or “No.” If you choose “No,” the
Send option is not available on the Beamer screen. This setting is
useful if you don’t want students to beam files to each other.
• Warn if overwriting clipboard affects what happens when you are
receiving a file beamed from another device and you already have
something in your NEO clipboard. If this is set to “Yes,” NEO will ask if
you want to overwrite the clipboard before receiving the file.
• Send to Palm device as ALPHAWORD file or MEMO file
determines the format in which AlphaWord Plus files are sent to Palm
devices (such as Dana). You can send files in AlphaWord format or
Memo Pad format. Most Palm OS devices have the Memo Pad
program; AlphaWord is included on Dana and Dana Wireless devices.
• Require master password determines whether the NEO user must
enter a master password after choosing “Settings” in Beamer. If this is
set to No, a password is not required to change the settings. If it is set
to Yes, you must enter the master password after you choose
“Settings.” It is a good idea to require the master password if you have
set Permit Send to “No” so that students can’t beam files to each
other.
Troubleshooting Beaming
This section contains solutions for some issues you may encounter while
using Beamer.
I want to change a setting, but I don’t know the master password.
To change the master password using the System settings in NEO Manager,
see page 171. You can also call Technical Support to get the default password.
I don’t see the Send option on my Beamer screen.
If the device has been set to prohibit beaming (see page 204), the Send option
won’t appear on the beaming screen.
My NEO says it can’t find a receiving device.
Bring the receiving device closer, make sure the infrared ports are pointing
toward each other, and make sure the receiving device is in the proper mode
to accept a beam. For Palm OS devices, you usually don’t have to do anything.
The master
password can be set
using NEO Manager.
See page 171,
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Troubleshooting Beaming
. . . . .
For NEOs, you have to set up the NEO so that it’s ready to receive the beam by
pressing a keyboard command or selecting an option as described earlier in
this chapter.
I received an error when I tried to beam or receive a file.
You might receive an error if the transfer process was interrupted. There are a
few reasons why this might happen. For example, the person receiving the
beam might have cancelled the transfer before the beam was complete. Or,
users might have moved the devices being used, causing the infrared ports to
move out of alignment before the beam was complete. Try beaming the file
again.
I have data on the clipboard that I don’t want to lose. What should I do?
If you’re about to receive a beam, press esc to cancel receiving it. Then paste
the data in the clipboard into an AlphaWord Plus file. When you’re ready to
receive the beam, press enter to overwrite the data on the clipboard. Be sure
that you don’t select the AlphaWord Plus file where you pasted the data as the
file to receive the beam. You can also choose to append the data rather than
overwrite it. (Appending adds the data to the end of the file.)
I keep getting an invalid password message.
If the file you are sending is password-protected, you need to know the exact
password associated with that file in order to beam it. If you are receiving a
file, and your NEO’s files are password-protected, you must know the exact
password for the receiving file to receive it.
If you don’t know the file password(s), you can enter the master password
instead. To find out more about file passwords (including disabling them for a
NEO), see page 72. You can set the master passwords for NEOs using the
system settings in NEO Manager; see page 171.
I beamed a file with a password, but now that file doesn’t have a password
on the receiving device.
If the sending device uses file passwords, but the receiving device doesn’t, the
password associated with the file being beamed isn’t sent.
What does the message “could not find a sending device” mean?
It means that Beamer on the NEO is ready to receive a beam from another
device, but it is not sensing any device that is sending anything.
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What do I do if the file I’m receiving is too big?
The device receiving the beam will accept as much data as it can and truncate
the file at the point where it can’t receive any more. To work around this, the
person beaming the file should break up the file into separate files and beam
them separately.
My friend beamed an AlphaWord Plus file to me, but Beamer didn’t let me
choose a file to put it in. It automatically put it in a new file. What
happened?
AlphaWord Plus on your NEO probably had not been “initialized,” meaning it
hadn’t set itself up yet to receive beamed files. This can happen if you have a
brand new NEO, or if you have a new installation of AlphaWord Plus on a
NEO, and you started Beamer before ever starting up AlphaWord Plus.
All you need to do to initialize AlphaWord Plus is to start it. Do this before
you use Beamer again, and Beamer should give you the opportunity to choose
a file the next time it’s receiving a file.
Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files from NEO to Computers
What You Need to Beam Files from NEO to Your Computer
NEO’s IR Port
NEO has a built-in infrared module that conforms to IrDA industry
standards.
IR Capability on Your Computer
Your computer must have one of the following:
• A built-in IrDA transceiver
• An IR Pod (serial or USB) purchased from Renaissance Learning for
computers that don’t have a built-in IrDA transceiver. IR Pods are not
compatible with some Windows operating systems older than those in the
NEO requirements.
Computer Requirements
For computer requirements for NEO, go to www.renlearn.com/requirements.
AlphaBeam is used
with NEO 1 more often
than NEO 2. For
NEO 2, NEO Share can be
used.
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Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files from NEO to Computers
. . . . .
Programs Required
You must have one of the following programs:
• AlphaBeam, which allows you to send files from NEO to a computer. You
can install AlphaBeam from the NEO Manager CD or download it from
www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/.
• Get Utility, which allows you to send files from NEO to a computer and
from a computer to NEO. Using Get Utility is the only method that lets you
transfer data from your computer using IR beaming. You can download the
Get Utility from www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/.
Installing AlphaBeam
Follow the instructions for your operating system to install AlphaBeam.
Warning! If you’re going to use a USB wireless pod as the transceiver, don’t
connect it to your computer until after you’ve installed AlphaBeam.
Installing AlphaBeam on Windows Computers
1. Go to www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/ in your Web browser, find the
AlphaBeam download links, and click the PC link to download the
installer.
2. Double-click the AlphaBeam.zip file that you downloaded and extract the
.exe file.
3. Double-click alphabeam_324.exe. (Numbers in the file name may vary.)
The installation Wizard will start.
4. In the Welcome panel of the Wizard, click Next >. Files will be extracted,
and a new installation Wizard will start.
5. Click Next > in the Welcome panel of the new Wizard.
6. Read the license agreement. Then, click Yes to accept it and continue.
7. Check the location where AlphaBeam will be installed. If it is acceptable,
click Next > to continue. If you want to change the location, click Browse
first, open the folder where you want to install the program, and click OK;
then, click Next >.
8. Check the Program Folder where icons will be installed in the Start menu.
If necessary, change the folder. Click Next > when you’re ready to
continue.
9. If the infrared port isn’t built in, click the type of infrared pod that will be
used with the computer: Serial Infrared Pod or USB Infrared Pod. Then,
click Next >.
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10. If NEO is the only infrared device that you will use with your computer,
leave Typical selected and click Next >.
If you are using other infrared devices with your computer, click Custom
and click Next >. Then, click Next > again.
11. The final panel will ask if you want to restart. Click Yes or No. You must
restart the computer before you can use AlphaBeam. After clicking one of
the options, click Finish.
12. If you are using an IR Pod, connect it to your computer if you haven’t
already done so.
13. If you are using Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista and you
have other IR-capable devices that you want to use with your computer,
follow these steps:
a. Windows 2000: Click Start Settings Control Panel.
Windows XP and Vista: Click Start Control Panel.
b. Double-click Add/Remove Hardware (Windows 2000) or Add
Hardware (Windows XP and Vista). If you don’t see the Add
Hardware option in Windows XP, double-click Printers and Other
Hardware first to see it.
c. Follow the instructions in the Wizard that appears until you see a list of
devices in the Choose a Hardware Device window (Windows 2000) or
the Add Hardware Wizard window (Windows XP and Vista).
d. Windows 2000: Double-click Add a new device; then, click Select
hardware from a list and click Next >.
Windows XP and Vista: Double-click Add a new hardware device;
then, click Install the hardware that I manually select from a list
and click Next >.
e. Select Infrared Devices from the list of hardware types.
f. Select ACTiSYS from the list of manufacturers; then, select the
ACTiSYS IR-220L Serial Infrared Device.
g. Click Next > to accept the default settings and install the software.
h. Select the serial (COM) port that your IR pod is connected to; then,
click Finish.
i. Windows 2000 and XP: Go back to the Control Panel and double-click
Wireless Link. (In Windows XP, you may need to double-click
Printers and Other Hardware before you can double-click Wireless
Link.)
Windows Vista: Go back to the Control Panel and double-click
Infrared.
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Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files from NEO to Computers
. . . . .
j. Click the Image Transfer tab and remove the check mark next to Use
Wireless Link to transfer images from a digital camera to your
computer.
You are now ready to start using AlphaBeam to receive files from your NEO.
Installing AlphaBeam on Macintosh OS 10 Computers
1. Go to www.renlearn.com/neo/downloads/ in your Web browser, find the
AlphaBeam download links, and click the link for OS 10.
2. After you download the program, an alphabeam_osxb3 folder will be
extracted onto your computer. This folder contains the AlphaBeam
program.
3. If you are using an IR Pod, connect it to your computer if you haven’t
already done so.
4. Double-click AlphaBeam in the folder that you copied or extracted to start
the program.
5. Click the Edit menu and choose Preferences. Make sure Receive text
using infrared (wireless) is checked. In the Infrared connection via
drop-down list, choose the type of infrared connection—Built-in IrDA
Transceiver, Modem or Printer (for a Mac IR pod), or USB IR Wireless
pod. You’re now ready to start using AlphaBeam to receive files from your
NEO.
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Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files to Computers
If your computer has a built-in IR transceiver, or if it has an IR pod attached,
you can send files from your NEO to the computer without using cables. NEO
can be up to three feet (one meter) away while transferring text to and from a
computer or to a printer.
To beam files from your NEO to the computer, you must have either the
AlphaBeam program or the Get Utility installed. For more information, see
page 207.
To beam text to a computer using AlphaBeam, follow these steps:
1. Turn on your NEO and open the file you want to send.
2. Start the AlphaBeam program on your computer:
•Windows: Click Start Programs AlphaSmart AlphaBeam.
•Macintosh: Open the AlphaBeam program folder and double-click
AlphaBeam 3.x.
3. Point the infrared lens of the NEO toward the IR transceiver as shown
above. Your computer’s transceiver may be elsewhere on the computer,
or it may be a separate IR pod.
4. On your computer, open the file to which you want to send the text. (It can
be a new file or a file that already has content.) Place your cursor where
you want the text to begin to ensure your program is the active window
and ready to receive text.
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BEAMING FILES TO AND FROM NEOS
Using AlphaBeam to Beam Files from NEO to Computers
. . . . .
5. Press send on NEO. AlphaBeam shows that it’s retrieving text, and when
it’s ready, all text from the file appears in your open file. (When you beam
text instead of sending it over a USB cable, NEO collects the whole file
and sends it all at once instead of sending text one character at a time.
This process may take a few seconds.)
If it looks like nothing happened, it might be that AlphaBeam was the active
window instead of the program you want to receive the text into. Try one of
these two solutions:
• The text you sent should be on your computer’s clipboard, so you can paste
it into your file. Click in the file that you want the text to appear in, click the
Edit menu, and choose Paste.
• If this does not work, click in the file on your computer that should receive
the text. Make sure that window is active and the cursor is where you want
the text to start. Then, try sending the text again.
If your text isn’t
correct in your
computer file, the
problem may be that your
computer program needs a
slower transfer speed. See
page 183 to change the
transfer speed for beamed file
transfers.
AlphaBeam
Text transferred
by AlphaBeam
into a program
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U
SING
THE
NEO C
ALCULATOR
NEO includes a basic calculator that can perform addition, subtraction,
multiplication, division, exponentiation, and scientific notation.
How to Use Calculator
1. Turn on your NEO and press applets.
2. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor next to Calculator. Then, press
enter.
Note: The first time you use the Calculator SmartApplet, a help screen
may appear. Press esc to exit from it. You can press a-H to view it again
when you want to see it.
3. Enter the formula you want to calculate. The table below shows you which
characters to use for each type of calculation; it also provides examples.
Use these operators... ...to perform these tasks
+Add
Example: 89+91
Example: 15+16+17
–Subtract
Example: 9–2
Example: 100–50–25
* or x Multiply
Example: 2*5
Example: 45x2x8
/Divide
Example: 18/2
Example: 100/2/10
^ Exponentiate (raise the first number to the
power of the second)
Example: 3^2
Example: 2^2^2
e Calculate scientific notation
Example: 10e6
Example: 1.2e15
( ) Construct more complex formulas
Example: (15*2)+10/4
Example: (25*3)–(45/5)
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USING THE NEO CALCULATOR
Pasting Calculations into AlphaWord Plus (Paper Tape)
. . . . .
4. Press = or enter to calculate the result.
5. Press esc when you’ve finished.
The next time you use the Calculator, your previous calculations appear.
Press clear file to remove them.
Pasting Calculations into AlphaWord Plus (Paper Tape)
The NEO Calculator can record up to fourteen lines of calculations. Each new
calculation is added to the bottom of the list, and when you reach the
maximum number, older calculations are removed from the top of the list.
This is called the paper tape feature.
If you would like to copy a series of calculations into AlphaWord Plus, follow
these steps:
1. Press applets, move the cursor down to the Calculator in the list, and
press enter.
2. Enter a series of calculations.
3. Press shift-a-C to copy all calculations in the list. You should see the
calculations selected momentarily as they are copied. (If this does not
happen, your caps lock may be selected. Press the caps lock and try
again.)
4. Press applets and select the SmartApplet that you want to paste the
calculations into.
5. Place the cursor in the SmartApplet where you want to paste the
calculations.
6. Press ctrl-V or a-V.
You can also type a formula in AlphaWord Plus, copy it, then paste it into
Calculator to obtain the result.
If you begin the next
formula with an
operator (such as +
or *), the Calculator uses the
result from your previous
calculation as the first number
in the next formula. (This
doesn’t apply to the e
operator.)
If you prefer to copy
just the result of the
last calculation,
press ctrl-C or
a
-C instead.
USING THE NEO CALCULATOR
Turning Off the NEO Calculator
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Turning Off the NEO Calculator
There may be times when you don’t want the Calculator SmartApplet to be
available, such as when students who have NEOs are doing math work. If you
want to turn off the Calculator on a single NEO, follow the instructions below.
If you want to turn off the Calculator for a group of NEOs using NEO
Manager, see page 78. You can also turn off the Calculator on a NEO in the
Control Panel (see page 78).
To Turn Off Calculator while Using AlphaWord Plus
1. Press ctrl-a-C.
2. Type the master password and press enter. (You can set the master
password for NEOs using the system settings in NEO Manager; see
page 171.)
To Turn Off Calculator from the SmartApplets Menu
1. Press applets.
2. Move the cursor down next to Calculator.
3. Press ctrl-a-L. If the Calculator is on, this turns it off; if it is off, this turns it
on again. When the Calculator is disabled, appears next to it in the
SmartApplets list.
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T
ROUBLESHOOTING
This chapter can help you troubleshoot some problems you may encounter
with your NEO or your NEO Manager software. If you’re having a problem
that you don’t see described here, visit our Web site or contact Technical
Support.
NEO Troubleshooting
Nothing appears on the NEO screen when I turn it on.
If the screen is blank except for a flashing cursor in the upper-left corner,
then you’re simply in an empty file. Start typing and characters should appear
on your screen.
If your screen is completely blank without a flashing cursor, check your
batteries by connecting your NEO to your computer with a USB cable. If the
NEO turns on when you connect it to a computer, you probably have one of
these problems:
• Your alkaline batteries need to be replaced (see page 230).
• Your alkaline batteries were not installed correctly. Reinsert the batteries,
making sure to have the + and – ends as shown on the diagram inside the
battery door.
• Your rechargeable battery pack was fully discharged and needs charging.
See page 4.
When I turn on my NEO, I see something other than the file that I expected.
The startup SmartApplet determines which program starts when you turn the
NEO on.
If the startup SmartApplet is AlphaWord Plus, your NEO places you in the file
you were last working in when you turned the NEO off. To change files, press
one of the numbered file keys.
If you’ve set a different startup SmartApplet, that SmartApplet will open
when you turn on the NEO. (See page 76 to change the startup SmartApplet
right on the NEO; see page 77 to change it using NEO Manager.)
If you do not have a startup SmartApplet specified, the SmartApplets list will
appear, with the cursor next to the last SmartApplet you worked in.
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NEO Troubleshooting
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When I attach my NEO to my computer, I can’t send any data, and my NEO
screen shows a file instead of the “Attached to…” message.
Check these three things:
• Examine the cable connections—one may be loose.
• Plug your USB cable into a different USB port on your computer.
• Close the NEO Manager software if it is running on your computer. You
can’t send text to a program on your computer when NEO Manager is
running.
When I send a file to my computer, some of the characters don’t show up,
or some letters or words are missing.
This is probably a problem with the speed with which the NEO is sending the
data. Try these measures to solve the problem:
• Disconnect NEO from the computer and check the file transfer speed by
pressing option-a-S. Reset NEO to a slower setting (speed 1 is the
slowest).
• Try using a different word processing program on your computer. Some
programs allow faster data transfer than others. If this solves the problem,
you can copy and paste the text back into your original program.
• Adjust keyboard settings on your computer, experimenting with the key
repeat rate and the repeat delay rate. (On a Macintosh, adjust hardware
settings in System Preferences; on a Windows computer, adjust keyboard
settings in Control Panel.)
I try to type in a file, but no characters appear.
You might have the Slow Keys setting turned on. You can change the setting
in one of three ways:
•Press ctrl-option-a-K and adjust the time delay.
• On your NEO, press applets and choose the Control Panel SmartApplet.
Next, select Change keyboard settings, then Change slow keys
setting. Make changes as needed. (See page 179.)
• In NEO Manager, select a Slow Keys setting from the System settings on
the Settings tab. See page 183 for more information.
You can use the NEO
Manager software to
change the transfer
speed on several NEOs at
once. See page 183 to find
out how to change the system
settings, which include the
transfer speed.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
NEO Troubleshooting
. . . . .
My file (or the end of my file) is filled with garbage characters.
There are three ways you can deal with this situation:
• If you have no useful text in the file, just press clear file to remove the
entire file.
• If you have some data you would like to save, place the cursor where the
garbage characters start, press shift-end to select the garbage characters,
then press delete.
• Send the file to your computer and cancel the transfer when garbage
characters appear.
When I transfer text to my Windows computer, the case of the characters is
reversed; all the lowercase characters show up as uppercase, and the
uppercase characters show up as lowercase.
The caps lock key on your computer was probably on when you sent the text
from NEO. Press caps lock on your computer keyboard to turn it off, and
then resend the file.
When I press a key, the wrong letter appears on the screen.
Your NEO is probably using a different keyboard layout. You can change the
keyboard layout in one of three ways:
•Press option-a-L and select a layout.
• On your NEO, press applets and choose the Control Panel SmartApplet.
Next, select Change keyboard settings, then Change keyboard
layout. Make changes as needed. See page 179.
• In NEO Manager, select a layout from the System settings on the Settings
tab. See page 183 for more information.
My LCD screen broke. Is it covered under warranty? What should I do?
If the NEO malfunctions during the warranty period, repairs are covered.
However, a broken LCD screen is not considered a malfunction and is
therefore not covered under warranty. The LCD screen can be replaced;
contact Technical Support for pricing information and a Return Material
Authorization number.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NEO Troubleshooting
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Do I need antivirus software for my NEO?
Antivirus software isn’t needed for your NEO.
What should I do if I spill something on my NEO?
If you’ve spilled water, follow these steps:
1. Remove all power sources (batteries, USB cable, AC adapter, and the
rechargeable battery pack).
2. Dry the NEO using a canned air dusting product or hair dryer (on air only
or low heat setting).
3. When the NEO is dry, reconnect the power sources and try turning the
NEO on.
4. If the NEO doesn’t turn on or malfunctions, contact Technical Support.
If you spilled something other than water, contact Technical Support
immediately for assistance. Don’t let the NEO sit for an extended period
before consulting Technical Support. The cleanup measures that Technical
Support will suggest aren’t likely to work if you don’t deal with the spill soon
after it occurs.
When I try to send NEO 2 files to supported programs such as Google Docs,
I see a message that says Wireless File Transfer is not installed or
disabled.
You cannot transfer files between NEO 2 and these supported programs if
you have removed Wireless File Transfer using NEO Manager or if you have
disabled Wireless File Transfer.
If you have deleted Wireless File Transfer and you want to use this feature,
you must use NEO Manager to reinstall Wireless File Transfer. Wireless File
Transfer is installed just like a SmartApplet; to install it, see “Installing or
Updating SmartApplets on NEOs Using NEO Manager” on page 79.
If you have disabled Wireless File Transfer, change the settings in NEO
Manager to enable it again. See page 78.
My Renaissance Place address can’t be verified in the Renaissance
Wireless Server Utility’s Server Settings.
For troubleshooting tips, see the section on connecting client programs in this
Knowledge Base article:
http://support.renlearn.com/techkb/techkb/6303273e.asp.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
NEO Troubleshooting
. . . . .
My NEO is showing an error message.
First, try turning your NEO off and then on again. If the message is still there,
refer to our Knowledge Base at http://support.renlearn.com/techkb/ or
contact Technical Support.
The light on my Renaissance Receiver is amber, and my NEO 2s can’t
connect.
Follow these steps to try to solve the problem:
1. Start the Renaissance Wireless Server Utility:
• Windows computers: Right-click in the lower-right corner of
your computer screen (the system tray) and choose Manage from the
menu that appears. If you don’t see this icon in your system tray, click
StartProgramsRenaissance Wireless ServerRenaissance
Wireless Server Utility.
• Macintosh computers: In your computer’s Applications folder, open
the Renaissance Wireless Server folder. Then, double-click
Renaissance Wireless Server Utility.
2. If the program asks you to log in, type 1234 and click OK. (This is the
default Administrator PIN. If you have changed the PIN, enter your new
PIN.)
3. Check the server status at the top of the screen. If it says the server is not
running, click Start. When the program asks for the Administrator PIN,
type 1234 (or the Administrator PIN you have set); then, click OK.
If the server is running, click Stop. The program will verify that the server
has been stopped; click OK. Click Start to restart it.
If the Receiver light still is not green, contact Technical Support.
When I use the Responder, Accelerated Reader, MathFacts in a Flash RP, or
MathFacts in a Flash (offline) SmartApplets on NEO 2, I don’t seem to be
connected to the right Receiver.
As you join a session or start using one of these SmartApplets, you’ll be asked
if you want to stay connected to the Receiver. Answer no to this question so
that you can then choose a different Receiver to connect to.
You can also use the NEO 2 Search for Networks setting to choose a Receiver.
See page 174 to find out how to change Control Panel settings; see page 181
for more information about the Search for Networks setting.
TROUBLESHOOTING
NEO Manager Software Troubleshooting
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NEO Manager Software Troubleshooting
When I click the plus sign (or arrow) to check connections, NEO Manager
doesn’t show that any devices are currently connected.
• If you’re using a SmartOption Mobile Lab, make sure the power switch on
the back or side of the AlphaHub in the cart is turned on. A green light on
the front of the AlphaHub indicates that the power is on. Make sure your
computer is properly connected to the AlphaHub and that the USB cable
connecting the two is securely attached at both ends.
• If you’re using just one NEO, make sure the cable is securely connected at
the NEO and the computer.
• Be patient. It can take up to thirty seconds for NEO Manager to recognize
NEOs connected to an AlphaHub and to display them in the connection
status area.
• On a Windows computer, use the Device Manager to list hardware devices.
(In Windows 2000 or XP: click StartControl PanelSystem
Hardware tab, then the Device Manager button; for Windows Vista:
click StartSettingsControl PanelSystemDevice Manager.)
The AlphaHub will be in the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
• Try plugging the NEO or AlphaHub into a different USB port on your
computer. If a Hardware Wizard appears (Windows only), step through the
on-screen instructions completely, clicking Continue Anyway if a
message appears about Windows XP certification.
I have a NEO connected to a port on the AlphaHub, but when I check the
connections, the indicator is black instead of green.
Try plugging that NEO into the AlphaHub using a different hub cable.
I can’t remember the password that I set, and now I can’t use NEO Manager
to configure my NEOs.
If you’re referring to a master password, you can reset it in the system settings
in NEO Manager (see page 171). If you’re referring to the default file password
for AlphaWord Plus files, you can reset it in the AlphaWord Plus settings in
NEO Manager (see page 187 and page 188).
If you set a send list password and can’t remember it, contact Technical
Support (see the contact information at the front of this manual).
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TROUBLESHOOTING
NEO Manager Software Troubleshooting
. . . . .
I have a SmartApplet installed on my computer, but I can’t install it on the
NEOs.
In NEO Manager, all installed SmartApplets should appear in the list on the
SmartApplets tab. If one doesn’t, try these steps:
1. Find the SmartApplet file on your computer and check the file extension.
SmartApplets that are compatible with NEO Manager have the extension
.OSK3App.
2. If the SmartApplet has the appropriate extension, add the SmartApplet by
following the steps on page 84.
If the SmartApplet doesn’t have the appropriate extension, you won’t be
able to use it with NEO Manager. Contact Technical Support for
assistance (see the contact information at the front of this manual).
I’m managing a group of NEOs in a SmartOption Mobile Lab with an
AlphaHub, and I want to change a setting on one of the SmartApplets, but I
don’t see the SmartApplet in the settings list in NEO Manager.
For a SmartApplet to appear in the Settings tab, it must either be listed in the
Install List on the SmartApplets tab, or it must be present on every connected
NEO. If the SmartApplet is present on some NEOs, but not all, then you need
to add it to the Install List on the SmartApplets tab in NEO Manager. Once
you do so, you’ll be able to change the setting for the SmartApplet on the
Settings tab.
If you have a mixed SmartOption Mobile Lab with both NEO 1 and NEO 2s,
SmartApplets that are for NEO 2 only (the Accelerated Reader, MathFacts in
a Flash, and Responder SmartApplets) are only listed when NEO 2s are the
only ones connected. They are not listed if any NEO 1s are connected with the
NEO 2s.
When I try to drag and drop text from my Windows computer, NEO Manager
doesn’t accept it.
Some Windows programs like Notepad don’t support drag and drop, while
others like WordPad and Microsoft Word do. The program you’re dragging
from has to support drag and drop in order for NEO Manager to receive it. If
it doesn’t, you can always select and cut or copy the text from your program,
then paste it into NEO Manager.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
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Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
In the unlikely event that one of the NEO keys comes off the keyboard, you
can probably reinstall it yourself by following the instructions on the next few
pages. Read through all the instructions before reinstalling the keys.
If the spacebar has come off, see “Reinstalling the Spacebar” on page 226.
If only the cap has come off the key (not the white plastic scissors assembly),
follow the steps in “Reinstalling the Key Cap Only” below.
If the white plastic scissors assembly has come off in addition to the key cap,
follow the steps in “Reinstalling the Scissors Assembly” on page 225.
Reinstalling the Key Cap Only
1. Start by looking at the underside of the key cap to make sure there are no
broken prongs, which are the protruding U-shaped clasps and hooked
pegs that help keep the key in place. Also, note the location of the plus
sign in the middle of the key cap’s underside.
The photos below show the two main styles of keys; though the shapes
are different, the keys have the same basic structure.
2. If you see at least one broken prong, stop here and contact Technical
Support for your location. (See the beginning of this manual for contact
information.)
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
. . . . .
If the prongs don’t appear to be
damaged, and the key’s underlying
scissors assembly is still in place on your
keyboard as shown to the right, gently lift
the bottom of the scissors assembly and
fit the bar or two tabs at the top of the
assembly into the top of the key cap as
shown. Gently flip the key down. Do not
press the key down yet.
3. Before you press the key down, please note that if you press too
hard, you may break the underlying scissors pieces, in which case
you will need to contact Technical Support and arrange for repair.
Now, press down gently until you hear the key click into place on the left
and right sides. If it clicks into place on one side, carefully push on the
opposite side until it clicks. If you don’t have the key perfectly aligned,
wiggling the key slightly as you press down may help.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
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Reinstalling the Scissors Assembly
1. If one or both of the white scissors assembly pieces are still attached to
the key cap, separate them from the key cap.
2. Now, place the two scissors pieces in front of you, so that the square
piece is on your left and the round piece is on your right as shown. (There
are two types of round assemblies, both of which are shown. You may
have either type.)
Make sure the pieces have the correct sides facing up; the square piece
should be tilted slightly towards the right, and the round piece should tilt
slightly towards the left.
3. Now, slide the round piece underneath the square piece, and bring it up
through the center of the square piece. Halfway up, maneuver the small
knobs on each side of the round piece into the holes on each side of the
square piece, one at a time, to create the scissoring action. When you’ve
finished, the assembly should look like the second picture below.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
. . . . .
4. Take the two joined pieces and place
the assembly into the keypad.
Look at the space where the scissors
piece fits. For most keys, the left side
has two little “slider” bars. The right side
has a narrow vertical channel.
For arrow keys, the top side has the two
little “slider” bars, and the bottom has a
narrow vertical channel.
5. For all keys except the arrow keys,
put the square part of the scissors
piece to the far left of the keypad area where it is to sit; then, slide it
underneath the two slider pieces. Slide it all the way to the right.
For arrow keys, put the square part of the scissors at the top of the
keypad area where it is to sit; then, slide it underneath the two slider
pieces. Slide it all the way to the bottom of the area.
6. Now you should be able to click the
right side (or the bottom side of
arrow keys) into the narrow channel
just by pressing down on that side.
You should hear it click into place. It
should look like the image to the
right.
7. Now, go to page 223 and follow the
steps for reinstalling the key cap.
Reinstalling the Spacebar
1. Fit the two wire ends into the tabs next to each scissors assembly as
shown.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
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2. Flip the solid end of the wire down as shown.
3. Gently fit the bar or two tabs at the top of each scissors assembly into the
top of the space bar key cap as shown.
4. Gently flip the key down.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Reinstalling or Repairing Keys on the NEO Keyboard
. . . . .
5. Before you press down on the key to click it into place, please note that
if you press too hard, you may break the underlying scissors assemblies.
If this happens, you need to contact Technical Support for repair.
Now, press down gently on the key, one side at a time, until you hear it
click into place.
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A
BOUT
NEO B
ATTERIES
AND
P
OWER
S
OURCES
This chapter includes technical information about batteries for your NEO,
including the following:
• Power sources for the NEO
• When the NEO turns on automatically
• Alkaline batteries
• Rechargeable batteries
• The low battery indicator
• Tips on caring for batteries and storing your NEO
How Your NEO Receives Power
Your NEO receives power in one of two ways:
• Through three AA batteries (alkaline provide the longest battery life—up to
700 hours or more)
• Through an optional internal rechargeable battery pack you have
purchased (see our Web site for details)
If you use AA batteries, all three must be the same type. When the battery
power is low, you can replace the batteries as described on the next page.
If you have a rechargeable battery pack, you recharge it with the AC adapter
that came with the battery pack. Refer to “Using the Optional Rechargeable
Battery Pack” on page 230 for additional information.
When your NEO is connected to your computer with a USB cable, it also
receives power from the computer. However, NEO functions are limited when
it is connected to a computer.
NEO Turns on Automatically When Connected
NEO turns on automatically when you use a USB cable to connect it to
• A SmartOption Mobile Lab or an AlphaHub that is on (usually in a
classroom situation)
• A running computer
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ABOUT NEO BATTERIES AND POWER SOURCES
Replacing AA Batteries
. . . . .
NEO remains on until the cable is disconnected or the AlphaHub or computer
is turned off. When the cable is disconnected or power is removed from the
cable, NEO returns to the state it was in before connecting. For example, if it
was off before connecting, it will turn off again when disconnected.
When connected to a computer or AlphaHub, NEO uses the power available
from the computer even if no batteries are installed. Don’t connect the AC
adapter when NEO is connected to a computer; it’s not necessary.
Replacing AA Batteries
When you replace NEO’s AA batteries, you must change all three batteries. If
one discharged AA battery is used with two new batteries, the battery life is
significantly reduced, even though two out of the three are new.
To replace batteries, remove the battery compartment cover, remove the old
batteries, and install the new batteries as described on page 3.
Using the Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack
If you purchased a rechargeable battery pack, your batteries are automatically
recharged whenever you connect the NEO to a computer or AlphaHub using a
USB cable. You can also recharge the batteries by plugging the NEO in using
the AC adapter. See page 4 to find out how to charge or recharge the battery
pack using the AC adapter.
Important: If you’re going to store your NEO for a month or longer, charge
it before you store it, and then again after you take it out of storage to
compensate for the batteries’ self-discharge.
Specifications for the AC Adapter
These are the specifications for the AC adapter that is included with the
rechargeable battery pack:
• Class 2 transformer
• Input: AC 120V 60Hz 9W (US) or 230V 50Hz 11.5W (UK and Europe)
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Using the Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack
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• Output: DC 7.5V 500 MA
You should always use the AC adapter supplied with the battery pack; don’t
use other types.
About the Optional Rechargeable Batteries
NEO’s rechargeable battery packs use Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) cells.
NiMH cells can be charged about 500 times. Fully charged batteries can
power the NEO for 60–150 hours (or even much longer), depending on use.
(Note, however, that fully charged batteries that are never used lose their
charge in about a month due to the self-discharge effect.)
New NiMH batteries need to be “cycled”—also known as “conditioned”—three
to five times before they hold a full charge. This means that, during the first
three to five charge cycles, the batteries hold a successively better charge each
time until they reach full capacity.
To charge the batteries, plug the AC adapter into a working electrical outlet
and connect it to the power port on the left side of your NEO as described on
page 11.
Conditioning the Batteries
To condition the batteries, follow these steps:
1. Fully charge your NEO with the AC adapter.
2. Use your NEO without the AC adapter until the low battery message
appears. (This may take 60–150 hours of use.)
3. Repeat steps 1–2 three to five times.
You’ll get the longest life from your batteries if you wait for the low battery
warning to appear before recharging so the batteries aren’t needlessly
recharged. Charging with the AC adapter for about 8–16 hours fully charges
the batteries; if you use an AlphaHub or USB cable to recharge the batteries,
it may take as long as 24 hours. Don’t charge the batteries for more
than a week; doing so may damage the batteries.
+ (Positive)– (Negative)
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ABOUT NEO BATTERIES AND POWER SOURCES
Using the Optional Rechargeable Battery Pack
. . . . .
NEO’s indicator light A turns green when the device is fully charged.
Storing and Recharging NEOs
Rechargeable batteries that aren’t used over time lose their charge and need
to be fully charged again before being used.
If the batteries lose too much charge while in storage (which can happen if
you store your NEO for longer than you intended), the batteries themselves
may become damaged, which in turn can damage the NEO.
Important: If you’re going to store your NEO for a month or longer, charge
the batteries before you store it, and then charge them again after you take
the NEO out of storage to compensate for the batteries’ self-discharge.
Lifetime of the Rechargeable Batteries
Well-maintained rechargeable batteries last about 500 charges, or about
three years. If your battery charge lasted forty hours in the past, but now it
lasts only one hour, you need a new battery pack, which you can purchase
from our Web site.
If your batteries have run down, and you don’t have an AC adapter, you can
still connect your NEO to your computer and transfer the data in your files
while the computer provides power to your NEO. You can also temporarily
switch to AA alkaline batteries until you can obtain a new rechargeable
battery pack.
A
ABOUT NEO BATTERIES AND POWER SOURCES
Low Battery Message
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Toxic Elements Statement
Each rechargeable battery cell is a sealed container enclosing a nickel
electrode and a potassium hydroxide electrolyte. The electrolyte is caustic.
Avoid contact with skin or eyes. If exposed accidentally, flush eyes with water
immediately.
Warning! Do not incinerate or mutilate the battery, as this may cause it to
burst or release toxic materials. Do not short circuit, as this may cause burns.
Please dispose of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Low Battery Message
When your AA batteries or rechargeable batteries are getting low, a warning
message appears on the NEO screen. The message appears about eight hours
before your AA batteries are dead and about twenty minutes before your
rechargeable batteries are dead. Be sure to replace your AA batteries or
recharge your optional battery pack before the batteries are completely
discharged.
Checking Battery Status (Charge)
To find out how much battery charge is remaining, follow these steps to check
the battery status on your NEO:
1. Press ctrl-a-B. The display shows a picture representing the amount of
battery power left and a message showing the percentage.
2. Press any key to return to your file.
You can also check battery status in the Control Panel by following these
steps:
1. Press applets.
2. Move the cursor down next to Control Panel and press enter.
3. Move the cursor down next to Display battery status and press enter.
The display shows a picture representing the amount of battery power left
and a message showing the percentage.
4. Press any key to leave this screen.
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Tips on Caring for Batteries
. . . . .
Tips on Caring for Batteries
• To avoid battery leakage in AA batteries, change the batteries as soon as
they become weak.
• Do not drop, puncture, disassemble, mutilate, or incinerate the batteries.
• Do not leave batteries in hot locations.
NEO’s Backup Lithium Battery
NEO contains a secondary backup battery that isn’t intended to be accessed
by users. The lithium battery provides power to the memory and helps
prevent data loss when the unit is turned off or when the batteries are dead or
removed. The lithium battery will last approximately five to seven years. If
you suspect a problem with the lithium battery, visit our Web site for more
information or contact Technical Support for assistance.
California USE Only:
This Perchlorate warning applies only to primary CR (Manganese Dioxide)
Lithium coin cells sold or distributed ONLY in California, USA:
“Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.”
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W
ARRANTY
AND
M
AINTENANCE
Warranty
Renaissance Learning, Inc., warrants the NEO keyboard and display to be
free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three years
from the date of original purchase.
For rechargeable devices, Renaissance Learning, Inc., warrants the
rechargeable battery to be free from defects for 90 days from the date of
original purchase.
During this period, if a defect occurs, Renaissance Learning, Inc., will, at its
option, repair or replace your NEO at no charge to you, provided that it is
returned during the warranty period to Renaissance Learning, Inc., or one of
its authorized resellers. This warranty does not apply if your NEO has been
damaged by accident or abuse, modified without the written permission of
Renaissance Learning, Inc., or if identifying marks (including serial numbers)
or seals have been removed or defaced.
There are no other warranties, expressed or implied. Renaissance Learning,
Inc., accepts no responsibility for consequential damages, including, but not
limited to, loss of profit or benefits.
Guarantee
Renaissance Learning, Inc., will refund your money in full (less original
shipping charges) if the items are returned in original condition within thirty
days of customer receipt of items.
Maintenance Tips
With proper care and maintenance, your NEO will last a long time. These
practices help keep your NEO in top condition:
• Always turn off your NEO before changing the batteries.
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Maintenance Tips
. . . . .
• Take care not to break the LCD screen. Don’t drop NEO or subject it to
strong impact. Don’t place an AC adapter or other heavy object over the
LCD screen.
• Clean the screen only with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use solvents.
• Keep your NEO away from extreme heat. Don’t leave it on the dashboard of
a car, in the trunk of a car, or near a heater.
• Don’t leave your NEO in a place that is extremely dusty or damp.
• Don’t use frayed or damaged cables.
• Never force a connector into a port if the connector and port do not join
easily.
Storing Your NEO
If you know you’re not going to be using your NEO for a while, follow these
guidelines:
• If you are storing a NEO that uses alkaline batteries, and you’re going to be
storing it for longer than six months, or the battery capacity is less than
20%, remove the batteries from the NEO.
• If you’re storing a rechargeable NEO for between one and six months,
charge the NEO before you store it, and again after you take it out of
storage (to compensate for the battery pack’s self-discharge). If you’re
storing a group of rechargeable NEOs, be sure to charge all of them before
and after storage.
• Use care when storing or stacking a group of NEOs. You may inadvertently
cause a power drain from some units if they are stored incorrectly. If
several NEOs are stacked on top of each other and offset somewhat, be
careful that the rubber foot on the bottom of one NEO does not touch the
on/off key on the top of another NEO. If any NEO is accidentally turned
on and the on/off key remains pressed, this causes a small but constant
battery power drain even though nothing may appear on the screen. To
avoid this potential problem, stack your NEOs on edge or carefully make
sure they are stacked vertically with no offset.
You might want to enable the Two-Button On option so you can’t turn the
NEO on by pressing just one key. On a single NEO, you can do this by
changing a setting in the Control Panel; see page 174. To change this for
several NEOs, use the system settings in the NEO Manager software; see
page 183.
WARRANTY AND MAINTENANCE
Return Procedures
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Return Procedures
Important: If you’re a customer outside the United States or United
Kingdom, and you purchased your NEO from a reseller, then you should
contact that reseller for assistance with your NEO. Do not return the device to
Renaissance Learning.
If you bought your NEO directly from Renaissance Learning outside the
United States or United Kingdom, contact the technical support resource
listed for your region in the front of this manual.
If you have a problem with your NEO, first read “Troubleshooting” on
page 216. If this section doesn’t help you solve your problems, follow these
steps for help.
1. Contact Technical Support using the contact information for your country
listed at the front of this manual. Most problems can be solved by email or
over the phone.
2. If the device does need to be returned to the factory for repair, it must be
assigned an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number in order to track
the unit before it is returned. To receive an RMA number, contact
Technical Support using the contact information for your country listed at
the front of this manual. You’ll need to provide the following information:
•A detailed description of the problem
•The serial number of the device
•Your name and the address where the device should be returned
Note: Only Renaissance Learning can assign RMA numbers. If a NEO is
returned without an RMA number, it will delay the repair and increase the
chance that it could become lost.
3. Write the RMA number on the outside and inside of the box. Also on the
inside, tape a short, detailed note to the NEO explaining the problem
(include the RMA number).
4. Ship the damaged NEO to the address given when you receive your RMA
number. You will be sending your NEO to a repair center, not to the
Renaissance Learning office.
Important: Please ship NEO with a reliable shipper. Renaissance
Learning, Inc., will not be held responsible for devices that are lost in
shipment from a customer, or that are returned without an RMA number.
Your repaired NEO will be returned to you within two weeks of receipt. If
damages are due to accident or abuse, you’ll be charged a fee for the parts
replaced, as well as a repair handling fee.
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FCC Statement
. . . . .
FCC Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Renaissance
Learning could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This
device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
More Product Safety Information
Detailed product safety information related to the Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act can be found at www.renlearn.com/support or by
contacting Renaissance Learning at the address at the beginning of this
manual.
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K
EYBOARD
C
OMMANDS
AND
S
PECIAL
C
HARACTERS
This appendix provides lists of keyboard commands and shows you how to
enter international and special characters using your NEO.
Keyboard Commands
Action Keyboard Command
Move one character left or right IJ
Move up or down one line KL
Move up one screen (scrolling) a-K
Move down one screen (scrolling) a-L
Move to beginning of line a-I
Move to end of line a-J
Move to beginning of file home
Move to end of file end
Move to previous word option-I
Move to next word option-J
Move to previous sentence ctrl-I
Move to next sentence ctrl-J
Move to previous paragraph ctrl-K
Move to next paragraph ctrl-L
Select/deselect one character to the left shift-I
Select/deselect one character to the right shift-J
Select/deselect one line up shift-K
Select/deselect one line down shift-L
Select from cursor to beginning of word shift-option-I
Select from cursor to end of word shift-option-J
Select from cursor to beginning of line shift-a-I
Select from cursor to end of line shift-a-J
Select all (select entire file) ctrl-A or a-A
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Keyboard Commands
. . . . .
Cut selected text to clipboard ctrl-X or a-X
Copy selected text to clipboard ctrl-C or a-C
Paste text from clipboard ctrl-V or a-V
Have the selected text read by an optional
NEO Text2Speech device
ctrl-M
Change settings for the NEO Text2Speech
device
ctrl-J
Delete a character or selection to the left of
the cursor
backspace
Delete a character or selection to the right
of the cursor
delete or
ctrl-backspace
Clear the entire contents of the file clear file
Clear the contents from all eight workspace
files
shift-ctrl-option-a-clear file
Permanently delete an entire file option-a-clear file
Permanently delete all files ctrl-option-a-clear file
Recover 40 characters ctrl-option-a-R
Recover file from last deletion option-a-R
Recover entire file ctrl-shift-option-a-R
Find text find or a-F
Find again a-G
Find and replace ctrl-find
Check spelling spell check
Spell check word containing cursor a-spell check
Spell check on/off option-a-spell check
Spell check a selected section ctrl-spell check
Ignore all occurrences in spell check ctrl-I
Replace all in spell check ctrl-enter
Open thesaurus ctrl-T
File status (characters) ctrl-a-I
File status (pages) a-I
Action Keyboard Command
KEYBOARD COMMANDS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS
Keyboard Commands
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File statistics (number of words,
characters, paragraphs, and spaces in a file)
ctrl-option-a-I
Number of characters in all files shift-ctrl-a-I
Number of pages in all files shift-a-I
Word count (characters, words,
paragraphs, pages)
ctrl-W
System details option-a-V
Clipboard contents ctrl-option-a-C
Clipboard status (characters) ctrl-shift-option-a-C
Clipboard status (pages) option-a-C
Print files print or a-P
Typing Timer a-find
Create new file ctrl-N
Open file ctrl-O
Open or retrieve file from supported
programs (NEO 2 only)
a-O
Save and name a file ctrl-S
Select file ctrl-F
Delete file ctrl-D
Send current AlphaWord Plus file to
another NEO with Beamer
ctrl-send
Send current AlphaWord Plus file to
supported programs like Google Docs
(NEO 2 only)
a-send
Receive an AlphaWord Plus file from
another NEO with Beamer
ctrl-B
Go to SmartApplets menu applets
Set a startup SmartApplet from the
SmartApplets menu
ctrl-applets
Disable a SmartApplet from the
SmartApplets menu
ctrl-a-L
Display information about selected
SmartApplet
option-applets
Action Keyboard Command
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Keyboard Commands
. . . . .
Select font size ctrl-option-a-F
Copy linked file to clipboard shift-ctrl-a-C
Copy current screen of a linked file shift-ctrl-C
Select section a-S
View linked file/main file ctrl-L
Password enable/disable (master password
required)
ctrl-option-a-P
Change file password option-a-P
Enable/disable Calculator (master
password required)
ctrl-a-C
Sticky Keys, Auto Repeat,
Show Marks status
option-a-K
Slow Keys status ctrl-option-a-K
Change keyboard layout
(QWERTY, Dvorak, Right, Left)
option-a-L
Change send speed (cable) option-a-S
Change send speed (IR) ctrl-option-a-S
Switch to another file (when connected
by USB)
a-File 1 (File 2, File 3, and so on)
Check battery status ctrl-a-B
Set idle time option-a-T
View help contents ctrl-h or a-H
Copy help contents ctrl-C
View system hardware details ctrl-shift-option-a-I
View system software details ctrl-shift-option-a-B
Action Keyboard Command
KEYBOARD COMMANDS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS
International and Special Characters
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International and Special Characters
The following tables show the international and special characters that NEO
supports and the keys to press to generate each character.
Keyboard combinations separated by hyphens (ctrl-option-2, for example)
should be pressed in the order given and held down until the last key is
pressed.
Keyboard combinations separated by a comma (for example, option-E, A)
should be pressed sequentially; in this example, press and hold the option
key while pressing E, then release them both before pressing A. You will not
see a character displayed after pressing the E, but the character that appears
after pressing the A will be á.
Character Keystroke(s) Notes
Á option-E, shift-A acute accent
À option-`, shift-A grave accent
Äoption-U, shift-A umlaut accent
Ãoption-N, shift-A tilde accent
Åoption-shift-A dot accent
áoption-E, Aacute accent
àoption-`, Agrave accent
âoption-I, Acircumflex accent
äoption-U, Aumlaut accent
ãoption-N, Atilde accent
åoption-A dot accent
æoption-' digraph (ligature)
Æoption-shift-' digraph (ligature)
çoption-C cedilla accent
Çoption-shift-C cedilla accent
Éoption-E, shift-E acute accent
Èoption-`, shift-E grave accent
Êoption-I, shift-E circumflex accent
Ëoption-U, shift-E umlaut accent
éoption-E, Eacute accent
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KEYBOARD COMMANDS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS
International and Special Characters
. . . . .
èoption-`, Egrave accent
êoption-I, Ecircumflex accent
ëoption-U, Eumlaut accent
íoption-E, Iacute accent
ìoption-`, igrave accent
îoption-I, Icircumflex accent
ïoption-U, Iumlaut accent
Ñoption-N, shift-N tilde accent
ñoption-N, Ntilde accent
Óoption-E, shift-O acute accent
Òoption-`, shift-O grave accent
Ôoption-I, shift-O circumflex accent
Öoption-U, shift-O umlaut accent
Õoption-N, shift-O tilde accent
óoption-E, Oacute accent
òoption-`, Ograve accent
ôoption-I, Ocircumflex accent
öoption-U, Oumlaut accent
õoption-N, Otilde accent
Úoption-E, shift-U acute accent
Ùoption-`, shift-U grave accent
Ûoption-I, shift-U circumflex accent
Üoption-U, shift-U umlaut accent
úoption-E, Uacute accent
ùoption-`, Ugrave accent
ûoption-I, Ucircumflex accent
üoption-U, Uumlaut accent
ÿoption-U, Yumlaut accent
Character Keystroke(s) Notes
KEYBOARD COMMANDS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERS
International and Special Characters
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Character Keystroke(s)
™option-2
®option-R
©option-G
øoption-O
Øoption-shift-O
°option-shift-8
(infinity) option-5
§option-6
option-7
¿option-shift-/
¡option-1
»option-shift-\
«option-\
´ (acute accent) option-E, space
` (grave accent) option-`, space
^ (circumflex) option-I, space
¨ (umlaut) option-U, space
~ (tilde) option-N, space
. (superscript dot) option-H
½ctrl-option-2
ctrl-option-3
¼ctrl-option-4
÷option-/
±option-shift-=
ƒoption-F
$shift-4
¢option-4
£option-3
¤option-shift-5
∞
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International and Special Characters
. . . . .
Troubleshooting Special Characters
International characters are supported by both Macintosh and Windows
computers. However, some Windows programs don’t support the Microsoft
international character set, so they may have problems displaying
international characters correctly. If your characters haven’t transferred
correctly to a specific Windows program, follow these steps to try to transfer
international characters to any problematic Windows program:
1. On your computer, open the Notepad program.
2. On your NEO, send your text to Notepad.
3. In Notepad, select all the text, then press Ctrl-C to copy it to the Windows
clipboard.
4. Open a new file in the program that didn’t accept the special characters
earlier.
5. Paste the text into a document in that program.
Copying and pasting through the clipboard usually solves the problem
because the clipboard interprets the characters correctly and transfers them
into the program.
¥option-Y
€option-shift-2
ß (beta or German Sharp S) option-S
(sigma) option-W
(pi) option-P
µ (mu) option-M
(omega) option-Z
Character Keystroke(s)
Σ
π
Ω
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W
RITE
O
N
! L
ESSONS
FOR
NEO
Write On! for NEO provides hundreds of writing exercises, literacy skills
activities, and vocabulary strategies that teachers can use to help students
develop their writing skills. You can easily send these exercises to students’
NEOs using NEO Manager (see page 69). Students work on the exercises on
their NEOs, typing their responses between angle bracket prompts < >. Once
the exercises are complete, you retrieve the exercises from the NEOs using
NEO Manager.
Using thoughtful themes and appealing content, Write On! for NEO exercises
promote writing and foster a love of language. Write On! exercises help you
avoid the blank screens that can be so intimidating to students at the
beginning of writing projects. Instead, the exercises provide screen after
screen of entertaining writing activities that engage students’ minds and
inspire creative responses.
Write On! files are organized by school level and type of activity. Writing
lessons are organized by process and theme. For a list of the school levels,
themes, and exercise files, see page 249. For an overview of the categories and
themes, see page 257.
Using Write On! Lessons with NEO 2s in NEO Share
You can also open Write On! lessons in NEO Share and make entire lessons or
parts of lessons available for NEO 2 users to pick up. This is an easy way to
use Write On! lessons with NEO 2s. For more information, click the Help
menu in NEO Share and choose Using Write On! Lessons.
How to Use Write On! Lessons in NEO Manager for All
NEOs
The steps below give you an overview of how to use Write On! exercises with
NEOs and NEO Manager.
1. Make sure you have installed NEO Manager on your computer (see
page 13).
2. Use the supplements summary (page 257) to find a theme that you want
your students to work with.
You can also Write
On! lessons to NEO
2s using NEO Share.
For more information, see the
NEO Share User Manual.
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WRITE ON! LESSONS FOR NEO
Retrieving Writing Exercises from NEOs
. . . . .
3. Read the individual file information in the PDF supplement and decide
which text file to work with.
4. Use NEO Manager to send the Write On! text file to file 1 on connected
NEOs (see page 69). (If any supporting files are mentioned in the
supplement, send the supporting file to file 2.) You can modify any of the
text exercises if you’d like once you select them using NEO Manager.
5. Have students complete the work in the file. Students should type their
answers to questions within the angle brackets (< >).
6. To view student work, see the next section.
Retrieving Writing Exercises from NEOs
There are three ways to retrieve writing exercises once students complete
them: you can use NEO Manager, you can have students send their exercises
to your computer, or you can have students print directly from their NEOs.
Using NEO Manager to Retrieve Students’ Exercises
Use NEO Manager to retrieve exercises from either a single NEO or a group of
NEOs. This is the quickest method if you need to retrieve multiple files from
multiple NEOs. See page 52 to find out how to view, print, or save the student
files.
Sending an Exercise Directly from NEO to Your Computer
By following these steps, students can send their exercises to your computer
one at a time. This method lets each student edit, reformat, save, or print his
or her exercise using your computer.
Note: If your students are using NEO 2s, they can also send their work to the
NEO Share software. For more information, see the NEO Share User
Manual.
1. Make sure NEO Manager isn’t running on the computer.
2. On your computer, open the program and file where you want to send the
text.
3. Turn on NEO and make sure you’re in the file that contains the exercise.
Remember that
students should
have entered their
responses between the
angle bracket prompts (<>).
To find student responses,
look for these prompts in the
files.
If your computer is
IR-capable, you can
beam text from a
device to your computer.
See page 207 for details.
WRITE ON! LESSONS FOR NEO
Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
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User Manual
4. Connect NEO to your computer using a USB cable (see page 9).
5. On your computer, make sure the cursor is blinking in the file that you
want to send the exercise to. If not, click in the file to make it active; this
ensures the student’s exercise will be sent there.
6. On NEO, press send. The NEO displays a progress bar and a percentage
of how much text has been transferred.
7. When the transfer is complete, disconnect NEO and save the file on your
computer.
Printing Exercises Directly from NEOs
If your classroom is set up for printing, follow these steps to have students
print directly from NEOs (using a USB cable, infrared printing, or wireless RF
printing for NEO 2 only). This method provides you or the student with a
hard copy of the exercise for editing or grading.
1. Do one of the following:
•For USB printing, connect NEO to your printer with a USB cable (see
page 9).
•For IR printing, make sure the printer’s IR transceiver is in range of
NEO’s IR lens (within 5–7 inches).
•For NEO 2 wireless RF printing, make sure your Renaissance
Receiver is connected to the computer and is on (see page 18).
2. Turn on the NEO and make sure you’re in the file that contains the
exercise.
3. Press print on the NEO.
Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
When you installed NEO Manager, the Write On! exercise files were copied to
your computer. The exercises are grouped by school level: elementary school,
middle school, and high school. Within these groups, files are further broken
down by types of activity, and writing lessons are also broken down by types
of writing, writing process, writing skills, and more.
Here is where you can find the files on your computer:
•Windows computers: Program Files\Renaissance Learning\Write On
Text Files\
•Macintosh computers: Applications : AlphaSmart : AlphaSmart
Manager 2 : Write On Text Files
You can also view
lessons in NEO
Manager as you
select a Write On! lesson. See
page 69.
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WRITE ON! LESSONS FOR NEO
Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
. . . . .
The following tables show how the files are organized on your computer and
how you will find them organized when you select them in NEO Manager.
Elementary School Files
\1_Elementary
School
\Literacy Skills
Activities
\Class Clown B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Character.txt
D_Compare.txt
\Fudge-a-
Mania
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Setting.txt
D_Plot.txt
\Marvin
Redpost
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Character.txt
D_Tone.txt
\The Boxcar
Children
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Character.txt
D_Response.txt
\Vocabulary
Strategies
ABC Graffiti.txt
Possible Sentences.txt
Synonym Cluster.txt
\Writing
Lessons
\Seasons \Fall
\Spring
\Winter
B_BRTHDY.txt
C_CELEB.txt
D_COLUMB.txt
E_ANIMAL.txt
F_AUTH1.txt
G_AUTH2.txt
H_CHANT.txt
I_FEEL.txt
J_FIELD.txt
K_MYTH.txt
L_SET.txt
M_ACROSS.txt
N_SING.txt
B_BRTHDY.txt
C_CELEBR.txt
D_EASTER.txt
E_PET.txt
F_PLACE.txt
G_CREAT.txt
H_FLING.txt
I_STORY.txt
J_PAT.txt
B_BRTHDY.txt
C_CELEBR.txt
D_HOLIDY.txt
E_MISTLE.txt
F_RECIPE.txt
G_CHANT.txt
H_FLOWER.txt
I_MOUSE.txt
J_PICT.txt
WRITE ON! LESSONS FOR NEO
Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
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\1_Elementary
School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\The Process of
Writing
\Character Building
\Poetry for Young Poets
\Tall Tales
\The Me Activities I
\Writing Skills \Paragraphs to Essays Level 1
Elementary School Files (Continued)
B_TEASE1.txt
B_TEASE2.txt
C_ACTION.txt
C_FEEL.txt
D_SINC1.txt
D_SINC2.txt
E_TRUST1.txt
E_TRUST2.txt
F_ATTIT1.txt
F_ATTIT2.txt
G_HONST1.txt
G_HONST2.txt
G_HONST3.txt
H_CHANG1.txt
H_CHANG2.txt
B_SNDCHT.txt
C_EATCHT.txt
D_ACTCHT.txt
E_NAME.txt
F_PATRN1.txt
G_PATRN2.txt
H_MEPOEM.txt
I_ALTRTN.txt
J_LMRKS.txt
K_SIMIL1.txt
L_SIMIL2.txt
M_SIMMET.txt
N_RECIPE.txt
O_TRANS1.txt
P_TRANS2.txt
B_KNOW.txt
C_TALES.txt
D_EXAG.txt
E_WALK.txt
F_RAIN.txt
G_APPLE1.txt
G_APPLE2.txt
H_HENRY1.txt
H_HENRY2.txt
I_BNYAN1.txt
I_BNYAN2.txt
J_PECOS1.txt
J_PECOS2.txt
K_PIPPI.txt
L_ME.txt
M_ACROST.txt
B_ENDING.txt
C_PATTRN.txt
D_FAMILY.txt
E_IUSED.txt
F_CHANGE.txt
G_FAVORT.txt
H_LETTER.txt
I_POEM.txt
J_DREAMS.txt
K_FEELNG.txt
L_THREE.txt
B_TOPIC.txt
C_SUMMRY.txt
D_SENSE.txt
E_SUBJCT.txt
F_EXAMPL.txt
G_MIX.txt
H_ORDER.txt
I_SPICY.txt
J_TIRED.txt
K_MAKE.txt
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Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
. . . . .
\1_Elementary
School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\Writing Skills
(Continued)
\Sentence Writing Level 1
\Sentences to Paragraphs Level 1
Middle School Files
\2_Middle School \Literacy Skills
Activities
\Hatchet B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Believability.txt
D_Setting.txt
\Number the
Stars
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Character.txt
D_Setting.txt
\The Giver B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Theme.txt
D_Setting.txt
\The Lion, the
Witch, and the
Wardrobe
(Unabridged)
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Dialogue.txt
D_Character.txt
\Vocabulary
Strategies
Closed Word Sort.txt
Concept Circles.txt
Sentence Chains.txt
\Writing
Lessons
\Poetry and
Building Word
Power
\Chants to Limericks
\Haiku to Free Verse
Elementary School Files (Continued)
B_FAVOR.txt
C_ADJECT.txt
D_ADVERB.txt
E_FRAG.txt
F_NEWS.txt
G_MORE.txt
H_COLOR.txt
I_NAME.txt
J_PARAGR.txt
B_SIMPLE.txt
C_ALPHA.txt
D_SENSE.txt
E_LOVE.txt
F_SUBJ.txt
G_SUMM.txt
H_MIX.txt
I_DETAIL.txt
J_TIME.txt
K_TOWN.txt
L_FIND.txt
M_TITLE.txt
B_CHANTS.txt
C_ACROST.txt
D_LIMRCK.txt
E_DAILY.txt
F_TRANS.txt
G_IMAGIN.txt
H_SIM1.txt
I_SIM2.txt
B_METAPH.txt
C_HAIKU.txt
D_RECIPE.txt
E_VERSE1.txt
F_VERSE2.txt
G_VERSE3.txt
H_THEME.txt
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\2_Middle School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\Poetry and
Building Word
Power
(Continued)
\Someone Won
\The Me Activities II
\The Power of Words
\Where the Sidewalk Bends
\The Process of
Writing
\Character Sketch I
\Finding a Writing Style I
\Letters, Forms, Applications
Middle School Files (Continued)
B_EIGHT.txt
C_ONE.txt
D_BASES.txt
E_INN.txt
B_NAME.txt
C_MEET.txt
D_FAMILY.txt
E_CHANGE.txt
F_ENDING.txt
G_FEEL1.txt
H_FEEL2.txt
I_MEMORY.txt
J_KEY.txt
K_JOURNL.txt
L_TIME.txt
B_BELIEV.txt
C_WAYS.txt
D_REPLAC.txt
E_SEXIST.txt
F_SLANT.txt
G_RIGHT.txt
H_EUPHEM.txt
I_WHAT.txt
B_MICE.txt
C_DOOR.txt
D_TRAPEZ.txt
E_HKCROK.txt
F_OURBND.txt
G_HALWEN.txt
H_PEOPLE.txt
I_MAGIC.txt
J_BITS.txt
K_TUGWAR.txt
B_DES1.txt
C_DES2.txt
D_SET1.txt
E_SET2.txt
F_SETDES.txt
G_DIA.txt
H_DIADES.txt
I_SETDIA.txt
J_INTERC.txt
K_ACTION.txt
L_NARRAT.txt
B_VIEW1.txt
C_VIEW2.txt
D_DESC.txt
E_SPICE.txt
F_TRIM1.txt
G_TRIM2.txt
H_LIT1.txt
I_LIT2.txt
J_AUDENC.txt
K_RIGHT.txt
L_TIGHT.txt
B_FRND1.txt
C_FRND2.txt
D_BSNS1.txt
E_BSNS2.txt
F_NOTES.txt
G_PERMIT.txt
H_LIBRAR.txt
I_THEFT.txt
J_SOCSEC.txt
K_ORDER.txt
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Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
. . . . .
\2_Middle School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\The Process of
Writing
(Continued)
\Moral Dilemmas I
\Observe and Describe
\Writing Skills \Paragraphs to Essays Level I
\Sentence Combining with a Moral
\Sentence Writing Level II
\Sentences to Paragraphs Level II
Middle School Files (Continued)
B_ACNE1.txt
C_ACNE2.txt
D_CHAR1.txt
E_CHAR2.txt
F_DOG1.txt
G_DOG2.txt
H_DRUG1.txt
I_DRUG2.txt
J_JEAL1.txt
K_JEAL2.txt
L_NERD1.txt
M_NERD2.txt
N_PARTY1.txt
O_PARTY2.txt
P_PROF1.txt
Q_PROF2.txt
R_STER1.txt
S_STER2.txt
B_COLOR.txt
C_SENSE1.txt
D_SENSE2.txt
E_CLUSTR.txt
F_EXAMP.txt
G_THEIT.txt
H_PORTRT.txt
I_TRIM.txt
B_START.txt
C_CLUSTR.txt
D_TOPIC.txt
E_BROAD.txt
F_SENSE.txt
G_TIME.txt
H_LINKRS.txt
I_DESC.txt
J_EXPOS.txt
K_NARRAT.txt
L_PERS.txt
B_WARMUP.txt
C_FOX.txt
D_SLEEK.txt
E_SWALLO.txt
F_PLEASE.txt
G_BRAIN.txt
H_BEE.txt
I_MEDICN.txt
J_HAIR.txt
K_FLATTR.txt
L_EXPAND.txt
M_REFER.txt
B_NEWS.txt
C_FRAG.txt
D_SEPAR.txt
E_COMBIN.txt
F_ADJECT.txt
G_COLOR.txt
H_MORE.txt
I_OVER.txt
B_START.txt
C_MIX.txt
D_CLUSTR.txt
E_DETAIL.txt
F_BROAD.txt
G_LIVELY.txt
H_SENSE.txt
I_TRANS1.txt
J_TRANS2.txt
K_PROVRB.txt
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\2_Middle School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\Writing Skills
(Continued)
\You Are the Editor I
\You Are the Editor II
High School Files
\3_High School \Literacy Skills
Activities
\Animal Farm B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Inference.txt
D_Character.txt
\Flowers for
Algernon
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Compare.txt
D_Character.txt
\Lord of the
Flies
B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Setting.txt
D_Character.txt
\The Hobbit B_Vocabulary.txt
C_Setting.txt
D_Character.txt
\Vocabulary
Strategies
Concept of Definition.txt
Four-Part Definition.txt
Vocabulary Self Selection.txt
\Writing
Lessons
\1 Writing Skills \Persuasive Essay
Middle School Files (Continued)
B_WARMUP.txt
C_CLENUP.txt
D_SPACES.txt
E_RETRN1.txt
F_UNITY.txt
G_MIXED.txt
H_FIXUP.txt
I_LETTER.txt
J_RETRN2.txt
K_RECIPE.txt
L_COMBIN.txt
B_WARMUP.txt
C_RUNON.txt
D_REPLCE.txt
E_DEADWD.txt
F_PARGRP.txt
G_MISSNG.txt
H_MISPLC.txt
I_TIRED.txt
J_TRICKY.txt
K_FIND.txt
L_AUDNC1.txt
M_DESCRB.txt
N_AUDNC2.txt
O_COMBIN.txt
B_PERSD.txt
C_AUD.txt
D_REV1.txt
E_UNITY.txt
F_REV2.txt
G_5PARA.txt
H_REV3.txt
I_TRANS.txt
J_LEAD.txt
K_PROOF.txt
L_ESSAY.txt
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Road Map of Write On! Lesson Files
. . . . .
\3_High School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\1 Writing Skills
(Continued)
\Polishing Prose
\Sentence Combine with American
Classics
\2 The Process
of Writing
\Character Sketch II
\Character Sketch III
\Finding a Writing Style
\3 Lifelong
Skills
\Answering Essay Questions
High School Files (Continued)
B_CAPS.txt
C_HOMOPH.txt
D_DANGLE.txt
E_FRAG.txt
F_COMMA.txt
G_ACTIVE.txt
H_SENT.txt
I_SHOW.txt
J_COMBIN.txt
K_SPECIF.txt
B_WARMUP.txt
C_HAWTH.txt
D_FLOWER.txt
E_POE.txt
F_MELVIL.txt
G_THREAU.txt
H_SIMPLE.txt
I_LADIES.txt
J_WEBSTR.txt
K_TWAIN.txt
L_REFER.txt
B_DESC1.txt
C_DESC2.txt
D_SET.txt
E_SETDES.txt
F_DIA.txt
G_DIADES.txt
H_INTERA.txt
I_ACTION.txt
J_NARRAT.txt
B_STRNGE.txt
C_WALLET.txt
D_FIGUR.txt
E_PUNCHY.txt
F_TIME.txt
G_SPEECH.txt
H_REACT.txt
B_VIEW1.txt
C_VIEW2.txt
D_VIEW3.txt
E_DESC.txt
F_HIDDEN.txt
G_DTAIL1.txt
H_DTAIL2.txt
I_FIG1.txt
J_FIG2.txt
K_AUD1.txt
L_AUD2.txt
B_SIMPL1.txt
C_SIMPL2.txt
D_CMPLX1.txt
E_CMPLX2.txt
F_KEY.txt
G_COMPAR.txt
H_CNTRST.txt
I_DESCRB.txt
J_EXPLN.txt
K_SUMMAR.txt
L_ARGUE.txt
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Write On! Lesson Categories and Teaching Supplements
The tables on the next few pages provide an overview of the categories and
themes available for Write On! writing lessons at each school level. This can
help you decide which sets of exercises you want your students to work on.
For more detailed information about each writing exercise, refer to the
Teacher’s Supplement PDF files in one of these locations:
• On the NEO Manager CD in the Write On Text Files folder.
• On your computer (once you’ve installed NEO Manager. Check the location
for your type of computer:
Window Computers: Program Files\Renaissance Learning\Write On
Text Files\. Look in the Writing Lessons folder under each school level to
find the teaching supplement for that level.
Macintosh Computers: Applications : AlphaSmart : AlphaSmart
Manager 2 : Write On Text Files. Look in the Writing Lessons folder under
each school level to find the teaching supplement for that level.
\3_High School
(Continued)
\Writing
Lessons
(Continued)
\3 Lifelong
Skills
(Continued)
\Job Storming
\Moral Dilemmas II
High School Files (Continued)
B_PREPAR.txt
C_STUDY1.txt
D_HIRE.txt
E_GIRLS.txt
F_BOYS.txt
G_FORM.txt
H_INTERV.txt
I_APPLIC.txt
J_YOURS.txt
K_SMARTS.txt
B_OPIN1.txt
C_OPIN2.txt
D_PRES1.txt
E_PRES2.txt
F_REV1.txt
G_REV2.txt
H_ROLLS1.txt
I_ROLLS2.txt
J_STDNT1.txt
K_STDNT2.txt
L_TEST1.txt
M_TEST2.txt
N_TWIN1.txt
O_TWIN2.txt
P_WALL1.txt
Q_WALL2.txt
A separate
supplement is in the
folder for each
school level (elementary,
middle school, and high
school).
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Write On! Lesson Categories and Teaching Supplements
. . . . .
Elementary School Exercises
This table gives you an overview of the categories and themes available at the
elementary school level. For detailed information about each writing exercise,
consult the ElementarySchoolSupplement.pdf teaching supplement file.
1_Elementary School
Seasons Fall The Fall folder contains calendar-related activities
with a fall theme. It focuses students’ observation
on how autumn changes affect animal and human
behavior. The activities contain inquiries into how
the season looks and feels, and how it affects us.
Files of important people’s birthdays and
interesting holidays are used to motivate writing.
Fall includes lots of writing for the seasonally-
inspired poet, letter writer, or storyteller.
Spring The Spring folder uses springtime as a theme to
spark writing activities. Each activity has a specific
focus on a topic and a skill. Two exercises provide
short descriptions of people and/or events as
models for high-interest paragraph writing. Other
activity files in Spring focus on an animal or plant,
custom, legend, or lyric as a takeoff for writing a
paragraph, a character sketch, a poem, a story, or
a news report.
Winter Wintertime is the theme for this folder’s writing
activities. While the broad theme is Winter, each
activity has a specific focus on a topic and a skill.
Two exercises provide short descriptions of people
and/or events as models for high-interest
paragraph writing. Other activity files for Winter
focus on an animal, plant, custom, or legend as a
takeoff for writing a character sketch, a poem, a
story, or a news report.
The Process
of Writing
Character
Building
The primary method of inquiry used in Character
Building exercises is critical thinking, expressed
through class or small-group discussion and/or
individual writing. While activities include the
writing of anecdote, personal experience, letter,
and verse, the emphasis is always on ideas, not
form.
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The Process
of Writing
(Continued)
Poetry for
Young Poets
Through a step-by-step scope and sequence for
developing poetry writing skills, students learn
and practice basic poetry forms, including the
chant, transformation, recipe, simile, and
metaphor. Ideal for individual and cooperative
writing activities.
Tall Tales Writing patterns and story and poetry writing
activities guide you and your students through a
wealth of reading, sharing, and writing activities
in the Tall Tales folder. Exaggeration and
exploration are encouraged when writing about
Johnny Appleseed, John Henry, Pippi
Longstocking, Paul Bunyan, and many more.
The Me
Activities I
Writing activities focus on a child’s own feelings,
experiences, memories, and values using journal
writing, letters, biography, and poetry. Many
prewriting strategies help students find, sort, and
select writing topics. The activities are for children
to work on independently or in small groups.
Writing is more individual and child-specific than
is generally required in other Write On! exercises.
Writing
Skills
Paragraphs to
Essays Level 1
Files in this folder give practice in writing
paragraphs, beginning with the topic sentence and
progressing through techniques and strategies
such as summarizing, ordering, specifying, and
describing. Files are arranged so that students
begin working with main ideas. However, files
may be used in any order for reinforcement of
skills already taught.
Sentence
Writing
Level 1
Through onscreen activities and modeling,
students practice creating sentences. These
activities provide practice with sentence
fragments, compound sentences, adjectives,
adverbs, and simple paragraphs.
Sentences to
Paragraphs
Level 1
Files in this folder give practice in writing
paragraphs that include the use of our senses,
things we hate/love, sticking to the topic, and
many more themes. Modeling and paragraph
starters are used to help students. Files are
arranged so students begin working with main
ideas; however, files may be used in any order for
reinforcement of skills already taught.
1_Elementary School (Continued)
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Write On! Lesson Categories and Teaching Supplements
. . . . .
Middle School Exercises
This table gives you an overview of the categories and themes available at the
middle school level. For detailed information about each writing exercise,
consult the MiddleSchoolSupplements.pdf teaching supplement file.
2_Middle School
Poetry and
Building
Word Power
Chants to
Limericks
Files for Chants to Limericks present classical and innovative
poetry patterns, puzzles, and forms to introduce common
elements found in poetry. Some of these are chant, repetition,
rhyme, rhythm, figurative language, theme, and meaning.
Although files can be used in any order, there is a logical
progression from the basic, instinctive chant form of the first
lesson to the more highly intuitive form of the final lesson.
Students may work alone on all activities, but sharing with
writing groups and class publishing is encouraged.
Haiku to Free
Verse
Activities in Haiku to Free Verse have students experiment
with poetic devices such as simile and metaphor and the
poetic forms of haiku and free verse. Content ranges from
themes about the everyday world to being playful and also to
the serious and personal. Although files can be used in any
order, there is a logical progression from poetic devices used
in the first lesson to the free verse form of the final lessons.
Students may work alone on all activities, but sharing with
writing groups and class publishing is encouraged.
Someone
Won
Using sample poems and homophone lists, students create
their own homophone poems through individual and
collaborative writing.
The Me
Activities II
Students explore the various elements encompassing
autobiographical sketches and also work through some value
clarification exercises. These activities can help students
explore their personalities and can help foster positive self-
esteem.
The Power of
Words
In our busy classrooms, students are often occupied with
learning the literal definitions and meanings of words needed
to understand subject area material. There may be too little
classroom time left to ponder the power of words. These files
“pull up the shade,” so to speak, showing the range of
meanings that lie just beyond the literal or utilitarian as
students explore connotation. They can reach for the richness
of precise words to take the place of a generalization or cliché,
to define the exact feeling of a thing to be described, or to
replace a stereotypical or sexist reference.
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Poetry and
Word
Building
(Continued)
Where the
Sidewalk
Bends
By reading and writing poems on themes that have been
developed by some of their favorite poets, students gain
greater control over poetic language, rhythm and imagery.
The Process
of Writing
Character
Sketch I
Activities on Character Sketch I have students practice six
strategies for developing a character: description, setting,
dialogue, interaction, action, and narrative. Files are
arranged to give students practice in recognizing and
imitating techniques in the order shown above. One or more
techniques for study and imitation can appear in any one
lesson. Students are encouraged to use a variety of
techniques in their own writing. All files can be used by
students working individually, in pairs, or in cooperative
groups.
Finding a
Writing
Style I
Sentence structure, use of vivid and appropriate language,
maintaining and varying tone, using metaphor, and the effect
of point of view are topics addressed. Passages from the
following novels are used and become models of writing
styles: Island of the Blue Dolphins, Where the Red Fern
Grows, A Wrinkle in Time, The Red Badge of Courage, The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Adventures of Tom
Sawyer, The Wind in the Willows, The Lion, the Witch and
the Wardrobe, and My Side of the Mountain.
Letters,
Forms,
Applications
Writing a good letter, whether for friendship or business, is a
skill to be encouraged. Forms for writing letters are modeled
to give practice in writing both formal and informal letters.
Then, too, students in intermediate grades are on the verge of
the form-filled world that many adults dislike but take for
granted. Filling out a form can be intimidating! To ease
anxiety, a variety of forms are described and students are
given practice in filling out a form for a present or future
need. Forms described range from a form used to obtain a
library card to a form used for reporting a theft.
Moral
Dilemmas I
Students are provided with several moral dilemmas. Prewrite
activities lead student writing groups through a brainstorm of
ideas and thoughts about each dilemma, further analysis and
refinement, and the writing of a position statement or
statements. Then each student writes an essay supporting his
or her chosen position and stating their personal feelings on
the issue. Students carry their essays through first draft, peer
review, and final proofreading. Through healthy discussion
and debate on these issues, students can learn a lot about
themselves and their values as well as gain practice in group
discussion and decision-making and in writing expository
essays on relevant issues.
2_Middle School (Continued)
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. . . . .
The Process
of Writing
(Continued)
Observe and
Describe
Students develop descriptive skills through observing and
describing, drawing on experience, noticing details, selecting
details, using the five senses, and describing objects and
events. The process of description is one of the most effective
ways for students to learn observation, style, and tone.
Writing descriptions may be the first stage in overcoming
reluctance to write.
Writing
Skills
Paragraphs to
Essays Level
II
Files in Paragraphs to Essays Level II give practice in writing
paragraphs that exhibit a strong topic sentence, supporting
details, and a summary sentence. Specific strategies include
idea generating by clustering, narrowing a topic that’s too
broad, ordering, adding supporting details, and linking
sentences. In addition, students review different types of
writing: descriptive, expository, narrative, and persuasive.
Files are arranged so that students begin working with topic
sentences. However, files may be used in any order for
reinforcement of skills already taught.
Sentence
Combining
with a Moral
Students read fables by Aesop, decide what the morals are,
and try their own hand at reconstructing sentences from the
fables. They learn to recognize overstuffed and skinny
sentences and revise them for sleekness by applying the
principles of sentence combining. Learning to write better
sentences is what sentence combining is all about. Writing
with a word processor (such as a NEO) is a natural fit with
this editing approach to learning; word processing features
allow students to manipulate sentences freely, making any
changes they want to easily.
Sentence
Writing Level
II
Writing effective sentences through the use of correct
structure and expressive language is reinforced through
activities in the sentence series. Students experiment with the
use of nouns, verbs, adverbs, pronouns, and adjectives;
combine sentences; and vary sentence type, length, and style.
Sentences to
Paragraphs
Level II
Files in Sentences to Paragraphs Level II give practice in
writing paragraphs that exhibit a strong topic sentence,
supporting details, and a summary sentence. Specific
strategies are reviewed: narrowing a topic that’s too broad,
ordering, adding supporting details, and linking sentences by
example, by cause and effect, by comparison, and by contrast.
Files are arranged so that students begin working with topic
sentences. However, files may be used in any order for
reinforcement of skills already taught.
2_Middle School (Continued)
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High School Exercises
This table gives you an overview of the categories and themes available at the
high school level. For detailed information about each writing exercise,
consult the HighSchoolSupplements.pdf teaching supplement file.
Writing
Skills
(Continued)
You Are the
Editor I
Using text that is sometimes informative and sometimes
whimsical, students practice some important keyboard and
command functions of word processing software. In the
process, they are also called upon to apply and practice skills
inherent in good editing and proofreading: critical thinking,
organizational concepts, spelling and usage, sentence
combining, sentence sense, and clarity of meaning. Word
processing and editing are natural skills to practice
simultaneously.
You Are the
Editor II
Students practice some important keyboard and command
functions for word processing: space, return, delete, cursor
movement, move text, search and replace. In the process,
they apply and practice the skills inherent in good
editing/proofreading: critical thinking, organizational
concepts, spelling and usage, sentence sense, and clarity of
meaning. Some of the passages that make up the activities are
informative, others are whimsical.
3_High School
1 Writing
Skills
Persuasive
Essay
Students are taken through the steps needed to write a
persuasive essay. They receive guidance at each stage—
from selecting a topic through polishing and
proofreading.
Polishing
Prose
These files address basic mechanics, grammar, usage,
and stylistic issues that will guide students as they polish
their prose. Jack London’s story “To Build a Fire”
provides models and examples.
2_Middle School (Continued)
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Write On! Lesson Categories and Teaching Supplements
. . . . .
1 Writing
Skills
(Continued)
Sentence
Combining
with
American
Classics
Students read passages from several American writers of
the mid-nineteenth century to focus on the passages’
sentence styles. Students try their hand at a number of
different interactions with the text—from rewriting and
combining underlying skinny sentences to imitating the
author’s style—all the while practicing the art of
sentence construction. Learning to write a variety of
sentence types is what sentence combining is all about,
and writing with a word processor (such as a NEO) is a
natural fit with this editing approach to learning. Word
processing features allow students to manipulate
sentences freely and to see all the changes they make as
they make them.
2 The
Process of
Writing
Character
Sketch II
Activities in Character Sketch II give students practice in
six strategies used in writing to develop a character:
description, setting, dialogue, interaction, action, and
narrative. Files are arranged to give students practice in
recognizing and imitating techniques in the order shown
above. One or more techniques for study and imitation
can appear in any one lesson. Students are encouraged
to use a variety of techniques in their own writing. All
files can be used by students working individually, in
pairs, or in cooperative groups.
Character
Sketch III
What is basic to writing a character sketch? Students are
shown through modeling what these basic elements are,
and how to bring them together to reveal a character of
their own making, using appropriate evidence and
specific language.
Finding a
Writing Style
Varying sentence structure, use of vivid and appropriate
language, maintaining and varying tone, using
metaphor, the effect of point of view, and intended
audience are topics addressed. Passages from many
classics are used and become models of writing styles:
The Pit and the Pendulum, The Metamorphosis, The
Devil and Daniel Webster, Crime and Punishment, The
Red Badge of Courage, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,
The Wind in the Willows, Once There Was a War, and
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
3 Lifelong
Skills
Answering
Essay
Questions
Directive words used in essay questions (such as explain,
compare, discuss, justify, contrast, and evaluate) are
defined. Answers are modeled and, using cooperative
learning strategies, responses are evaluated by the
students. These activities are good preparation for the
type of writing required for college entrance exams.
3_High School (Continued)
WRITE ON! LESSONS FOR NEO
Write On! Lesson Categories and Teaching Supplements
265
. . . . .
NEO
User Manual
3 Lifelong
Skills
(Continued)
Job Storming Job Storming gives teenagers, particularly those about
to seek that scary but exciting first job, a chance to
anticipate problems and opportunities before
approaching the work place. Discussions in the files are
presented in the expectation that Cervantes’ wise
admonition “forewarned is forearmed” will better
prepare teenagers to think ahead and speak up for
themselves, whether seeking a job out of need or for
pocket money. Learning the ways of the world the hard
way—by experience—may be softened somewhat by mild
exposure to these exercises.
Moral
Dilemmas II
Students are provided with a moral dilemma. Prewrite
activities lead student writing groups through a
brainstorm of ideas and thoughts about the dilemma,
further analysis and refinement, and the writing of a
position statement or statements. Then each individual
student writes an essay that supports the student’s
chosen position and states the student’s personal
feelings on this issue. Through healthy discussion and
debate on these issues, students can learn a lot about
themselves and their values as well as gain practice in
group discussion and decision-making and in writing
expository essays on relevant issues. Editing Guideline
sheets are provided so students can carry their essays
through first draft, peer review, and final proofreading.
Publishing a booklet of moral dilemma essays makes a
good conclusion to this activity.
3_High School (Continued)
266
NEO
User Manual
I
NDEX
Numerics
2Know! Toolbar and NEO 2, 92
8.3 naming convention, requiring in NEO Manager,
199
A
AA batteries, 229
installing, 3
replacing, 230
About NEO 2 setting, 181
AC adapter specifications, 230
Accelerated Math RP and NEO 2, 89
Accelerated Reader SmartApplet, 94
checking settings before quizzing, 95
preferences to set in Accelerated Reader RP, 95
preparing to use, 94
quiz number, 95
quizzing restrictions, 98
setting the Renaissance Place address, 21
setup, 94
student user names and passwords, 95, 102
taking a quiz, 95
what students need in order to take quizzes, 95
AccelTest software
student-paced session, 86
teacher-paced session, 88
using with NEO 2, 85
Accuracy activities in KeyWords, 127
Accuracy and speed builders in KeyWords, 125, 126
Accuracy and speed test in KeyWords, 125, 129
Accuracy goals in KeyWords, 141, 142
Adding KeyWords students in NEO Manager, 116,
119
Adding KeyWords students on NEOs that are in NEO
Manager, 121
Adding SmartApplets to NEO Manager software, 84
Adding students manually in KeyWords, 122
Adding words to the user dictionary for spell checks,
35, 175, 189
Administrator PIN for the Renaissance Wireless
Server Utility, 20
Alkaline batteries, 229
Allowing beaming from NEOs, 205
AlphaBeam, 207, 208
installing, 208, 210
using to beam files to computers, 211
AlphaHub information, 202
AlphaQuiz SmartApplet, 8
font size, 28, 29
AlphaWord format for beams to Palm OS devices,
205
AlphaWord Plus SmartApplet, 8, 23
beaming files to another NEO, 61, 203
changing passwords for specific files, 176
character counts, 46
checking file size, 47
checking number of pages written, 48
checking spelling, 34
clearing files, 48, 49
copying text, 25
creating new files, 26
cutting and pasting text, 25
deleting files, 48, 50
deleting text, 25
disabling spell check, 35
enabling file passwords, 176
file passwords, 72
file size limits, 47
finding files, 27
finding sections, 32
finding text, 30
font sizes, 28, 29
linked files, 41
moving the cursor in, 24
naming files, 26
new files, 26
INDEX
. . . . .
267
NEO
User Manual
opening files, 27
opening linked files, 44
page counts, 46
paragraph counts, 46
passwords for files, 72
passwords for files, changing, 73
passwords for files, resetting, 73
reading text aloud, 74
recovering files, 51
replacing text, 31
resetting passwords for files, 176
retrieving files from supported Web-based
programs (NEO 2 only), 63
saving files, 26
searching for files, 27
searching for text, 30
sections, 32
selecting text, 24
sending files to another NEO, 61, 203
sending files to supported programs (NEO 2
only), 62
sending files to using NEO Manager, 64
settings in Control Panel, 176
settings in NEO Manager, 188
show marks setting, 176
size limits for files, 47
Spanish-English word lookup, 38, 40
spell check, 34
starting, 23
thesaurus, 37
typing timer, 51
user dictionary, 35, 36
using NEO Text2Speech device with, 74
viewing linked files, 44
word counts, 46
Amber light on NEO, 2
Amber light on Renaissance Receiver, 220
Antivirus software, 219
Antonyms, 38
Auto repeat setting, 182, 185
Automatic shutdown of NEO, 7
changing idle time before shutdown, 183, 185
Automatic startup, 229
B
Backspace key, disabled in KeyWords lessons, 169
Batteries, 229, 233
caring for, 234
charging rechargeable, 4
checking charge (status), 178, 233
installing AA batteries, 3
installing rechargeable, 4
lithium, 234
rechargeable, 231
rechargeable upgrade kit, 229
replacing, 230
status indicator, 233
Battery compartment, 2
Beamer SmartApplet, 203
allowing beaming, 205
can’t find a receiving device, 205
cancelling a beam, 204
changing settings, 204
clipboard, 203
clipboard, overwriting, 205
could not find a sending device, 206
disabling beaming, 205
finding infrared ports, 203
format for beams to Palm OS, 205
large files, 207
master password requirement for settings, 205
overwriting the clipboard, 203
permit send setting, 190, 205
require master password setting, 190
send to Palm device as AlphaWord (setting), 190
settings in the SmartApplet, 190, 204
troubleshooting, 205
truncated files, 207
warn if overwriting clipboard (setting), 190, 205
Beaming
blocking, 205
cancelling, 204
files from NEO to NEO, 61, 203
text to a computer, 211
Black circle in NEO Manager connection status, 18
Blank screens, 216
268
NEO
User Manual
INDEX
. . . . .
Blocking beaming from NEOs, 205
Broken LCD screen, 218
C
Calculator SmartApplet, 213
calculations, 213
disabling from the SmartApplets menu, 215
disabling within AlphaWord Plus, 215
exponents, 213
operators, 213
paper tape, 214
pasting calculations into other SmartApplets,
214
scientific notation, 213
starting, 213
turning off, 78, 177, 215
using, 213
Can’t find a receiving device in Beamer, 205
Can’t send data to computer, 217
Cancelling a beam, 204
Case reversed on sent characters, 218
Changing Beamer SmartApplet settings, 204
Changing file passwords, 73, 176
Changing NEO settings, 183
Changing SmartApplet settings in NEO Manager,
187
Changing the font size in AlphaWord Plus and
AlphaQuiz, 29
Changing the idle time before shutdown, 183
Changing the Startup SmartApplet, 76, 77
Changing transfer speed, 182, 183
Characters
counting in AlphaWord Plus files, 46
international or special, 239, 243
missing, 217
Charging rechargeable batteries, 4
Checking battery charge (status), 178, 233
Checking file size in AlphaWord Plus, 47
Checking spelling in AlphaWord Plus files, 34
Checking system status on NEO, 173
Clearing a send list password, 197
Clearing files in AlphaWord Plus, 48, 49
Clearing the history in the MathFacts in a Flash
(Offline) SmartApplet, 113
Clipboard on NEO, 25
and Beamer SmartApplet, 203
overwriting in Beamer SmartApplet, 205
overwriting with beamed file, 61
viewing contents, 25
viewing space used and available, 25
warning if overwriting, 190
Closing files, 48
Closing send lists, 197
Commands, keyboard, 178, 239
Computer
connecting Renaissance Receiver, 19
connecting to NEO, 9
opening files from NEOs on using NEO
Manager, 52
printing files from NEOs on using NEO
Manager, 55
saving files from NEOs to using NEO Manager,
57
sending files to, 10
sending linked files to, 44
sending text to from NEO using AlphaBeam, 211
viewing files from NEOs on using NEO
Manager, 54
Conditioning rechargeable batteries, 231
Congratulations certificate for KeyWords, 161
Connected NEOs in NEO Manager software, 17
Connecting NEO to a computer, 9
Connection status, 17
opening on NEO Manager startup, 199
Contrast, screen, 178
Control Panel SmartApplet
changing settings with, 174
settings in, 175
Copying files to NEO 2, 63
Copying NEO 2 files to supported programs, 62
Copying text from linked files, 44
Copying text in AlphaWord Plus, 25
Could not find a sending device in Beamer, 206
Counting characters, words, paragraphs, or pages in
AlphaWord Plus files, 46
INDEX
. . . . .
269
NEO
User Manual
Creating new files in AlphaWord Plus, 26
Cursor
missing, 216
moving in AlphaWord Plus, 24
Cutting and pasting text in AlphaWord Plus, 25
D
Default goals in KeyWords, 141
Default settings, 191, 192
Delete user dictionary setting, 175
Deleting all AlphaWord Plus files, 189
Deleting files in AlphaWord Plus, 48, 50
Deleting KeyWords students from NEO Manager,
151
Deleting SmartApplets from NEOs, 82
Deleting students in KeyWords, 135
Deleting text in AlphaWord Plus, 25
Deleting user dictionary, 175, 189
Differences between the two MathFacts in a Flash
SmartApplets, 105
Disable This SmartApplet setting, 190
Disabled backspace key in KeyWords lessons, 169
Disabling SmartApplets, 78, 190
Disabling spell check, 35
Disabling the Calculator, 215
Displaying battery status, 178
Dragging and dropping text into NEO Manager, 222
DVORAK keyboard layout, 179
E
Editing text in AlphaWord Plus, 23
Empty files, using to overwrite files on NEOs, 65
Enabling password protection for AlphaWord Plus
files, 72, 176
Enabling SmartApplets, 78
Encryption key for NEO 2, 181
Ergonomics, keyboarding, 162
Error message on NEO, 220
Error while beaming a file, 206
Exponents in the Calculator, 213
Extra large font, 29, 185
F
Factory (default) settings, 192
FCC statement, 238
File keys on NEO, 23
File passwords
and saving KeyWords reports, 132, 133, 137
changing, 73
enabling, 72
resetting, 73
setting for AlphaWord Plus, 188
Files
beaming to another NEO, 61, 203
blank, 216
changing passwords, 176
character counts, 46
checking page count, 48
checking size, 47
clearing in AlphaWord Plus, 48, 49
closing, 48
creating new, 26
deleting all using NEO Manager, 189
deleting in AlphaWord Plus, 48, 50
enabling password protection, 176
finding in AlphaWord Plus, 27
getting from supported Web-based programs,
63
length, 46
linked, 41
maximum/minimum sizes, 188
naming in AlphaWord Plus, 26
number of pages, 48
opening in AlphaWord Plus, 27
opening with NEO Manager, 52
page counts, 46, 48
paragraph counts, 46
passwords, 72
printing from NEO, 11
printing with NEO Manager, 55
reaching capacity in, 47
recovering in AlphaWord Plus, 51
resetting passwords, 176
retrieving from NEOs with NEO Manager, 52
270
NEO
User Manual
INDEX
. . . . .
retrieving from supported Web-based
programs, 63
saving in AlphaWord Plus, 26
saving with NEO Manager, 57
searching for in AlphaWord Plus, 27
sending to another NEO, 61, 203
sending to computer, 10
sending to NEOs using NEO Manager software,
64
sending to supported Web-based programs, 62
size, 188
size limits, 47
size, checking, 47
viewing from NEO Manager, 54
word counts, 46
Finding files in AlphaWord Plus, 27
Finding sections in AlphaWord Plus files, 32
Finding text in AlphaWord Plus, 30, 31
Finger placement handout for lesson 1 in KeyWords,
161
Finger placement handout for lessons 2-16 in
KeyWords, 161
Finger zones handout for KeyWords, 161
Fonts
extra large, 29
large, 29
medium, 29
resetting to default (System), 185
sizes in AlphaWord Plus, 28
sizes on NEO, 185
small, 29
system, 28
very large, 29
Formatting text, 28
Formulas with Calculator, 213
Frequently asked questions, KeyWords, 169
Full file, 47
G
Garbage characters, 218
Get Utility, 208
Getting started, 1
Goals in KeyWords
resetting, 143
setting, 141, 142
Google Docs
retrieving files from (NEO 2 only), 63
sending files to (NEO 2 only), 62
troubleshooting, 219
Wireless File Transfer, 219
Green circle in NEO Manager connection status, 18
Green light on NEO, 2
Group Progress Report in KeyWords, 136
Guarantee, 235
H
Handouts for KeyWords teachers, 159
History in MathFacts in a Flash (Offline)
SmartApplet
clearing, 113
printing, 110
sending to Renaissance Place, 111
viewing, 109
Home row confirmation requirement in KeyWords,
145
Home row keys handout for KeyWords, 161
I
Idle time, 7
changing, 183, 185
Importing KeyWords students from Renaissance
Place, 116
Information about AlphaHub, 202
Information about NEOs, 202
Infrared port, 2, 203
Installed SmartApplets, 8, 75
Installing AlphaBeam, 208, 210
Installing batteries in NEO, 3, 4
Installing SmartApplets on NEOs using NEO
Manager, 79, 222
Installing the NEO Manager software, 13
International characters, 243
INDEX
. . . . .
271
NEO
User Manual
Invalid password message in Beamer SmartApplet,
206
IR beaming
from NEO to a computer, 211
requirements, 207
IR pod, 207
IR transfer speed setting, 186
IrDA transceiver, 207
K
Key strike handout for KeyWords, 161
Keyboard, 2
alternate layouts, 179, 180
auto repeat, 182
commands, 178, 239
settings, 179
slow keys setting, 179
sticky keys setting, 179
Keyboard commands on NEO, 178, 239
Keyboard layout setting, 179, 180, 185
Keyboarding cards, 162
Keyboarding ergonomics, 162
Keys
learning in KeyWords, 125
reinstalling, 223, 225, 226
repairing, 223
KeyWords SmartApplet, 114
about, 114
accuracy activities, 127
accuracy and speed builders, 125, 126
accuracy and speed test, 125, 129
accuracy goals, 141
adding students in NEO Manager, 119
adding students manually, 122
adding students that are in NEO Manager, 121
adding students using NEO Manager, 116
and KeyWords RP, 155
automatic goals, 141
congratulations certificate, 161
default goals, 141
delete all students setting, 135
deleting all students, 135
deleting KeyWords students from NEO
Manager, 151
deleting students, 135
ergonomics, 162
Finger placement handout/transparency for
lesson 1, 161
Finger placement handout/transparency for
lessons 2 through 16, 161
finger zone handout/transparency, 161
frequently asked questions, 169
getting data into KeyWords RP, 155
goals, 141, 142, 143
Group Progress Report, 136
handouts, 159
home row handout/transparency, 161
how it works, 115
importing students from Renaissance Place, 116
key strike handout/transparency, 161
Keyboarding Cards, 162
learn new keys, 125, 126
lesson details, 165
lesson plan, 163
master class report, 154
NEO Manager and, 146
offline mode on NEO 2, 140
order of lessons, 139
overview, 115
post-test, 130
posture and wrist placement
handout/transparency, 161
pre-test, 123
pre-test/post-test level, 139
printing reports in KeyWords RP, 155
Progress Report master, 161
reports, 153
requiring Home row confirmation, 145
requiring lessons to be completed in order, 139
requiring use of the correct shift key, 144
resetting goals, 141, 143
resources for teachers, 159
retrieving data and generating reports in NEO
Manager, 149
sample lesson plan, 163
272
NEO
User Manual
INDEX
. . . . .
sending data from NEO 2 to NEO Manager, 138
sending data from NEO 2 to the teacher (to NEO
Manager), 133
setting custom error goals, 141, 142
setting custom words per minute (WPM) goals,
141, 142
setting goals, 142
setting offline mode for NEO 2, 140
settings in NEO Manager, 146
spaces between sentences, 145
speed builder activities, 128
starting, 115
student reports, 130
sustained practice for all keys
handout/transparency, 161
synchronizing data with KeyWords RP, 155
teacher options, 134
tests, 129
transparencies, 159
versions, 114
KeyWords students in NEO Manager, 116, 119, 121
Kinesthetic patterns in KeyWords, 169
L
Large files in Beamer, 207
Large font, 29, 185
Last Lesson Report, 130
LCD screen, 218
Learn new keys lesson in KeyWords, 125, 126
Left (one hand) keyboard layout, 179
Length of a file, 46
Lesson plan for KeyWords, 163
Lessons in KeyWords, 165
starting, 123
Lessons, Write On!
sending to NEOs, 69
Light on NEO, 2
Linguistic patterns in KeyWords, 169
Linked files, 41
about, 41
copying text from, 44
printing, 44
printing from NEOs, 44
sample, 45
sending to computer, 44
sending to NEOs using FORM tags, 42
sending to NEOs using Linked Files button, 66
viewing on NEO, 44
Lithium battery, 234
Locating infrared ports, 203
Low battery message, 233
M
Maintenance tips for NEO, 235
Master class report in KeyWords, 154
Master password, 171, 186
requiring for Beamer settings, 190, 205
setting, 186
Match case replace option, 31
Materials for teachers in KeyWords, 159
MathFacts in a Flash (Offline) SmartApplet, 105
clearing history, 113
differences from MathFacts in a Flash RP
SmartApplet, 105
opening, 106
practices in, 106
printing history, 110
sending the history to Renaissance Place, 111
tests in, 107
viewing history, 109
MathFacts in a Flash RP SmartApplet, 101
checking settings before student use, 102
differences from MathFacts in a Flash (Offline)
SmartApplet, 105
preparing to use, 101
setting the Renaissance Place address, 21
setup, 101
using, 102
Maximum file size setting for AlphaWord Plus, 188
default, 47
Medium font, 29, 185
Memo Pad format for Palm OS devices, 205
Memory column, 81
Minimum size for AlphaWord Plus files, default, 47
INDEX
. . . . .
273
NEO
User Manual
Missing characters, 217
Monitoring connected NEOs in the NEO Manager
software, 17
Moving the cursor in AlphaWord Plus, 24
N
Naming files in AlphaWord Plus, 26
Naming the Renaissance Receiver, 20
NEO 2
using with Accelerated Math RP, 89
using with AccelTest, 85
using with the 2Know! Toolbar, 92
NEO 2 settings
about NEO 2, 181
Search for Networks, 181
wireless security, 181
NEO keyboard, 2
NEO Manager software, 188
adding KeyWords students in, 116, 119
adding SmartApplets, 84
AlphaHub information, 202
AlphaWord Plus settings in, 188
Beamer SmartApplet settings in, 190
changing SmartApplet settings, 187
changing the Startup SmartApplet, 77
connected NEOs, 17
default settings in, 192
deleting all KeyWords students, 135
deleting KeyWords students from NEO
Manager, 151
deleting SmartApplets from NEOs, 82
disabling SmartApplets, 190
generating KeyWords reports, 149
getting started, 13
importing KeyWords students in, 116
installing, 13
installing SmartApplets on NEOs, 79
KeyWords and, 146
KeyWords reports in, 149
KeyWords settings in, 146
linked files, 66
managing NEOs with, 195
managing SmartApplets, 76
monitoring connecting NEOs, 17
NEO information, 202
opening connection status on startup, 199
opening files from NEOs, 52
preferences, 198
printing files retrieved from NEOs, 55
printing preferences, 198
resetting NEOs, 199
restoring default settings, 191
retrieving files from NEOs, 52
retrieving KeyWords data, 149
rubrics in, 66
saving files retrieved from NEOs, 57
send lists, 195, 196, 197
sending files to NEOs, 64
sending linked files to NEOs, 66
sending rubrics to NEOs, 66
sending student data from NEO 2 to, 133, 138
sending Write On! lessons to NEOs, 69
settings, default, 192
spell check settings in, 189
starting, 15
synchronizing KeyWords data with KeyWords
RP, 155
system settings, 183, 185
tabs, 16
troubleshooting, 221
updating NEO operating system, 200
updating SmartApplets on NEOs, 79, 200
uses of, 13
viewing files from NEOs, 54
viewing SmartApplet information, 83
NEO models, 1
NEO screen, 2
NEO Text2Speech device, 74
New files, creating in AlphaWord Plus, 26
No devices connected, 221
Number of pages in AlphaWord Plus file, 48
Numbering NEOs for classroom management, 58
274
NEO
User Manual
INDEX
. . . . .
O
Online and offline mode for KeyWords (NEO 2), 140
Opening files from NEOs with NEO Manager, 52
Opening files in AlphaWord Plus, 27
Opening saved send lists, 196
Operators in Calculator, 213
Overwriting the files on NEOs with empty files, 65
P
Page counts in AlphaWord Plus files, 46, 48
Palm OS and beaming, 205
Paper tape in Calculator, 214
Paragraph counts in AlphaWord Plus files, 46
Passwords
changing for files, 73
changing for specific files, 176
enabling password protection for files, 176
forgotten, 221
requiring when sending changes to NEOs, 197
resetting for all files, 176
resetting for files, 73
send list, 197
Passwords enabled setting for AlphaWord Plus, 188
Passwords for files, 72
enabling, 72
Pasting calculations copied from the Calculator, 214
Pasting text in AlphaWord Plus, 25
Patterns, linguistic and kinesthetic in KeyWords, 169
Permit send setting for Beamer, 190
Post-test in KeyWords SmartApplet, 130
Posture and Wrist Placement for KeyWords, 161
Power sources for NEOs, 229
Preferences in NEO Manager, 198
Preparing to use the Accelerated Reader
SmartApplet, 94
Preparing to use the MathFacts in a Flash
SmartApplet, 101
Pre-test in KeyWords SmartApplet, 123
Pre-test/post-test level for KeyWords students, 139
Printer selection setting, 186
Printing files from NEO, 11
using a USB cable connection, 11
using IR beaming, 11
using wireless printing from NEO 2, 12
Printing files retrieved from NEOs with NEO
Manager, 55
Printing linked files from NEOs, 44
Printing preferences for NEO Manager, 198
Printing the history from the MathFacts in a Flash
(Offline) SmartApplet, 110
Printing Write On! lessons from NEO, 249
Procedures for return, 237
Product safety information, 238
Progress Report in KeyWords, 136
Progress report master for KeyWords, 161
Q
QuizDesigner, 8
QuizManager, 8
Quizzing restrictions in the Accelerated Reader
SmartApplet, 98
QWERTY keyboard layout, 179
R
Rechargeable batteries, 230
conditioning, 231
lifetime, 232
specifications, 231
upgrade kit, 229
Recharging NEOs, 232
Recovering files in AlphaWord Plus, 51
Red circle in NEO Manager connection status, 18
Reinstalling keys, 223, 225, 226
Removing the send list password, 197
Renaissance Place
sending MathFacts in a Flash (Offline) history
to, 111
synching KeyWords data with, 155
INDEX
. . . . .
275
NEO
User Manual
Renaissance Place address
problems verifying, 219
setting for Accelerated Reader and MathFacts in
a Flash, 21
Renaissance Place manuals, finding, 156
Renaissance Place Settings in the Renaissance
Wireless Server Utility, 21
Renaissance Receiver
amber light, 220
connecting to, 181
connecting to computer, 19
naming, 20
setup, 18
troubleshooting, 220
Renaissance Wireless Server Utility, 13, 20
Administrator PIN for, 20
naming the Receiver in, 20, 220
setting Renaissance Place address in, 21
Repairing keys, 223
Replace All option, 31
Replacing AA batteries, 230
Replacing SmartApplets on NEOs, 199
Replacing text in AlphaWord Plus, 31
Replacing the thesaurus with the Spanish-English
word lookup, 38
Reports for KeyWords in NEO Manager software,
149
Reports in KeyWords SmartApplet, 153
for students, 130
Group Progress Report, 136
printing in KeyWords RP, 155
Progress Report master for KeyWords, 161
Require master password setting for Beamer, 190
Requirements for computers used with NEOs, 2
Requirements for IR beaming, 207
Reset system font setting, 185
Resetting all file passwords, 73, 176
Resetting goals in KeyWords, 143
Resetting NEOs using NEO Manager, 199
Resetting the system font to default, 185
Resources for KeyWords teachers, 159
Responder SmartApplet, 85
setup, 85
using with 2Know! Toolbar, 92
using with Accelerated Math RP, 89
using with AccelTest software, 85
Restoring default settings in NEO Manager, 191
Retrieving files from NEOs with NEO Manager, 52
Retrieving files from supported Web-based
programs (NEO 2 only), 63
Return procedures, 237
Right (one hand) keyboard layout, 179
RMA number, 237
Rubrics, 41
in NEO Manager, 66
sending to NEOs using NEO Manager, 66
tips, 67
S
Safety information, 235, 238
Sample lesson plan for KeyWords, 163
Saving files in AlphaWord Plus, 26
Saving files retrieved from NEOs with NEO
Manager, 57
Saving send lists, 196
Scientific notation in the Calculator, 213
Scissors assembly, 225
Screen, 2
blank, 216
broken LCD, 218
contrast, 178
Search for Networks setting (NEO 2), 181
Searching for files in AlphaWord Plus, 27
Searching for text in AlphaWord Plus, 30
Sections in AlphaWord Plus files, 32
Selecting text in AlphaWord Plus, 24
Self discharge effect, 232
Send lists in NEO Manager, 195
closing, 197
defined, 195
opening saved lists, 196
password, 197
password, removing, 197
276
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User Manual
INDEX
. . . . .
requiring a password for, 197
saving for future use, 196
Send to Palm device as AlphaWord (setting), 190
Sending files
from NEO 2 to supported Web-based programs,
62
from NEO to a computer, 10
from one NEO to another, 61, 203
to a computer using infrared (IR) beaming, 211
to NEOs from NEO Manager, 64
Sending KeyWords student data from NEO 2 to NEO
Manager, 138
Sending linked files to NEOs using NEO Manager,
42, 66
Sending rubrics to NEOs using NEO Manager, 66
Sending text to a computer, 211
Sending the history from the MathFacts in a Flash
(Offline) SmartApplet to Renaissance Place, 111
Sending Write On! lessong to NEOs using NEO
Manager, 69
Setting custom error goals in KeyWords, 141, 142
Setting custom words per minute (WPM) goals in
KeyWords, 141, 142
Setting goals in KeyWords, 141, 142
Setting spaces required between sentences in
KeyWords, 145
Settings
about NEO 2, 181
add new word to user dictionary, 175
auto repeat, 182, 185
change a specific file password, 176
change default AlphaWord font, 177
changing from NEO Control Panel, 174
changing in NEO Manager, 183
default, 192
delete all students in KeyWords, 135
delete user dictionary, 175
display battery status, 178
for AlphaWord Plus, 176, 188
for Beamer SmartApplet, 190, 204
for KeyWords, 146
for NEO, changing in NEO Manager, 183
for SmartApplets, 81
for spell check, 175, 189
idle time, 185
IR transfer speed, 186
keyboard, 179
keyboard command reference list, 178
keyboard layout, 179, 180, 185
master password, 186
permit send for Beamer, 190
printer selection, 186
require master password for Beamer settings on
NEO, 190
reset all file passwords, 176
reset system font to default, 185
restoring default in NEO Manager, 191
search for Networks (NEO 2), 181
send to Palm device as AlphaWord in Beamer,
190
set screen contrast, 178
set spaces between sentences in KeyWords, 145
show marks, 177, 189
slow key delay, 185
slow keys, 179
slow keys on/off, 185
speech enabled, 186
Spell Check, 194
startup SmartApplet, 185
sticky keys, 179, 185
system, 185
transfer speed, 186
turn add words to user dictionary ON/OFF, 175
turn Calculator off, 177
turn file passwords ON/OFF, 176
turn show marks in files ON/OFF, 176
two-button on mode, 177, 186
view keyboard layout, 178
warn if overwriting clipboard in Beamer, 190
wireless security (NEO 2), 181
Setup for Accelerated Reader SmartAppelt, 94
Shift key requirements in KeyWords, 144
Show marks setting for AlphaWord Plus, 176, 177,
189
Shutting down NEO automatically (idle time), 185
Size limits for AlphaWord Plus files, 47
INDEX
. . . . .
277
NEO
User Manual
Size of files, 188
Slow keys delay setting, 185
Slow keys on/off setting, 185
Slow keys setting, 179, 217
Small font, 29, 185
SmartApplets, 75
Accelerated Reader, 94
adding to NEO Manager software, 84
AlphaQuiz, 8
AlphaWord Plus, 8, 23
Beamer, 203
Calculator, 213
changing settings in NEO Manager, 187
defined, 75
deleting from NEOs, 82
Disable This SmartApplet setting, 190
disabling, 78
disabling in NEO Manager, 190
enabling, 78
installed on NEO, 8, 75
installing on NEOs, 79, 222
KeyWords, 114
managing with NEO Manager, 76
MathFacts in a Flash (Offline), 105
MathFacts in a Flash RP, 101
replacing on NEOs, 199
Responder, 85
settings, 81, 187, 188
startup SmartApplet, 76, 77
updating on NEOs, 79, 199, 200
viewing information, 83
Space available on clipboard, 25
Space available on NEO, 47
Space used on clipboard, 25
Spacebar key, reinstalling, 226
Spaces between sentences in KeyWords, 145
Spanish-English word lookup
replacing thesaurus with, 38
using, 40
Special characters, 239, 243
Speech enabled setting, 186
Speed builder activities in KeyWords, 128
Speed of text transfer, 182, 183
Spell check
adding words to dictionary, 35
disabling, 35
settings, 175, 194
settings in NEO Manager, 189
user dictionary for, 35
using, 34
Spelling, checking in AlphaWord Plus, 34
Spills, 219
Standard keyboard layout, 179
Starting KeyWords SmartApplet, 115
Starting the AlphaWord Plus SmartApplet, 23
Starting the Calculator SmartApplet, 213
Starting the NEO, 7
Starting the NEO Manager software, 15
Startup send list for new school years or terms, 195
Startup SmartApplet setting, 76, 77, 185
Status of battery charge, 233
Status of NEO, 173
Sticky keys setting, 179, 185
Storing NEOs, 232, 236
Student Detail Report for KeyWords in NEO
Manager, 150
Student Information Report for KeyWords in NEO
Manager, 150
Student Progress Report, 130
in NEO Manager (for KeyWords), 150
Student-paced session in AccelTest, 86
Students in KeyWords
adding, 121
adding in NEO Manager, 119
adding manually, 122
adding using NEO Manager, 116
deleting, 135
deleting in NEO Manager, 151
importing from Renaissance Place using NEO
Manager, 116
sending data to NEO Manager (to the teacher)
from NEO 2, 133
sending data to NEO Manager from NEO 2, 138
setting goals, 141, 142
starting lessons, 123
Supplement files for Write On! lessons, 257
278
NEO
User Manual
INDEX
. . . . .
Sustained practice for all keys handout for
KeyWords, 161
System font, 28, 185
System requirements, 2
System settings for NEO in NEO Manager, 185
System status for NEO, checking, 173
T
Tab key, 28
Tabs in NEO Manager software, 16
Taking a quiz in the Accelerated Reader
SmartApplet, 95
Teacher options in KeyWords, 134
deleting students, 135
home row confirmation, 145
printing the Group Progress Report, 136
require correct shift key, 144
setting goals, 141
spaces between sentences (one or two), 145
Teacher-paced session in AccelTest, 88
Teaching supplements for Write On! lessons, 257
Text
copying in AlphaWord Plus, 25
cutting and pasting in AlphaWord Plus, 25
deleting in AlphaWord Plus, 25
finding in AlphaWord Plus, 30
formatting, 28
replacing in AlphaWord Plus, 31
searching for in AlphaWord Plus, 30
selecting in AlphaWord Plus, 24
sending to a computer, 211
Text2Speech device, 74, 186
updating, 181
Thesaurus, 37
antonyms, 38
using, 37
Timing your typing speed in AlphaWord Plus, 51
Tips, 1
Tips for NEO maintenance, 235
Toxic elements statement, 233
Transfer speed, 182
for cable connections, 186
for IR beaming, 186
for IrDA beaming, 183
for USB cable connections, 182
setting, 186
Troubleshooting, 216
for beaming, 205
for NEO Manager, 221
for NEOs, 216
special characters, 246
Truncated files in Beamer, 207
Turn add words to user dictionary ON/OFF, 175
Turn files passwords ON/OFF, 176
Turn Home row confirmation on (setting), 145
Turn require correct shift key off (setting), 145
Turn sequential lessons ON/OFF (setting), 139
Turn show marks in files ON/OFF, 176
Turn spell check off/on setting, 175
Turning off the Calculator, 78, 215
Turning on NEO using two buttons, 186
Turning the NEO on, 7
Two-button on setting, 177, 186
Typing special or international characters, 243
Typing text in AlphaWord Plus, 23
Typing timer in AlphaWord Plus, 51
U
Updating NEOs, 200
Updating SmartApplets on NEOs using NEO
Manager, 79, 199
Upgrade kit, rechargeable battery, 4, 229
USB port, 2
User dictionary for spell check, 35
adding words to, 175, 189
creating new in a computer text file, 36
deleting, 175, 189
sending new to NEO, 36
INDEX
. . . . .
279
NEO
User Manual
V
Verifying the Renaissance Place address, 20, 219
Very large font, 29, 185
Viewing file length, 46
Viewing files from NEOs in NEO Manager, 54
Viewing the history in the MathFacts in a Flash
(Offline) SmartApplet, 109
Viewing the keyboard layout, 178
W
Warn if overwriting clipboard (setting for Beamer),
190
Warranty, 235
Whole Word Replace option, 31
Wireless File Transfer, 219
Wireless printing, 12
Wireless security setting (NEO 2), 181
Wireless setup, 18, 85, 94, 101, 219
Word counts in AlphaWord Plus files, 46
Words per minute goals in KeyWords, 141, 142, 143
WPM
in AlphaWord Plus, 51
in KeyWords, 128, 141, 142
Write On! lessons, 247
about, 247
elementary school exercises, 258
elementary school files, 250
files and locations, 249
high school exercises, 263
high school files, 255
how to use, 247
lesson categories, 257
making your own, 70
middle school exercises, 260
middle school files, 252
printing from NEO, 249
retrieving from NEOs, 248
sending to NEOs, 69
teaching supplement PDF files, 257
Writing on NEO, 7, 23
Y
Yellow circle in NEO Manager connection status, 18
Yellow light on NEO, 2
280
NEO
User Manual
PO Box 8036, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-8036
(800) 338-4204
Email: answers@renlearn.com
Web: www.renlearn.com
NEOMAN.0611

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