Copyright © 2010 Verizon Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document may be reproduced and distributed solely for uses that are both (a) educational

Copyright © 2010 Verizon Foundation. All Rights Reserved. This document may be reproduced and distributed solely for uses that are both (a) educational and (b) non-commercial. Any reproduction or distribution of this document for any other purpose, including commercial gain, is strictly prohibited.

Introduction to the Verizon Thinkfinity

Community

Earlene [email protected]

Kentucky Department of Education

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Verizon Thinkfinity Community

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The ‘Browse All’ option on the menu bar provides access to a variety of activities within the community:

• Find popular resources; save favorites

• Start or join discussions

• Locate or create documents

• Follow a community or group from the list that interests you.

• Search for other members (use the search filters to find them, then invite them to connect as friends.

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Start by registering for your own Verizon Thinkfinity Community account.

You may want to access the Community Registration PowerPoint presentation that provides a detailed sequence for each step of this process.

Then log in and view the Getting Started Checklist.

Welcome to the Verizon Thinkfinity Community!

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Verizon Thinkfinity Community Registration

1. Begin by clicking on Register.

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2. Enter a current email address.

You will be prompted to check your email for further instructions.

3. Once validated, click on the link to “Create your account and profile.”


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4. Enter the information requested on the Registration page.

5. Click on “Continue” to create your profile.


IMPORTANT:When selecting a Username, do NOT choose your email address. Your Username will be visible to all Community users

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6. You are welcome to upload a photo of yourself at any time.

7. An “avatar” is a small image that appears next to your name when you post within the community. You may choose one of our preloaded avatar images or upload your own by selecting the “Browse…” button.


(You can use a picture of yourself for your avatar.)

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8. Add some information, if you’d like, and choose your privacy options.

9. Click “Continue” to preview your profile.


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10.You’ll see a preview of your profile and can choose to use this and continue to the next step, or return to the Edit Profile page to revise it.


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11. Invite others to join you here! That way you can share ideas and resources, and stay up-to-date on news!

Note: You do not have to invite others at this time. Simply click on the link, “No thanks, I’m finished.” You can always invite your friends in the future!


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You will see a message that you have finished setting up your account.

Click on the link to “Community Home Page” and you’re all set!


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2. Click on My Community View.

3. Click on personalize.

Verizon Thinkfinity Community Personalization

Note: You may customize the layout of your page, then add, remove and reposition the widgets that are available to you. Widgets are specific elements that help you organize information.

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4. The light blue region at the top of the screen presents two major options for you. First, choose a specific layout from available choices. This will establish the number of columns and rows in which to place content.

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5. When you select a new layout, it will be reflected in the content area below the customization box. Notice the dotted-line rectangles into which you can drag and drop specific widgets. This now reflects three columns in the layout.


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6. In addition to the Layout section, you’ll also see the “Widgets” area in the light blue section. Here you can click on any of the choices and find a list of specific widgets that can be added, removed or repositioned on your page.

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6. For example, if you click on Content in the Widgets list, and choose Popular Documents, it will appear on the right with a green button.

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7. Drag the green rectangle down into the column area of your layout and notice the light green background that appears. You can place the widget anywhere within your layout.

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8. You can add additional widgets by choosing the type of widget and then scrolling through the list of options available. Use the green “Drag to Add” button to place the new widget in place on your customized layout.


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9. Use the grey drop down menu in the upper-right corner of the widget to access the options which include:


• Edit this widget• Minimize this widget• Delete this widget

10.Make your changes in the widget properties box, and then click on Save Properties.

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9. Be sure to click on Publish Layout when you have finished designing your layout. The site will now display your personally designed layout! You can modify it to suit your needs at any time.
