FAQ
The tutorials are made using Snapz Pro X 2.1.5. I record full screen at 8 fps and save the movies at 70% actual size using the H.264 Codec leaving the sound at the default setting. PC users might try Camtasia. I use this microphone (works with both platforms).
Yes, if you’re a teacher, you may use these tutorials in your classroom so long as you ask first. I like to know how this little site connects our respective dots. When I get an email such as: I’m a student trying to understand (fill in the blank) and I could really use some help. Our professor told us to learn Flash from the Mac Lab Site and… it becomes apparent that the student has an unscrupulous instructor. BTW, she’s a student at a university in Spain. I love our global village!
Yes, we accept donations. My budget is pitiful and if you’d like to help the kids in the Mac Lab succeed, check out our school’s 501(c)3 Foundation. (No, I don’t get to keep any of the money myself.) For a bit more info watch this video. So far 10 (ten) people have donated over $300 to the Mac Lab.
Yes, donations to our school’s 501(c)3 Foundation are tax deductible and 100% of the funds donated to the Mac Lab will be used to purchase supplies for the students in the Mac Lab (books, software, hardware, etc.) Again, watch this video for more info. No, I don’t seem to be very good at raising money but a growing number of businesses have donated resources to the kids. (See the list on the home page.) This is almost unbelievable.
Yes, I love hearing about how useful you found the site (and how you found this little corner of the Web) but I don’t always have time to answer questions. Feel free to ask but don’t be put off if an answer doesn’t follow immediately as I’m currently teaching 6 classes, an early morning tutorial, and Saturday school a couple of times a month.
Tutorials made in the past few years have narration. If the one you’re watching doesn’t, it’s one of the older tutorials without sound. (We didn’t have $ for headphones then.)
I began teaching in 2002 and never used most of these programs until I had to teach ‘em. I’m self-taught. Lots of books and lots of learning from wonderful folks out there on the World Wide Web. If you found this site useful, I’m glad to keep the ball rolling. Pay it forward!
It’s pronounced scotch-ko. (Emphasis on the first syllable.)
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Rebooting the Mac Lab
Though this is first and foremost a Website to support and promote my high school students, people from around the world seem to have found it of some use as well. Should you find something of value here, please pay it forward in a manner of your choosing. Should you wish to help the kids in the Mac Lab, please watch this movie and/or consider donating from this page.
New Mac Lab Links
Valhalla High School | GUHSD | Skocko | FAQ
Students | Parents | Educators | Visitors
Tutorials | Grand Central Linkage | Link Lines
Mac Lab 2.0 | Mac Lab Studio | Inspiration
Email from Around the World | Forum
How it Began Scroll to bottom of page
09/10 Classes: Digital Arts | 3D | Multimedia
The Mac Lab Needs Your Help:
ROP has updated 31 of our computers. We need to raise $18,000 to purchase the remaining 14 to round out the lab as we average over 40 students per class. Mike and Rochelle Joplin (the kind family behind the Valhalla Foundation) have graciously offered to match the first $6,000 so we'll be two-thirds of the way there once we raise the first $6k. You may donate directly to the Foundation (choose Mac Lab from the Booster menu) or via Pay Pal from this page. All donations are tax deductible and the tally will be kept on this page. Current total is $3,850. On behalf of the students who will be using these computers over the next three years, thank you for your generosity. 
