Happy Wednesday! Following the announcement of the 2022 Literacy Awards Program winners and honorees, we are thrilled to see more users join the Literacy Champions group. As more folks join us, we want to be sure everyone feels comfortable using the Teaching with Primary Sources (TPS) Teachers Network platform. This post will give you tips and tricks on how to effectively navigate and use this site!

Tip #1: Create a Profile

Creating a profile on the TPS Network will help you and others know who is using the platform. We always encourage new members to upload a photo, add to the “About Me” section, and choose a profile type that best describes you.

To add a profile picture, click on Profile --> My Profile --> Manage Avatar (the smiling face located in your editing icons) --> Choose a file from your computer

To add to the “About Me” and profile type section, click on Profile --> Edit Preferences (next to Manage Avatar) --> Edit Account --> Add your information!

Tip #2: Knowing how to use groups and the TPS Commons

By now, you’ve likely noticed that the Literacy Champions group is one of many on the TPS Network. The whole TPS Network supports over 100 groups, which you can find here: https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/groups/all-groups. By joining more groups, you will have the opportunity to engage in conversations related to your interests. The TPS Commons is the largest group on the TPS Network, and is a place to participate in general discussion. Try introducing yourself in the TPS Commons by creating a Discussion Post. 

Tip #3: Creating a Post

On the TPS Network, you have several options for posting: 

1. Discussion Posts: Discussion posts usually contain announcements, teaching tips, successful practices, questions, and information for the good of network users. To create a discussion post, first choose the group you would like to post in. Click on the “Add Discussion” tab found above the feed of posts. Make sure to choose an interesting and concise title and add your content below! Make sure to add hashtags and tag people as necessary.
   1. Here in the Literacy Champions Group, we encourage you to post exciting news, updates, questions, ideas, articles you find interesting, etc. We hope to use this space as a platform to build your professional connections and learn from one another.

2. Albums: Albums are another way to share information on the TPS Network (this post is an album post). Different from a Discussion Post, an album allows you to include multiple sources, other than photos, in a single post. These allow you to post multiple resources at once and act as a great tool for sharing information with other TPS Network members. To create an album, find the option in the toolbar labeled “Albums” From there, click, “Create Album.” In this next step, you will choose from the drop down menu which group you want to post to; then “Create New Album in Group Currently Selected.” For more information on how to post an album, click here: https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/tps-pd-providers-institute-pdpi/how-to-create-an-album-on-the-tps-teachers-network.
   1. Here in the Literacy Champions Group, you might share an album with information about your organization and projects you’re working on that may require multiple

3. Commenting and Liking: Each post on the TPS Network grants users the opportunity to comment and like the content. By engaging in posts from other users, you boost the conversation and can make new connections.

Still have questions…?

Tip #4: Where to find help

Help is always available on the TPS Network. Find assistance here:

1. Help Center: The Help Center will assist in answering some of your basic user questions. Find an introduction video, FAQs, and more here: https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/help-center
2. Ask a Mentor: The TPS Network has a set group of experts who assist in answering questions about the website. Find Mentor information here: https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/help-center/41-mentors or “Ask a Mentor” your questions in the comment section here: https://tpsteachersnetwork.org/tps-commons/first-aid-for-your-primary-source-programs-ask-a-mentor-michelle-zupan

Linked in this album are more helpful resources for starting your journey. We are so excited you’re here and hope to see your own post soon!

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