Help FAQ
We’re here to help! Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about using Verizon Thinkfinity.

What kinds of interactive and printable resources does Verizon Thinkfinity offer?
How can I learn more about resources from Verizon Thinkfinity Partners?
What does URL stand for?
What is the best Internet browser with which to view Verizon Thinkfinity?
What is the best monitor setting for Verizon Thinkfinity?
What is “bookmarking”?
What is a “cookie”?
What’s the difference between HTML and Java?
What are plug-ins and which ones do I need for Verizon Thinkfinity?
What other software will I need for Verizon Thinkfinity?

What kinds of interactive and printable resources does Verizon Thinkfinity offer?

What kinds of interactive and printable resources does Verizon Thinkfinity offer?
In addition to lesson plans and activity guides, Verizon Thinkfinity offers maps, demonstrations, audio clips, quizzes and expeditions to enhance the learning experience. Here are the types of resources you’ll find when you search Verizon Thinkfinity:
  • Teaching Materials
    These resources are portable and reproducible (e.g., maps, charts, tables, graphs, timelines, images, articles, archival documents, data sets, worksheets, activities and handouts).
  • Online Presentations
    These resources deliver information in interactive formats (e.g., online exhibits, guided tours, documentaries, slide shows, demonstrations, videos, audio clips and multimedia hypertexts).
  • Learning Activities
    These resources promote discovery, decision making, problem solving and critical thought (e.g., multiple-choice games, puzzles, quizzes, fill-in-the-blank forms and calculators, interactive exhibits, simulations, virtual realities and scenarios that guide learners in quests of knowledge).
  • Internet Excursions
    These resources link students to ongoing events giving them an opportunity to share in the adventure (e.g., a space mission, a political campaign, and an expedition to the Arctic or the bottom of the sea).
  • Internet Partnerships
    These resources link students to peers in other schools and other countries (e.g., "keypal" programs that pair foreign language students across borders, cooperative research programs that gather data from students around the world, and collaborations organized by individual teachers).


How can I learn more about resources from Verizon Thinkfinity Partners?

How can I learn more about resources from Verizon Thinkfinity Partners?
You can learn more about our Content Partners and their resources on our Content Partners page. Information on how our Content Partners align their resources to national standards is available on the Standards Alignment page, along with information on our new State Standards Alignment project.


What does URL stand for?

What does URL stand for?
URL is an acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. This is the number address of any item on the Internet or any computer or server connected to the World Wide Web.


What is the best Internet browser with which to view Verizon Thinkfinity?

What is the best Internet browser with which to view Verizon Thinkfinity?
Thinkfinity is optimized for Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 and above. Earlier browser versions may not display optimally on screen and may not run some enhanced features of the site. To upgrade your browser, please go to the Internet Explorer Upgrades Web site.


What is the best monitor setting for Verizon Thinkfinity?

What is the best monitor setting for Verizon Thinkfinity?
The Verizon Thinkfinity site is optimized for a 1028 x 768 pixel screen. Check your computer’s monitor settings to make sure they match or exceed these settings.


What is “bookmarking”?

What is “bookmarking”?
Bookmarking is copying the address (URL) of a Web page to a special file in your computer so that you can return to that page again. Learn more about creating, organizing, saving and sharing bookmarks through your browser's Help menu.


What is a “cookie”?

What is a “cookie”?
A cookie is small file used to identify Web site visitors. The "cookie" is sent out by the Web site and stored in the visitor's computer so that the Web site can recognize the visitor when he or she returns. Thinkfinity uses cookies to help you create a profile and customize our site’s responses to match your interests and needs. Check your browser’s setting to make sure you can receive cookie from this site.


What’s the difference between HTML and Java?

What’s the difference between HTML and Java?
HTML is an acronym for Hypertext Markup Language. This is the code used to create Web pages that you can view with any Web browser.

Java is a programming language created to produce software that will run on any computer system. On the Internet, Java is used to create small software applications, called "applets," that add interactive features to a Web site such as animations, calculators and scrolling text. Your browser must support Java, however, for these enhancements to work.



What are plug-ins and which ones do I need for Verizon Thinkfinity?

What are plug-ins and which ones do I need for Verizon Thinkfinity?
Plug-ins are software programs that give you the ability to perform special functions using your Web browser, such as viewing videos and playing audio files. In order to fully participate in Verizon Thinkfinity’s professional development courses, it is critical to download and test all plug-ins prior to your session.

Acrobat ReaderPDF document viewing program
FlashBrowser plug-in for animation, interactivity, and sound
ShockwaveMultimedia game, learning application and product demonstration player
RealOne PlayerAudio/visual program allows users to play audio clips and movie clips
QuickTimeAudio/visual program allows users to play full-motion video and digitized sound


What other software will I need for Verizon Thinkfinity?

What other software will I need for Verizon Thinkfinity?
You will need to download these free utilities if you do not have Microsoft Office or WinZip software already installed on your computer:

7-Zip File Compression UtilityFile compression program zips and unzips compressed files
Microsoft PowerPoint ViewerPowerPoint presentation viewing program allows those that do not have Microsoft Office to view files
Microsoft Word ViewerWord document viewing program allows those that do not have Microsoft Office to view files

 
 

Share Verizon Thinkfinity



Even if you're not a Verizon Thinkfinity Trainer, you can still "Share Verizon Thinkfinity" with educators using these helpful resources.

The International Society for Technology in Education completed review of the Verizon Thinkfinity Integration Framework on June 12, 2009. ISTE determined that the program clearly supports implementation of the 2008 (refreshed) National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS-T)) in a specific, carefully reviewed and documented manner and prepares participants to substantially meet the following standards: 1a and 2a.

Content Partners