Topics for
Frequently Asked Questions:		   Problems with My Computer
Training and Software
Gradeworks
Using Email
Using the File Server
Using the Computer Labs with Students
Equipment and Resources
Other Topics of Interest: Administrative Training
Digital Café
Educational Technology
GenesisRT User Help

On-line Tutorials
District PC Lab Calendar
Web Services

Problems with My Computer

Training and Software

Using Email

Using the File Server

Using the Computer Labs with Students

Equipment and Resources

What do I do if I need to submit a work order?

MPS HELP DESK
The quickest and most direct way to have your computer serviced is to call the MPS Computer Help Desk at x2-0044 and select option1 from the menue.

If you need help with your computer - or if something goes wrong - You are welcome to call in your own work orders. The helpdesk stated that they would actually prefer that you call in your own work orders. If you don't feel comfortable with that, please contact Carlene Olmsted, she would be glad to help! Be prepared to tell them the barcode and serial number on your machine and the type of machine it is. Please go to http://www2.mpsaz.org/infosys/ for more information on Help Desk services.

FREMONT WORK ORDERS
Our campus Work Orders can also be submitted from a PC by going to the Shared DriveAll Staff folder and click on 'Work Orders' (V:All StaffWork Orders.xls ). Enter your work order at the bottom of the list and save the file. Your work order will usually be assigned to either Carlene Olmsted, or Mat Berzins. You are also welcome to call or email in your work orders and they will be added to the list for you.

TECH ASSISTANT
Fremont's Tech Assistant is Carlene Olmsted. Ms. Olmsted is available in the mornings from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. She can help in the computer labs and lend a hand with technical assistance while you are there with your students. She can also assist you with technical problems in your rooms and complete technology related campus work orders.

To contact Ms. Olmsted, you can email her at csoolmst@mpsaz.org. You may also fill out a Work Order request at V:All StaffWork Orders.xls .

How can I contact the MPS Help Desk?

MPS HELP DESK
The quickest and most direct way to have your computer serviced is to call the MPS Computer Help Desk at x2-0044

Be prepared to tell them the barcode and serial number on your machine and the type of machine it is. Please go to http://www2.mpsaz.org/infosys/ for more information on Help Desk services.

Who should I contact at Fremont if I have a technology question or problem?

MPS HELP DESK
The quickest and most direct way to have your computer serviced is to call the MPS Computer Help Desk at x2-0044.

Be prepared to tell them the barcode and serial number on your machine and the type of machine it is. Please go to http://www2.mpsaz.org/infosys/ for more information on Help Desk services.

Matt Berzins
If you have questions about software, training, procedures, technology integration or policies contact Mr. Berzins. Mr. Berzins is also available to help design technology based lessons for your curriculum and conduct demo lessons in the lab with your students.

To contact Matt Berzins, you can email him at mdberzin@mpsaz.org or call x2-8266.

TECH ASSISTANT
If you have problems with printing, computer hardware, or networking contact our site based technology assistant. The technology assistant also handles computer lab maintenance and scheduling as well as equipment check out.

Fremont's Tech Assistant is Carlene Olmsted. Ms. Olmsted is available in the mornings from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm. She can help in the computer labs and lend a hand with technical assistance while you are there with your students. She can also assist you with technical problems in your rooms and complete technology related campus work orders.

To contact Ms. Olmsted, you can email her at csoolmst@mpsaz.org. You may also fill out a Work Order request at V:All StaffWork Orders.xls .

Fremont Technology Department
Matt Berzins(480) 472-8266 mdberzin@mpsaz.org
Technology Assistant - Carlene O'Connor Olmsted (480) 472-8336 or 472 8307 csoolmst@mpsaz.org

 

AUDIO VISUAL
Questions related to classroom TVs, VRCs, cable, overhead projectors, etc.should be directed to Carlene Olmsted in AV. Mrs. Olmsted can be reached by email at csoolmst@mpsaz.org or by calling x2-8336 or x2-8307.

Any Questions on copying or the copy machines can be directed to Mrs. Olmsted's assistant, MarthaJo at mlnelson@mpsaz.org or by calling x2-8336.

 My computer won't connect to the network, what should I do?

NETWORK PROBLEMS
If Webmail is not working, always check some other network connection to find out if it is Webmail or network connectivity in general. Occasionally the Webmail server is down but other network services are fine (connecting to the Internet or the file server (U: drive). If you can get on the Internet but not Webmail, then you
have network connectivity; Webmail is just down.

If you cannot connect to the U: drive (file server), check to see if you can get on the Internet. If you can, then it's an issue with the U: drive (file server)

IN WINDOWS 98, IF YOU HAVE A MYHOME SHORTCUT ON YOUR DESKTOP AND CANNOT LOG ON TO THE U: DRIVE AFTER LOGGING IN CORRECTLY TO THE DESKTOP, CALL FOR ASSISTANCE.

IN WINDOWS XP, IF YOU HAVE A MYHOME SHORTCUT ON YOUR DESKTOP
AND CANNOT LOG ON TO THE U: DRIVE, CALL FOR ASSISTANCE. Most Windows XP machines have the Administrator account logging in automatically. Therefore, you have to authenticate on the server by logging in through the MYHOME shortcut.

However, if you do not have a MYHOME shortcut on your desktop, try this:

In Windows 98, you must log on to the computer itself to get to the U: drive. If you haven't logged on to the computer itself, you will not be able to "map" to a network share. Reboot the computer and try logging on with your U: drive information (userid and password). Thenright
click the My Computer icon and choose Map Network Drive. Inthe Drive box, choose U:. Then in the Folder box, type \fremontdata.mpsaz.orgmyhome. If you are logged in correctly, your U: drive should appear.

In Windows XP, right click the My Computer icon and choose Map Network Drive. In the Drive box, choose U:. Then in the Folder box, type \fremontdata.mpsaz.orgmyhome. Then click Different User. That will bring up a log in box. Type your username and password and do not check the box that says ‘Reconnect" at log in.

To troubleshoot network issues, follow some of these steps:

Is the cable plugged into the bottom drop on the wall jack? (Most computes on our campus are plugged into
the bottom drop-if you have been using a different drop and have had network connectivity, then use
whatever drop is active in your location).
Do you have a link light (green) on the back of your computer or network card?
Is the cable solidly plugged in at both ends-the network port/card and the wall jack?
If you have checked the first three items, then try this:

For Windows 98, go to Start, Run,and type "command" (no quotes). This brings up a command
prompt window. Type "winipcfg" (no quotes).

If the IP address is all 0s or 192.168.x.x. or 169.x.x.x., click on "Release All." Then click on "Renew All." That should get you a valid IP address in the 10.x.x.x range.
Type "exit" (no quotes) to leave the command prompt window.
For Windows XP,type "ipconfig /all" (no quotes). If the IP address is all 0s or 192.168.x.x. or 169.x.x.x, type "ipconfig /release" (no quotes); then type "ipconfig /renew" (no quotes). That should get you a valid IP address in the 10.x.x.x range.

My printer has a problem, what should I do?

PRINTER PROBLEMS
If you have a standalone printer attached to your computer, check some of the following:

Does your printer have ink? Low ink supplies or no ink (color or black) can cause problems. Even if you are not printing in color, some printers won't print if the color cartridge is missing or empty.
Check the cable-sometimes printing problems occur if the cable has come loose.
Double click the Printer icon in the System Tray (lower right-hand corner of the Taskbar). When the dialog box opens, right click on the print job and click Cancel. It might take a few minutes to cancel the print job.
Try turning off the printer, rebooting your computer (Start, Shutdown, Restart), and try printing again.
If you have a network printer, try step 3 above. Generally you don't have to turn off the network printer but you might try that if you have access to the network printer. If you have printed before, chances are the queue your printer is configured for is correct. Occasionally network printer queues get "clogged." You may need to call x2-0044 and ask the Help Desk personnel to check the printer queue. They can empty the queue and restart the printer.

Network printers usually have fairly large, expensive toner cartridges. A "Toner Low" warning on the printer does not keep the printer from printing. To minimize the cost of laser cartridges, you can take out the toner cartridge, shake it vigorously, and replace it in the printer. You can usually do this until the printing is light no matter how much you shake it. If you are getting streaks on the page and the toner cartridge is new or far from being unused, the toner cartridge might be bad. Get some assistance with this. Network printers must be cleaned inside periodically with a brush or soft cloth.

To change a toner cartridge, open the new cartridge, shake the cartridge vigorously, pull out the tab on the side (usually an orange or other color plastic strip), remove the old cartridge, seat the new cartridge, and you are ready to go. Put the old cartridge in the box that the new cartridge came in, and return to the bookstore for recycling.

How do I protect my computer from viruses?

SOPHOS

Do you have SOPHOS (the district's virus protection program) installed on your computer? In these days, no computer should be without that program. Manually scanning for viruses is okay, but it takes time and remembering to do it.

Click here for the directions for installing SOPHOS on a PC or contact Carlene Olmsted at x2-8336 or Matt Berzin at x2-8266 (if you have a Mac, you'll need to call x2-0044 to have a technician come out and install it for you).

 

Are there tutorials I can use to learn how to use my software?
TUTORIALS

There are easy to use MPS on-line tutorials.

If you need a quick, easy tutorial on how to use: Easy Grade Pro, Webmail, Word, PowerPoint, or Excel, take a few minutes to check out this site: http://www2.mpsaz.org/edtech/toturials/

THESE ARE REALLY AWESOME!

How do I sign up for a technology related class?

Educational Technology
Educational Technology provides a wide range of technology related classes. To see what is available, click here.

To register: Go to https://www.mpsprofdev.org/register/login_form.htm
Questions - Call Professional Development at x2-0388.

Where can I get a FREE copy of Microsoft Office to use at home?

MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR HOME
Have you requested your own copy of Office XP? There is a Mac version as well.

The district has purchased a license that allows MPS employees to have a copy Microsoft Office at home as well as at school. If you are interested in requesting Microsoft Office, visit http://intra.mpsaz.org/main/other_intra/license.html
Fill out the request form at: http://intra.mpsaz.org/main/other_intra/pdf/ms_license1.pdf

Where can I get a copy of Easy Grade Pro?

EASY GRADE PRO
At school, if you are using a PC, you can download a copy of Easy Grade Pro from the Shared drive by clicking here , or by going to the V:Program Installs folder. You will need the serial number: 81-305-2880-75535832.

If you are using a Mac or would like a copy of Easy Grade Pro to load at home, contact Matt Berzins at mdberzin@mpsaz.org and request a CD.

How can I import student records into my grade book?

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR IMPORTING STUDENTS INTO YOUR GRADEBOOK

First you will need to obtain data files for each of your classes. This data can be created from Genesis in the form of Tab delimited text files. Be sure that PopUps are enabled in your browser.

Log into GENESISrt! and go to the class you'd like to export.
Chose the "Execute Report" button.
Select Output Type: TXT and choose the report: STU810 Easy Grade Pro Extract
It may take a few minutes for your request to process.
When asked, "Are you sure you want to navigate away from this page?...", chose OK.
When asked, "Do you want to open or save this file?", chose Save.
Download and save the file to a location on your "u" drive (MyHome). Name the file something like "Period1 Data".
Repeat these steps for all of your classes.
NOW YOU ARE READY TO IMPORT THE NAMES INTO EASY GRADE PRO

Open EasyGradePro

Create New Grade book.

Save to U: drive

Click on Import Classes
(If you don't see this option, click Import from the File menu.)

Easy Import of Students


Type the name of the class and select Term 1

 

Select File that you want to import- Period 1 Data


Click Open

Type name format: Import from Genesis AND Identify Fields

Identify Fields
Joe
Smith
532466
Male
08
480-555-3563
2343 E. Bishop
Mesa
AZ
85207

First Name
Last Name
ID
Gender
Student Custom 1 (Custom 1)
Student Custom 2 (Custom 2)
Student Custom 3 (Custom 3)
Student Custom 4 (Custom 4)
Student Custom 5 (Custom 5)
Student Custom 6 (Custom 6)

<leave all other fields blank>

Click Next

Click Import Records, DONE-This will now import all your student information into your current class.

You can label your custom fields by double clicking on any student to get to this screen:

Type in the labels as listed above. You only need to do this once and it will change it for all the classes in your grade book.

 

To import the rest of your classes, Click Yes on "Would you like to import again?" (Or go to File, Import if you don't see this option). Repeat the steps on the previous page and select the appropriate period until you have all your students entered into your grade book.

Now you can easily use EasyGradePro to create your seating charts, take attendance and enter all of your grades. (Refer to http://www2.mpsaz.org/edtech/tutorials for the tutorial on using EasyGradePro Features or attend an additional workshop on "Using EasyGrade Pro Features")

How can I sync my Palm Pilot to my gradebook?

EGPclipboard

Orbis Software make a great little application designed to sync your Easy Grade Pro gradebook on your computer to your Palm PDA.

You will need to have your PDA, Hotsync cable/cradle, and software to have Mr. Inskeep load the application for you.

Contact Mr. Berzins for more information.

How do email progress reports from EasyGrade Pro?


First, you will need to enter parent email addresses for each student that you would like to have a progress report sent to. If your student names are already entered in EasyGrade Pro v4, follow these steps:

Click the Student tab
In the Email 1 field, enter the parent email address (if you have more than one address enter it in Email 2).
Next, you need to set up the program to send email from your MPS email address. Follow these steps in EasyGrade Pro v4:

Choose File > Email/Internet
In the Action field, choose ‘Email Student Reports'
Click the Options tab
Under Email Options, click the + sign next to Email Setup
Enter the following information:
Teacher Email: <username>@mpsaz.org
Teacher Name for Email: <enter your name>
SMTP (email) Server: smtp.mpsaz.org
Leave the check boxes unchecked and don't fill in a default domain address.
Your EasyGrade Pro gradebook is now set up to send email from your MPS email address.
To actually send the progress reports, you need to be in the Email/Internet window:

Choose File > Email/Internet
In the Action field, choose ‘Email Student Reports'
In the for field choose whether you want to sent to all the students in the Term, just the selected class, or individual students.
Under the Options tab in Report Options set up how you want your report to look.
Click the Send button in the lower left corner to send the email progress reports.

How do I check my email from school?

Simple! All you have to do is open a Web Browser (i.e. Internet Explorer) and point your browser to http://webmail there you simply enter your Username along with your Password and you're all set!

How do I check my email from Home?

This is quite simple. All you need to do is open a Web Browser (i.e. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Netscape, etc.) and point it to https://webmail.mpsaz.org. There may be a pop-up warning about the certificate being out of date, but pay no attention. Simply click okay and fill out the Login and Password forms and you are all set!

How can I change my email password?

WEBMAIL PASSWORDS

It is highly recommend that you change your default WebMail password as soon a possible.

To change your password, log into WebMail.

Click the 'Options' tab.
Click 'Account Management'
Enter the requested info then click the 'Chpass' button.


Where can I get information about how to use MPS Webmail?

WEBMAIL

For a Webmail user guide, click here.

How do I email the entire Fremont staff?

To email the whole staff you will need to set up an address in your address book for Fremont.

Click the Addresses tab.

Complete these fields as shown:

Nickname: Fremont
E-mail address: copy and paste from this list 
First name: Entire Fremont Staff or Teachers or Staff
Last name: leave blank
Additional info: leave blank


Click Add address.

Now, to send an email to the entire staff, when you compose a message, simply type 'Fremont' in the To: field.

What is the file server?

MYHOME ON FREMONTLAB SERVER
The Linux server is a computer with a large hard drive that has special software that allows us to set up accounts so users can save and transfer files. Each user has an account that they log into (teacher account usernames should match the email address that you have been assigned).

Please contact Matt Berzins if you need your MyHome account set up. He will need your email address and your last 4 digits of your social security number for your password.

How do I connect my computer to the file server?

Mapping Drives on a PC
Log-in to the computer with your username and password
Go to the desktop
Right-click on 'My Computer'. You'll get a menu like the one on the right.
Select 'Map Network Drive'
For 'MyHome' follow this guide and type in everything just like it is shown here:

For 'shared' follow this guide and type in everything just like it is shown here:
This will connect or reconnect you on any networked computer in the district!

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Mapping Drives on a MAC
Go to the Apple
and select 'Chooser'


In the Chooser:
Select 'AppleShare'
Click 'Server IP Address'
Type 'fremontlab' and click 'connect'

Log-in to the server with your username and password.

For 'MyHome' follow this guide and select everything just like it is shown here:

How do I log into the file server?

LOGGING IN TO THE FREMONTDATA FILE SERVER
User name is your email account. Usually it is your first initial, middle initial, and the first 6 letters of your last name.
Password is your last four digits of your social security number.*

What is the difference between the MyHome drive and the Shared drive?

Drives
U "My Home"
What is it: It is a drive on a server that is holding information for our school. Your files are not just on one isolated machine. If you sign on with your user name and password, you'll be able to access your information. Even though you might see a shortcut on any machine, only you can access your 'My Home' files.
Why: Provides access throughout school at any machine. You can also access your files throughout district. You are saving your information to the school's server. You can use your hard drive to back up your 'My Home' files.
Who: Everyone has a "MyHome" including students, teachers, administrators, but you can only save and access your information when you log in.

V "Shared"
What: Think of it as another section of the server that is holding information.
Who: It is accessible to all staff and students.
Only teachers can save information here. You have special privileges. ALL STUDENTS CAN ACCESS IT!
So What? You can save assignments, rubrics, and various other items there for your students to access. Once they use it, the original won't be altered because the students have to save it in their own "MyHome". Also, your whole class can access it at once.
Professional sharing: You can alter other teacher's work, so be careful. You may consider sharing your documents as 'templates' to avoid this.

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Students
All Fremont students will have a sign on to use with all of their classes. It simply looks like this: s102589. This is their student account number with an 'a', 'b', or 'c' in front of it.
The student password is 'fremont' unless it changed by student. Have students make a folder for your class. For instance if you are teaching Ms. Gratkins, have the students name their folder Gratkin's Science or something appropriate. This way they can keep their documents organized like their binders. J
Their account will remain the same for their 3 years with us at Fremont.
Teach ethics and be firm about it.

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Mapping Drives on a PC
Log-in to the computer with your username and password
Go to the desktop
Right-click on 'My Computer'. You'll get a menu like the one on the right.
Select 'Map Network Drive'
For 'MyHome' follow this guide and type in everything just like it is shown here:

For 'shared' follow this guide and type in everything just like it is shown here:
This will connect or reconnect you on any networked computer in the district!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mapping Drives on a MAC
Go to the Apple
and select 'Chooser'


In the Chooser:
Select 'AppleShare'
Click 'Server IP Address'
Type 'fremontlab' and click 'connect'

Log-in to the server with your username and password.

For 'MyHome' follow this guide and select everything just like it is shown here:

How do students log into the computer?

LOGGING STUDENTS IN TO THE COMPUTER
Students will log into windows using:

Username: student
Password: <blank>

Students will log into MyHome on the server using:

Username: a_ _ _ _ _ _ ('a', 'b' or 'c' followed by their 6 digit ID number)
Password: fremont (unless it has been changed by the student)

 

How do I sign up to use the computer labs?

SIGNING UP FOR THE COMPUTER LABS
You can sign up by going to the Shared Drive (V: Drive) and accessing the 96 Lab master calendar or the 204 Lab master calendar schedule in the All Staff Folder from any PC on campus.
PC Lab: V:All Staff96 Lab.xls

PC Lab: V:All Staff204 Lab.xls
To sign up for your class to come in to the lab:
Open the calendar for the lab you wish to sign up for from the V:All Staff folder on a PC
Click on the date you want to come to the lab.
Type the periods you will need and your last name.
Save the calendar.
For those of you who are unable to use the calendars, you can call/email Carlene Olmsted (2-8338 csoolmst@mpsaz.org).
When you schedule a lab time, please know that Matt Berzins will be glad to help you plan your technology-based activity and make sure that Ms. Olmsted is available to assist you in the lab. Please don't hesitate to get a hold of him with your ideas (mdberzin@mpsaz.org).

What should I do before I bring my students to a lab?

BEFORE COMING TO THE LAB:
Show the students the "How to Use the Computer Lab " slideshow located on the 'Shared' drive.
Go over the rules for using the lab with your classes the day before you go.
Make a seating chart and go over it with each class at least one day prior to going to the lab. Think carefully about where to seat students who need extra attention.
Prepare a method for students to indicate that they are having trouble or need help. Red cups work nicely for this.
If you are using the Internet be sure to go over rules for Internet use and make sure your students have permission to be on-line. Check their ID's for the letter I under their grade level and mark it on your seating chart. (NEVER let students 'free-surf' the net!)
Always preview websites before letting your students on the Internet

What do I do if I need to change my scheduled lab time?

If you plan to change your plans, please take your name off the master calendar so someone else can use the lab.

Go to the Shared Drive (V: Drive) and accessing the 96 Lab master calendar or the 204 Lab master calendar schedule in the All Staff Folder from any PC on campus.
PC Lab: V:All Staff96 Lab.xls

PC Lab: V:All Staff204 Lab.xls

What helpful tips are there for using the lab with my students?

Other reminders:
If a computer is giving a student trouble, just 'Restart' it. It will boot up 'fresh'.
Between classes, students should 'Restart' their computers.
Please check the equipment in the lab before your next class comes in or before you leave for the day.
Always leave the lab cleaner than you found it.
If you are the last class to use the lab for the day, have the students 'Shut Down' all the computers.
Don't's.
Don't send students to the Computer Lab unattended or with a substitute teacher.
If you are going to be absent on a day you scheduled the lab, then cancel that activity and reschedule.
Don't leave your class alone in the lab or grade papers. It is important that you circulate in the lab. This will keep the lab in good working order and your students focused on their tasks. MONITOR, MONITOR, MONITOR!
Don't allow students to bring food, drink, or gum into the lab.

 

What technology equipment can I check out?

EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT
We have projector carts, document cameras, and TV with DVD/VCR combo that can be checked out through AV.

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Digital Cameras

Mavica Digital Camera
Brand Sony Mavica
Barcode
This is a great camera for class projects and student use. Pass out floppy disks to the students and then let them use the camera to take pictures for their projects. When they are done, they simple eject the disk, pass the camera to the next student, and they are ready to load the pictures from the floppy.

How do I check out a projector cart?

EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT

IA sign-out log for reserving equipment through the Technology and AV department in the shared drive next to the work orders' log. Please refer to it for the availability of the particular piece of equipment you wish to sign out. All equipments for sign out are not necessarily on this sign out log due to their infrequent use. Please contact the Technology and AV department for signing out all equipment. If there is a conflict with reserving a particular piece of equipment, please contact Carlene so that we can find a solution that works for everyone. Signing equipment out is for a max of two week.

How do I order a video from Ed TV?

DISTRICT VIDEO ORDER PROCEDURES

Click on WebMax PC for PC or WebMax Mac for Mac
Type in user number as your first initial and last name (ex. cmiller)
Type in password as edtv
You will then be prompted to change your password at that time. You must do so in order to activate your log in.
If completed successfully, you will see the search page. Check the school location for shipment to be sure it is correct.
On the left side of the screen, under catalog, you will see a browse button. Click on this to browse the entire selection, or you will find options to search by grade level or subject.
This is very quick and easy once you are all signed up!!!! If you have any questions, give Ed TV a call at x2-8362.

How do I use Britannica Online encyclopedia?

You will notice the Study Dog icon on the homepage. When you click the icon you will get a pop-up window with MPS selected resources: calculators, encyclopedias, dictionaries, news magazines, newspapers, mapping sites, and search engines. In itself, there are some pretty cool things there, but I'd really like to highlight the Britannica Online encyclopedia (see the image below).

Your students may log in to this from home or school. Username: mps4 Password: search

There are many tools to take advantage of on the Britannica Online site, but for now, notice the search results options that you get. You can get information written at HS, Middle School, or Elementary levels. This is a great substitute for having your students look up possibly inaccurate information on Wikipedia! Articles come supported with images, video clips, and even how to cite the page in MLA or APA format at the bottom!

 

Once you have been thoroughly WOWed by the search feature, you may want to click the "Learning Materials" tab at the top of the page. There are some incredible resources for Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Math.

Some other cool features to check out on the Britannica Online site include:

Annals of American History (from 1493-2008) www.america.eb.com
World Data Analyst (study and compare countries around the world) www.world.eb.com
Enciclopedia Univeral en Español www.spanish.eb.com