There are about five shortcuts that I think are the best for productivity. This can assist you in the classroom and make your life a little easier. They are listed below with examples of how to use them:
1. Command Tab: Hold on the Command key and hit Tab. This will show all the applications you have open. Continue to hit Tab until the white box is around the application you want to use, then let go of both keys. The chosen application will be moved so you can easily access it.
2. Expose: This is different for different computer models, but can be changed. Using either the F9 or F3 key, you can see every document, application, and window that is open and running on your computer. If neither of those keys work, use the Expose and Spaces area in System Preferences to set it up. Choose the key you prefer where it says "All Windows."
3. Show Desktop: Use the function and F11 key at the same time. Again, if your settings do not allow this function, just change it in System Preferences where it says "Show Desktop."
4. Increase screen size: Command +. This will make your screen size larger so you can zoom in on one area. Decrease by using Command -.
5. Quick View: At some time, you'll get to the point where you have so many documents that you're not sure which one is which. Using the Finder menu, you can easily view documents before they're open. Click on the document you'd like to preview, then click the spacebar. A temporary window appears. (See below)
You can preview the document, then click on the spacebar again to close out.
Habits are formed through repetition. Throughout this week, try these shortcuts regularly until that habit is established, then venture to the Apple Mac OS X Keyboard Shortcuts linked above or look for continued posts to this blog for more ideas.
