File Saving Options for Teachers:

Most school computer networks contain multiple storage places where teachers can save their files. These “places” are called directories . The four main directories on a school network where teachers can save their files are:

C:\ My Documents
H:\ Home Directory
K:\ Share
X:\ Building DataExchange

Let’s take a quick look at each type of directory.

C:\ My Documents

C:\ is considered a local directory because it is located inside the workstation you are using.
My Documents is a folder on the C:\ directory where most people arrange saved files. Many people create multiple folders in My Documents to better organize files.

To save a file to C:\ My Documents:

1. Launch the software application you would like to use. i.e. (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint
2. Click >>File>> New or Open a document you have already created
3. Click >>File>> SAVE AS
   The SAVE AS Dialog box will pop up.
4. Click on the drop down arrow in the Save in box and Choose My Documents from the drop down list
5. Click SAVE
   
   Note: Your computer is intuitive and will assume the most recent folder used as destination for saving is the folder you want to save to. My Documents may be already selected for you. If it is not follow Step #4.
   
   
   Some teachers use C:\My Documents as a folder to save documents.
   However, saving files to your C:\ My Documents: is not recommended because:

• Files saved here are only accessible from the computer they are saved on. You have to physically be at the computer to retrieve those files
• Computer hard drives crash and computers get replaced. Files not backed up on disk are lost
• Files are unable to be shared with colleagues

Saving to the school network

Most school districts have the same type of directories as below but may use a different letter for its directory location.

Here are the three network directories a teacher may save files.

H:\ Home Directory
K:\ Share
X:\ Building DataExchange

Your H:\ Home Directory:

• is on the school network but is your private drive that can be read and accessed by only you
• can be accessed from any district computer you log into
• is signified by H:\ Your User Name
  

To save a file to H:\ Home Directory:

1. Launch the software application you would like to use. i.e. (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint)
2. Click >>File>> New or Open a document you have already created.
3. Click >>File>> SAVE AS
   The SAVE AS Dialog box will pop up.
4. Click on the drop down arrow in the Save in box and Choose H:\ Home Directory
   from the drop down list.
5. Click SAVE

Note: If you have already created folders in H:\ Home Directory and would like to save to a specific folder click H:\ Home Directory and choose a folder to save to.

X:\ Building DataExchange

People who teach the same subjects sometimes collaborate when creating curriculum.

Characteristics of the X:\ Building DataExchange:

• It is a directory specifically for saving and sharing files within your building.
• Folders in this directory are usually labeled by department.
• Multiple teachers can access open, and use a file in class at the same time from different classrooms
• Documents can be modified by any teacher and saved to the X:\Building DataExchange
• Students do not have access.
• You can access this directory from any district computer you log into.
  

To save a file to X:\ Building DataExchange:

1. Launch the software application you would like to use. i.e. (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint)
2. Click >>File>> New or Open a document you have already created.
3. Click >>File>> SAVE AS
   The SAVE AS Dialog box will pop up.
4. Click on the drop down arrow in the Save in box and Choose X:\ Building DataExchange from the drop down list.
   Note: If there is a specific folder in the X:\ Building DataExchange you would like click X:\ DataExchange and choose a folder to save to
5. Click SAVE
   

The K:\ Share network directory is great for sharing work with students and colleagues across the district.

Characterisitics of the K:\Share directory:

• It has folders designated by district buildings
• Files saved here can be read by anyone who opens your document.
• Only you can modify your documents saved to a folder on K:\ Share unless someone else is given permission.
• Users can SAVE AS a copy of your document to their home directory.
• You can access K:\ Share at any district computer you log into.
  

To save a file to K:\ Share:

1. Launch the software application you would like to use. i.e. (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint)
2. Click >>File>> New or Open a document you have already created.
3. Click >>File>> SAVE AS
   The SAVE AS Dialog box will pop up.
4. Click on the drop down arrow in the Save in box and Choose K:\ Share: from the drop down list.
5. Click SAVE
   

Note: If there is a specific folder in K:\ Share you would like click H:\ Home Directory and choose a folder to save to

If you only want to share files with people within your building the K:\ Share is not recommended.
If you would like to share only with colleagues in your building save to the X:\ Building DataExchange