How to finally get comfortable with your computer

Here's down-to-earth advice from a trainer who knows to make technology work fo teachers: 31 practical tips to take you from the basics to beyond!

"Don't turn off the computer--and don't anyone trip over this cord!" When teacher Connie Dumas was a computer novice and still not sure how to save a fil on a disk, that was her typical end-of-the-day directive to her fifth graders a Bell Elementary School in Indianapolis, Indiana. It worked, too--although Connie's students ultimately produced one of the longest stories ever, as each child added on to the single file.

Connie no longer creates running documents rather than saving files on disk (although she still admits to a little panic: "When I take out the disk, I want to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the file is saved--so my hard drive is real crowded!"). As a participant in the Science, Math and Technology Academy (SMTA), a program that trains Indianapolis teachers to be leaders and resources in their schools, Connie has since "gobbled up" all the computer information sh can get her hands on. "Children will have to be able to use technology to survive," she says. "And I'm not doing my job if I'm not preparing them to operate in this society."

To help you make the leap that Connie made, Instructor asked SMTA director Billie Moore--herself a former teacher--for her best advice on getting started with classroom technology. Billie's tips will help you increase your comfort level with computers--and that's the first step toward using them successfully. Because whether you have the latest equipment or an older computer, the key is "getting on and using it," says Billie. "The more you use what you have, the more you'll discover other uses."

Getting Started: Five Easy Steps

Begin with this simple walk-through.

1. Meet your components. You don't need to know exactly how your TV works to turn it on, right? It's no different with a computer. But it does help to be familiar with a few basic parts: your monitor (the screen), console or CPU (the brains of the computer), disk drive (where you insert the disk), keyboard, and printer.

2. Follow the wires. If someone else set up your computer for you, take a few minutes now to follow the wires. Examine each connection: from keyboard and printer to computer ports; printer and computer to electrical socket; and so on How many plugs do you have? What's not plugged in (for example, a modem or a microphone)?

3. Distinguish hard from soft. Learn the difference between hardware and software. Hardware refers to the components you met in step 1, plus other equipment you plug into the computer to do different things--a modem, a scanner and so on. Software refers to the programs that make the computer do the work you want it to do. Chances are your computer came with system software (which directs the computer to run other software, print, make files, and so on) installed. Word processors, graphics programs, games, and so on are usually separate software for you to choose and use. 4. Learn how to save. Make Save on of the first things you learn how to do--and do it often! Post a five-minute reminder and how-to steps on a sticky note near the computer screen. Avoid the disaster of "I forgot to save!" (after exiting a program) by naming files immediately. When you exit, the computer will remind you to save again.

5. Give yourself time to play around. "Beyond learning the basics, more trainin is not always the answer to feeling more comfortable with technology," says Billie. "You just have to take time to learn."

So Now What Do You Do With It?

Fun First Projects

Now that you're ready to use your computer, you may still be wondering what to do with it. How do you integrate it with your teaching? The best approach is to think about what you want to do in your classroom, then find out how technology can help. As you build on one area--for example, writing--you can branch out an try something new. The programs listed on pages 74 and 75 will give you an idea of the possibilities. Meanwhile, here are four simple starter projects.

1. Name those fonts. Get comfortable with your word processor. How many different fonts and type sizes are available? Invite each child to select a fon and size, type in his or her name using that selection, then type in the font name/type size, for example: Natalie-Helvetica 12 pt. (Children can scroll through previous entries to avoid duplications.) Print out and post on tag-boar near the computer. Children can refer to the chart to select fonts and type sizes more easily than by looking at the menu bar.

2. Send home a newsletter. Give kids a real audience for their writing and take your word-processing skills a little further by publishing a simple class newsletter for parents. Programs like The Children's Writing and Publishing Center (The Learning Company) make it easy. This one sets up a two-column newsletter for you and even comes with preformatted headlines. (You can create your own, too.) Use the mini-menu to add graphics and select fonts.

3. Put journals on disk. If your students keep journals, try a computer version Each child gets a personal disk. You won't have to lug notebooks around--and your students will probably enjoy the change of pace. 4. Dig into databases. Develop databases for students to explore--and discover how they can work for you, too. Staff by setting up a database about the class. Include fields for Names and other information students can input about themselves, such as Height Favorite Food, Pet, Hero. Have students enter information and then make comparisons. Invite them to suggest other things to classify. You'll find that any information can be organized in a database. Use a database yourself to keep your class list and schedule. No more erasures and cross-outs--just delete and insert. You'll have a clean, readable list every time!

Making the Most of Your Computer

EIght Small Steps to Big Payoffs

Here are some simple but effective things you can do to guarantee computer success in your classroom.

1. Include kids in technology training workshops. They live in the world of technology. Your in-class experts can help teach their classmates and offer support if technical problems occur.

2. Make sure you have a manual for all software you use. Lab-packs may only com with a few manuals, so you may want to purchase extras.

3. Listen to your students. They'll let you know what they want to be able to d with technology. Together, see if you can figure out how.

4. Lobby to have computers in classrooms instead of a lab. More kids are likely to have greater access, even if you only have one computer per class.

5. Hook your computer up to a TV screen for large-group activities. All it take is a cable (available for a few dollars from electronics stores) to engage your whole class. Children love to take turns typing and take extra pride (and care) in work that appears on the TV screen.

6. If you have a computer at home, use compatible programs. Instead of carting stacks of papers back and forth, you can carry disks. And any preparation you d at home can be easily accessed on your classroom computer. If your home compute is an altogether different breed, look into purchasing a utility that converts files, like MacLink Plus (Data-Viz, [800] 733-0030), which bridges the Macintos and DOS worlds.

7. Use the computer to make more information accessible to students. Even young children can use CD-ROMs, which hold vast quantities of information. If you hav access to a network, kids can easily search on-line libraries.

8. Most importantly, watch your students at work on the computer. They get on, explore, and understand--and the next thing you know, they're technology literate. You will be, too!

Troubleshooting: What to Do If...

Common Sense Solutions to Common Problems

1. You turn on your computer but nothing happens. Check connections. As Billie has noticed, "Some people just forget to plug it in!"

2. Your screen is dark even though the computer is turned on. If you have a separate monitor, check the connections and make sure the switch is on. Still dark? Check the screen's brightness control.

3. You move the mouse but the pointer doesn't move on the screen. Check to see if the mouse is plugged in to the keyboard.

4. A file is missing. Use the Find File option to locate lost files. Check to see if a file has been saved in the application folder. If your computer usuall shows files as icons, try displaying files by name instead.

5. The disk won't eject. Billie has her own technique for dislodging disks but she suggests you call for help. Sometimes what works best is turning off the computer then restarting while holding down the mouse clicker.

6. You have a problem in an application. Don't forget the Help window. It's lik an instant manual on-screen--just select the topic you need.

7. You have trouble making a telecommunications connection. You'd be surprised at how many people forget to plug in the phone from the modern to the jack. Check to see that phone lines are working properly, too.

8. Nothing seems to work. Some problems can be solved by just quitting the application and starting over. First, if possible, save anything you're working on.

9. When all else fails. Know the technical-support numbers for your hardware an software, and have them at home, too--manufacturers often offer evening technical support. Make a note of what your were doing and any messages that appeared on your screen when the problem occurred.

Expanding Your Computer Corner?

Five Ways to Get More Equipment

You know how important grants can be in meeting your technology needs. (See Instructor's "You Can Get Grants!" July/August 1994, for more information.) Consider these other easy options, as well:

1. Ask for hand-me-downs. Local businesses and institutions often keep up with the latest technology--and their old equipment has to go somewhere. It could be your classroom!

2. And ask for dollars, too. Many companies set aside funds for education. Writ letters asking what they'd fund, then structure your request accordingly.

3. Get friendly with your phone company. Money, equipment, and support for technology is often available to teachers from the "Baby Bells."

4. Look for school editions. When you purchase new software, call the publisher to find out if a school edition is available. For a little more money, you can get teaching guides and support materials to expand and extend the use of the program.

5. Hold a software swap. Invite colleagues to get together to share software fo which you have site licenses. Programs are often easily adapted to grades other than the ones specified. Multiply what you have access to by sharing across grades.

JOAN NOVELLI, a former teacher, is a contributing editor to Instructor.

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