When teaching a computer program.....
When I teach a program I always start with quick keys (hot-keys, short cuts). This way I can show them how to fully use the program.
I selected this topic because you would have to be very knowledgeable about computer program. That I am not. Therefore the chaining effect would not work in the classroom for me.I instruct the students in the manner that I would like to be taught. I start at the beginning and work in sequence until I get to the final solution. In Nursing, which I teach, it is not practical to teach in the backward training sequence. Therefore I quess you have come to the conclusion that I don't teach computer program and will never attempt to. I can teach the basic but it will be straight forward.
When teaching a computer program, the instructor should take into consideration the program being taught and if prerequisites were required. If this is a beginner's level of software, then teaching a few basic steps would be helpful. However, if this is not a beginner's class and a certain level of knowledge is required to take the course, then the instructor should teach the program - not a refresher of what the student "should" already know, you will lose the interest of your students from the start. Having a hand-out of "quick keys" and "short cuts" would be more efficient ....the student will have a reference for all future computer classes.
When teaching in a lab setting I try to start the class out with stretching activities.
Raymond,
I'm not sure I quite understand your comment here. What types of techniques are you referring to?
Lou Russell
You hit the nail on the head on that one.
Andres -
I'll bet this is a fun way to learn; kind of like knowing the secrets which would really motivate students.
Lou Russell
