Developing Basic Computer Competency

Computer Literacy Tutorials

Following are links to tutorials and other guides to help anyone learn the basics of word processing, database management, spreadsheets, presentations, and more:

Editorial: There is no longer any excuse for any elected officials (on a city, county, state, or federal level), teachers, members of the local Boards of Education, principals or school superintendents, regents of the State University system, not to have some computer literacy and some reasonable level of Internet proficiency. Without this hands-on background they are ill prepared for a leadership role in the 21st Century. The equipment has been around too long; access to the Internet is reasonably priced, and all the information they need is freely available in Cyberspace. If they do not have these modest skills they are short-changing themselves, their profession, and their constituencies. --- jcs

Tutorials on the Basics

The College of Education of the University of Western Florida has developed 21 Technology Tutorials that introduce the basics of computer competency. The tutorials include: Computer Basics, Word Processors, Data Base, Spreadsheets, Desktop Publishing, PowerPoint, Internet, and Web Based Instruction. Other tutorials deal with the use of computers in the classroom as well as related hardware (Scanners, Digital Camera, for example). [NOTE: Unfortunately some of the links for further reference listed at the end of the file are out of date. We will attempt to provide alternate links over the summer.]

Bookmark Technology Tutorials

Word Processing Tutorials

See the Technology Tutorials mentioned above

School PC Australia introduces basic word processing skills of cutting, pasting and moving words.

Tutorials on Word Processing, the Internet and E-Mail can be found at Penn State On-Lone Tutorials Home Page

Database Tutorials

See the Technology Tutorials mentioned above

Spreadsheet Tutorials

See the Technology Tutorials mentioned above

Presentation Tutorials

See the Technology Tutorials mentioned above

The $10 Software Solution

Incorporating Computers in the Classroom -- An Introduction

The State of North Carolina already requires teachers to develop basic computer related skills. The State Board of Education, in March 1996, approved two sets of competencies for all NC in service educators "as part of the five year cycle for license renewal".
In-service trainers of other school districts should be able to develop their own sample text and data following the examples at Technology Competencies. Click on both Basic and Advanced, and also Self-Assessment Tool.

Also see Technology Tutorials developed by Western Carolina University College of Education and Allied Professions. Click on WCU Online Tutorials and for additional help click on Technology Resources.

As an example of the use of the Internet to provide tutorials and teacher aids see Technology & Education via the World Wide Web Louisiana Energy Conservation Enhancement Project developed with the University of Southwestern Louisiana has developed 134 educational lessons on 14 energy conservation curriculum guides.

SchoolPC Australia targets articles on the use of the computer to teachers, educators, parents and students

Some Representative Models of the Use of Computers in the Classroom

Editorial:There is hardly anyone who is satisfied with our present system of public education (though I think those who constantly cry "failure" should remember that this system, however flawed, is the one which contributed to the United States becoming the preeminent power at the end of the 20th Century).
I believe that a significant part of the problem is the inadequacy of a teacher-centric, essentially 19th Century, model of instruction. It seems to work for 60% to 75% of students but loses the rest.
A model based on small group, project-oriented learning works very well for adults, why would it not work just as well for primary and secondary school students? And now I discover that it does.

Explore The Global Schoolhouse site and see just how well Project-Based Learning can succeed. See the chart comparing "Old School" vs. "New School" , and the Introduction to Project-Based Learning.

Then spend some time investigating the topics in an extensive chart for Teachers and Parents.

You'll be amazed.

The Individual Study Skill Development Model

The Team Project Model

The Exploratorium Model

The Museum Model

The Special Exhibits Model

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