|
|
|||||||||
|
Students of all ages and ethnicities work
with Computers for Klutzes® texts. Available in English
… Disponible
en español … Palabra Procesamiento Destreza Destrezas
básicas para usar la Computadora e Internet Contact us … |
Advance Review Academicians are noted for their deviation from well worn paths. The author of these books is no exception. He uses simple language that is archaic when compared with today’s reliance on acronyms, unpronounceable letter groups, and other “in” modes of expression so popular with our “techie” generation. He explains how to do something with a computer in every day language that sometimes reminds one of conversations that took place before the time when computers became a household appliance. These books present the material in assimilatable steps that work, steps that work like cooking recipe cards … they are simple procedures that when followed precisely produce wanted results. Each task is broken into simple steps that are presented in a tabular form which leads the learner through complex processes one action at a time. Richmond takes care of learners who cannot handle the ubiquitous mouse because of shaky hands or eye-hand coordination problems that belie this instrument’s “people friendly” reputation. The author has uncovered ways to utilize the keyboard to overcome mouse handling problems. To many older adults just knowledge of how to make the computer work with familiar typing techniques helps them put their learning efforts into understanding the more foreign workings of computer programs. Richmond has the learner work through tasks that demonstrate his recommended methods for producing tangible results. Word processing lessons have the student type short paragraphs and documents. In later steps these pieces are put where they can be kept until wanted again. These same pieces are called in, altered, and returned to storage. In the Familiarization course the learner is lead through the maze of setting up and using an email account. Once this account is activated it is used to send and receive email. The reader is not just left there to flounder or noodle his/her way through how best to use this communication utility. He/she learns about many of the features of a good program that will make sending and receiving messages less intimidating. In the Internet course one learns that Internet can lead you to almost boundless information. Easy ways to find what you are looking for are presented gradually to keep a learner’s progress moving but moving at a speed that will be comfortable for the older adult. Again, Richmond employs techniques that involve the learner and give him/her hands on experience. Practise eases the person into becoming facile with what could be an overwhelming experience. Imagine searching 300 million places to find a recipe for borscht? Can I get my grandson’s telephone number at college? How can I find a ticket to the concert next week in ____________? Or, what exhibits will be shown at the Dallas Museum of Art when I visit there during the next couple of weeks? Once I find them, do I have to spend all that time to find these answers again? These questions and many more are answers in simple, understandable ways. Richmond presents this complicated topic at a reasonable
pace for most adults. A trip
through one of these tomes is well worth the effort. It may help you to be less afraid of
becoming adventuresome and more willing to challenge the computer and its
capabilities. |
||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
