computerdisc-l: ?????

[Cynthia Kahler <kahler@watervalley.net>]

A few days with no one asking a question - so here goes.  I never run out 
of questions.

How do you get through the day with databases and spreadsheets?

I find the Horizons book, in addition to being worthless as far as 
durability, very hard for students to follow.  I ususally try to do the 
lesson out loud, adding to it and explaining WHAT they or doing and WHY 
they are doing it as the book just says DO IT.  I have them look through 
the menu for something that looks like it is the right command.  They then 
do the OYO by themselves.  This works wonderfully for many students. 
 However, as we know, 8th graders don't all listen.  But the time I'm to 
step (2) a few  people have tuned in - by the time I'm on step (3) a few 
more - by the time I'm to the end I'm exhausted.  The "listeners" do 
wonderfully .  The "nonlisteners" I have to refer to the book, but often 
they won't read either.  (My students tell me I need an assistant - 
sometimes I agree).  Sometimes by the end of the day, I am absolutely 
exhausted and totally frustrated.  How do you do it?????

I find that only my best students can really read, follow the directions, 
and comprehend the whats and whys.  But many of my slower students won't 
listen either.  I keep preaching that using the computer is 99% "following 
directions".

Suggestions???

Cynthia Kahler
Oxford Middle School