computerdisc-l: GETTING THROUGH DATABASES AND SPREADSHEETS

[Abwms68@aol.com]

In reference to a question asked on 1/27 by Cynthia Kahler--

Well--I agree that the Horizons book is worthless as far as durability.  This
is our first year to use them and probably 1/4 of the books already have a
page or two torn out of them and many more pages are partially torn.  

Some of the directions are kind of confusing.  If they are good readers--I
agree they do well.  Some of the lessons are done out loud but the computer
literate students get bored and want to work on ahead--which we let them do to
some extent.  The average students ask more questions and move slower, and the
slower students are often lost.  I have most of my special services students
in one class and I do try and walf them through the lessons.  It has helped
somewhat.  My special services students all can read but can't process what
they are to do most of the time.  But--I must give them credit--sometimes they
try harder than the average students.

I will go over things several times but I do refer them back to the book after
I have said the same thing 100 times.  Often I do give them the page number to
look back at.  If I didn't they probably wouldn't read it either.  I do have
one class that does tell me that I need an assistant--I could have used one
today!!

At times I begin to get frustrated--but when that begins to happen I often try
to change the pace and do a little something different for a little
while--keyboarding drill, journal entry, or something along that line.  

I do stress the "following directions" part of it.  Sometimes I have to make
myself not give in and make them read the directions aloud to me and sit there
and watch them do it.  More one on one is needed but so hard to give all of
the time.  PATIENCE--is preached (on everyones part)!!!