Re: computerdisc-l: FW: MicroType

[Cassandra Stevens <cas@olemiss.edu>]

We use MicroType MultiMedia.  We haven't had any problems with Numeric Keyboarding.
We use a Windows NT 4.0 server with client machines using Windows 2000 Professional .  We run the application from the individual stations, but save the student information and preferences to the server.  We have loved it just as much as the old version (MicroType Pro), except I think there there are networking issues to be worked out .  Not all of the students names appear on the teacher's student roster for final updates.  Another issue is unless the teachers options are set prior to the students using the software or the first time "Skillbuilder for Accuracy Lesson A" and Skillbuilder for Speed Lesson A" get "flip flopped" leading the students to believe that they have lost work that they have already completed when the work's really then just on the other version of Skillbuilder, or if could be due to the computer saving the preference of the last student using that particular machine who happened to be working on Accuracy, not Speed.

The way I spread MicroType MultiMedia (keyboarding) our over the year is:
1st 9weeks - Alphabetic Keyboarding Lessons 1-20  (some Century 21 for reinforcement, if                                                                                             needed)
2nd 9weeks - Numeric Keyboarding Lessons1-16 & Numeric Keypad 1-4 (Introduce                                                                                                 Diagnostic Writings CWAM, 20=100)
3rd weeks - Skillbuilder with Emphasis on Accuracy Lesson A-T (continue with Diagnostic                                                                                             Writings, CWAM, 25=100)
4th  9weeks -Skillbuilder with Emphasis on Speed Lessons A-T (continue with Diagnostic                                                                                                 Writings, CWAM, 35=100)

I changed the order so the Accuracy is emphasized first over Speed even though the program has Speed is first.  I have learned that eliminating the errors early has been the the best method.  Speed with come to the student over time.  Plus this is just the keyboarding aspect of the curriculum. 

We also use a great computer application book by Halvorson called Microsoft Works 2000 by Thomson Publishing which fits our new curriculum and the version of  MS Works we have.  Also, if you prefer Word, the book give you the option.  But my next goal it to start having assessments that do not involve the Internet, but the resource disk that came with the book give me the ability to create tests and post them the to our fairly reliable server.  Imagine...multple versions of test, complete test security, immediate grades, non-traditional assessment at its finest.  Now watch the electricity be out that day...

Sincerely
Cassandra Stevens
Oxford Middle School


Robin Parker wrote:

This is a message from Patti Flint.  She was unable to post it on the
listserv, so I posted it for her 

Hope you all can help,
Robin

-----Original Message-----
From: pflint@panola.com [mailto:pflint@panola.com] 
Sent: Friday, November 14, 2003 11:13 AM
To: rab3@ra.msstate.edu
Subject: MicroType


Robin,

I don't have the listserv address here.  I was wondering if you had
heard any complaints on the new version of MicroType.  We didn't have
any trouble until we got to Numeric Keyboarding.  Many students are
saying they are completing the Build Skill area but one of their
paragraphs does show on the lesson report.  I know they are bound to be
doing something wrong but I am at a loss for the answer.

Patti