http://mike-cannon.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
mike-cannon.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2008-02-05 12:51 am
mike-cannon.livejournal.com) wrote in fandomhigh2008-02-05 12:51 am
Entry tags:
Basic Computing Class #5 [Tuesday, Period 3, 2/5]
The class was meeting back in the computer lab again, and this week they were all using Windows XP workstations. "I'm going to start by telling you that today's subject may not necessarily apply to all of you," started Mike, totally not looking at Cimorene if she was there.
"But I would be completely remiss if I did not discuss word processing software," he went on to say. "Word processing is using a computer to create, edit and print documents. Your alternatives to using a computer to create and edit documents is to copy them by hand or use a typewriter, but the computer gives you the advantage of being able to correct mistakes without starting over. Also, the word processor lets you copy, paste, format, and move text around. This can be a really useful tool for your academic career."
Mike quickly glanced at the students to make sure that they were still with him, stopping to answer questions before continuing. "Speaking of tools, let's take a look at the basic ones. To create a document, you're going to need a computer with word processing software. For today's class, we'll be using Microsoft Word since that is the most frequently used program." Mike demonstrated how to open Word, then instructed the students to type a few sentences and walked them through saving the document. "Now, when you've gotten that part, we'll need one extra piece of hardware, a printer to print out your document," he said, walking over to the lab's laser printer. He gave them instructions on how to print out documents from Word, then printed something out from his own workstation to demonstrate.
"Right there, ladies and gentleman, you have the basics of using a word processor. If you feel like working with something a little more advanced, I have additional information about other word processor alternatives to Word," said Mike. "Like everything Microsoft makes, they're going to charge you quite a bit to buy their software. If you really don't need to use their format, you can try out Open Office, which is a free download and works on both the PC and Mac. Another neat alternative is Google Docs, which is also free to use but is web-based. We will be covering the World Wide Web in a later class, so don't panic if you don't understand what that means," he was quick to add. "As for Mac-based programs, there's Pages if you just need basic word-processing. The problem with most alternatives is that nearly everyone you know will be using Word, and if you need to share a document, you may have to do some work to get your alternative word processor to open something saved in Word format, but it is something you can do."
"Okay, that seems like a good place for me to stop for today," said Mike. "Your assignment for today is to type up a basic one paragraph document, save it, and print it out. The subject really doesn't matter since I just want you to get some practice with working with the computers. I'll be around if you need any help, and you can definitely see me in my office hours on Monday if you have any more questions."
[Credit goes to the awesome people behind Webopedia for actually describing word processors in basic terms and Lifehacker for just generally making my life easier. OCD upshortly.]
"But I would be completely remiss if I did not discuss word processing software," he went on to say. "Word processing is using a computer to create, edit and print documents. Your alternatives to using a computer to create and edit documents is to copy them by hand or use a typewriter, but the computer gives you the advantage of being able to correct mistakes without starting over. Also, the word processor lets you copy, paste, format, and move text around. This can be a really useful tool for your academic career."
Mike quickly glanced at the students to make sure that they were still with him, stopping to answer questions before continuing. "Speaking of tools, let's take a look at the basic ones. To create a document, you're going to need a computer with word processing software. For today's class, we'll be using Microsoft Word since that is the most frequently used program." Mike demonstrated how to open Word, then instructed the students to type a few sentences and walked them through saving the document. "Now, when you've gotten that part, we'll need one extra piece of hardware, a printer to print out your document," he said, walking over to the lab's laser printer. He gave them instructions on how to print out documents from Word, then printed something out from his own workstation to demonstrate.
"Right there, ladies and gentleman, you have the basics of using a word processor. If you feel like working with something a little more advanced, I have additional information about other word processor alternatives to Word," said Mike. "Like everything Microsoft makes, they're going to charge you quite a bit to buy their software. If you really don't need to use their format, you can try out Open Office, which is a free download and works on both the PC and Mac. Another neat alternative is Google Docs, which is also free to use but is web-based. We will be covering the World Wide Web in a later class, so don't panic if you don't understand what that means," he was quick to add. "As for Mac-based programs, there's Pages if you just need basic word-processing. The problem with most alternatives is that nearly everyone you know will be using Word, and if you need to share a document, you may have to do some work to get your alternative word processor to open something saved in Word format, but it is something you can do."
"Okay, that seems like a good place for me to stop for today," said Mike. "Your assignment for today is to type up a basic one paragraph document, save it, and print it out. The subject really doesn't matter since I just want you to get some practice with working with the computers. I'll be around if you need any help, and you can definitely see me in my office hours on Monday if you have any more questions."
[Credit goes to the awesome people behind Webopedia for actually describing word processors in basic terms and Lifehacker for just generally making my life easier. OCD up
Re: Sign In [2/5]
Re: Sign In [2/5]