Mary Mingle - mingles@sunlink.net

Integrating Computer Literacy into ABE

Develop a plan of action for ways to develop computer literacy skills with ABE students.

Parts 1 & 2 - List of computer literacy skills to be acquired by the ABE student and

List of Activities Needed to Integrate Skills

A. Basic Computer Functions

Introduction to the parts of the computer

Use of keyboard, mouse, printer, drives, disks and CDs

Proper care and handling of computer hardware

B. Navigation Through an Operating System (O/S) - Windows 95

Use of the mouse

Locating, opening, closing files

Resizing and scrolling windows

How to save a document, name a file

Use of the recycle bin

How to run an application

C. Word Processing

What is it?

Keyboarding - basic keys

How to identify and open a WP application

How to create a new document

Word processing basics: page setup, setting fonts, margins

Selecting and manipulating text: inserting, deleting, cut/copy, paste

How to format a document and preview

Saving and/or printing (setting print parameters)

D. Spreadsheet/Database (optional: depending on student goals)

What are they? How are they used?

How to identify and open a database/spreadsheet application

How to create a new database/spreadsheet

How to add/delete information, format charts, spreadsheets, formulas, etc.

Saving and/or printing

E. Internet

What is it? How can it be used?

How to identify and open a web browser application

How to open a web browser and use its basic features

URLs, addresses, links - Explain basic terminology

How to use a search engine to find information

How to move from one page to the next on a Web site and return to the home page; how to "Go Home"

F. E-Mail

What is it? How can it be used?

How to read, save and reply to incoming E-Mail

How to address, compose and send E-Mail

Part 3 - Evaluation Procedures for Student Completion

A. Basic Computer Functions

Student will be able to:

• name basic parts of the computer and give a brief explanation of their uses.
• turn on the computer, monitor and printer.
• handle disks and CDs properly and explain why.

B. Navigation Through an Operating System (O/S) 0 Windows 95

Student will be able to:

• manipulate the mouse and keyboard to enter an O/S and navigate through its functions without instructor assistance.
• start applications; open, resize and scroll windows; and locate, open and close documents
• find a document in the directory; save and relocate it; and delete it using the recycle bin

C. Word Processing

Student will be able to:

• explain how a WP application is used.
• open a WP application and open a new document.
• format a document (set margins, fonts, etc.) given specific requirements (i.e., format a business letter)
• select, cut/copy and paste a word, sentence or paragraph.
• select and delete text in a paragraph.

D. Spreadsheet/Database (optional: depending on student goals)

Student will be able to:

• explain how a spreadsheet or database is used.
• open a spreadsheet/database application and view a document
• interpret the information given in a basic spreadsheet/database sample.
• create a new spreadsheet/database from information provided by instructor.
• create a chart, graph or generate a report given specific information

E. Internet

Student will be able to:

• explain what the Internet is and how it can be used.
• open a web browser application without assistance.
• enter a Web site address; bookmark a location.
• search a given topic using one or more search engines.
• move through a Web site to acquire specific information; return to home page.
• close and disconnect.

1. 1. E-Mail

Student will be able to:

• retrieve and read an E-Mail message.
• reply to a question in an E-Mail message and send the reply.
• compose and send an original E-Mail message.

Part 4 - Lesson Plan That Integrates One of the Skills Outlined in the Plan

For ABE 9-12.

Pre-instruction: Creating resumes; Introduction to Basic Computer Functions;

Navigation Through an O/S; Basic WP instructions

Lesson Theme: Writing Business Letters -- Resume Cover Letters

Reinforcement of Word Processing Application Skills

Objectives

The student will:

• understand the purpose of a resume cover letter.
• name the basic components of a resume cover letter.
• use proper business-style format in creating a resume cover letter.
• compose a cover letter for their resume given an actual employer and position using a pre-formatted worksheet.
• using a WP application, type the cover letter and use WP features to properly format.
• save and print the document.

Procedure

• With the instructor’s assistance, the student will study the purpose and business style of a resume cover letter after completing a lesson on writing resumes. A sampling of cover letters will be presented and the student will underline and identify the parts of the letter on the samples.

• The instructor will present a worksheet on paper with the proper format for cover letters indicated

• by lines. The student will fill in the appropriate information by hand on this worksheet.

• Using a WP application, the student will create the letter using WP functions to format.

• The student will Save and Print the document.

Part 5 - A Timeline for Implementation of Computer Literacy Skills Outlined Above (Part 1 & 2)

This timeline is based upon three one-hour lessons per week focusing on computer literacy and should be used along with regular ABE instruction.

Week 1 Introduction to Basic Computer Functions

Lesson 1: Basic Computer Functions & demonstrations/hands-on for the student

Lesson 2: Navigating Through an Operating System - Windows 95

Lesson 3: Basic Word Processing Skills and demonstrations / Introduction to the Keyboard

Week 2 Begin Integrating Computer Use with Regular ABE Instruction

Lesson 1: Basic WP/Keyboarding Skills and Mouse Use

Manipulating Text using prepared writing samples

Lesson 2: Composing Student Writing Assignments Using WP

From now on, weekly student writing can be composed or entered and edited using the computer.

Lesson 3: Begin Supplement of Regular ABE Instruction with Computer Games andApplications

Weeks 3 & 4 Reinforcing Computer Use for Word Processing and Use of Games, Apps.

Lesson 1, Lesson 2, Lesson 3

Week 5 Introducing the Internet

Lesson 1: Internet Intro with Demonstrations Led By Instructor

Lesson 2: Student Entry Into Internet Use / Hands-On Exploring the

Internet, Entering Addresses, Moving Through a Web site

Lesson 3: Searching Information on the Internet

Week 6 Searching and Researching on the Internet

Lesson 1: Internet-based Searching Exercises (Treasure Hunts)

Lesson 2: More Searching Exercises

Lesson 3: Use the Internet to Research a Topic Currently Discussed in Regular ABE materials

From now on, use the Internet to reinforce the regular ABE instruction.

Week 7 Using E-Mail

Lesson 1: Intro to E-Mail and Use with Demos

Lesson 2: E-Mail based Lessons/Activities

Lesson 3: Student Begins to Correspond with the ABE/Literacy Office

via E-Mail - Samples of Assignments to the Office Via E-Mail

Week 8 and Beyond Use Computer to Reinforce Current ABE Instruction

Weeks 9 & 10 Introduce Spreadsheets and Databases Optional

Lesson 1: Intro to Spreadsheets and Databases

Lesson 2: Reading a Spreadsheet; Entering Data in a Pre-Formatted Copy

Lesson 3: Integrate into ABE Math Lessons (chart/graph reading; equations, etc.)

Mary Mingle

Lycoming County Literacy Project mingles@sunlink.net