My "Klutz" skill I chose to master, is the operation of a computer . It's true- I can just about turn one on. I an completely computer illiterate, I have avoided them all my life because they overwhelm me. Now, I'm afraid that when I become a teacher, my students are going to be more computer competent than me. I chose my boyfricnd Nick to be my teacher. He uses computers a lot and really knows his stuff. I have only been able to complete all past computer homework assignments with his help. I set goals for myself that are defined in my IEP. I want to be able to master Word Processing, Data Base, E-mail, be able to print documents and access the world wide web without instruction from anyone. My first lesson began as an introductory course, just to get me familiar with the computer. Nick was very patient with me, which made me relax. We worked on the computer in my house, a Packard Bell, and we used Microsoft Windows. First, he showed me all the different parts of it: what buttons to press, and what buttons not to press. We got into Windows, and he showed me how to open the files to see all my different options. I couldn't believe all of the things it had! I was a little overwhelmed. But, Nick gave me an introductory lesson of what the computer had to offer. (What didn't it have?!) I opened files where I could print a report, I "painted" and learned how to print out documents. (I have proof!) Then, we went into the accessory categories and I learned how to use a CD ROM: how to select it, and load it. It was the Guinness Book of World Records 1995. The graphics were amazing! I really have been missing out. Nick showed me how to look under all the files, how to exit, and shut down when I was through. I seriously didn't know how to do any of this. He was extremely helpful, he went slow and made sure I understood everything. However, I felt completely stupid when my seven-year-old brother came into the room and told me what to do. He couldn't believe how inexperienced I was. I wasn't as confused as I thought I'd be, I had a little common sense. I am excited to continue my skill and improve in it!
Journal Entry #4-October 5, 1997
For my lesson on Word Processing, we used the computer at my house. Although I have never used the Microsoft Works program before, the process almost came natural to me. Nick told me to access Microsoft Works and get into the word processor by myself. If I was stuck, he would help. Since I remembered what it looked like from my first introductory course, I was able to get into the program without much aide! (Needless to say, I was proud of myself!)
Because I wrote out my advanced organizer worksheet for today's lesson, we went according to the outline. Nick was having a bad day and he was very testy with me. I made a mental note not to schedule a lesson on a day he's in a bad mood ever again. That definitely inhibited me during the course of the lesson.
Anyway, this lesson was the longest one so far. It took an hour and a half because I covered so much ground. Nick has a snow plowing business for the winter, and I wanted to learn the format on how to type up a professional business letter. So first, when we got into Microsoft works, I clicked on the "letter" category, and typed up a very rough letter from his business, Elite Snowplowing, to my father. The information included in the letter was fake, but I got to experiment with different types of font, letter size, spacing, spell check, special characters, saving the document and printing it as well. The computer offers so many options it's mind-blowing. I gave you a copy of the letter you'll find after this entry.
Next, I wrote you a quick letter, Dr. Ensign! I won't tell you what it says, you'll find it along with the professional letter. (My mother was present during this lesson - after all, it is her room - and she took pictures of us working.)
For my last project using the word processor, I had to type a report for my math class, along with a work cited. It took a while, I am a horrible typist, which undoubtedly slowed my progress. But, I got it done and applied all of what I learned with the letter, to my report, which came a little easier the second time! That definitely helped my performance because I didn't need explicit details telling me how to spell check, how to center, etc. (I also gave you a rough draft copy of this report before corrections were made.) During and after the lesson I was feeling pretty good about myself because I knew I was making progress - I could see it through my printed documents, plus Nick reviews with me after each lesson, and even though he was crabby he said I did well.
For the last ten minutes or so, we reviewed e-mail. I didn't send any, I just read my mom's letter from my aunt, because we used her e-mail account since mine only works with the SCSU VAX. I am learning, and I am actually having a good time doing so. Next lesson, data base.
I have to admit, although I was relieved that my "Klutz" Skill lessons were at an end, I was also a little disappointed. I have really learned a lot about the computer these last eight weeks. The skills that I have acquired will be put to good use for the rest of my life I'm sure. For my final lesson, my IEP called for a review of everything I have learned. First, I started off with an e-mail note to my best childhood friend at Assumption College. I was able to get on-line and into e-mail without any help from Nick. I sent the letter and printed it out for my own reference. Easy as pie. (Wouldn't have said that a few weeks ago). Next, since I was already accessing the Net, I went right into a search for the latest movies that are out. I got pictures and information that pertained to my topic. I didn't have to ask Nick a question once. To review word processing, I got into Microsoft Works and typed out a professional resume for my Communications class. (I gave you a copy). I also printed this entry out as a way to review. I am very familiar now with all the essentials that polish up a paper. For instance, spell check, paragraph spacing, underlining, and printing. I don't need Nick's help for every little thing I do. Word Processing was definitely the most valuable lesson I received; I use it all the time now.
To review spread sheet, I just printed out a list of my schoolwork for the week. (Which I also gave you a copy of). By making a printout of my work to be done, I get my priorities finished first. For data base, I went in and typed out the classes I still have to take for my major. Data base is a way to store information for my own personal reference.
And that was my lesson and the end of my Klutz skill, which is now no longer my Klutz skill, but a great skill I have mastered. Absolutely nothing hindered my progress, and I was very confident in myself with the computer. It is no longer my enemy! Afterwards, I gave Nick a big hug and a big "thank-you" for being my teacher. (I'm glad we stayed together through all this!). Just kidding! We both had fun, and I learned a lot, and that's all that counts!