Module 1: A Toolkit for Trainers

Computer Basics
I n t h i s m o d u l e , y o u w i l l fi n d
• An introduction
• A lesson plan for the trainer
• Handouts for students
To t e a c h t h e m o d u l e , y o u w i l l n e e d
• A PC with Internet access for each student and the trainer
• A computer projector and a screen
• Headphones for students (if available)
• A 3-ring binder to store materials
To g e t s t a r t e d , y o u s h o u l d
• Read the Introduction
• Read the lesson plan
• Print the lesson plan and insert it in a binder
• Print and make copies of the handouts for students

Prepared by Christine Anning June 2011

Modified by Emilie Hanson March 2012

St. Catherine University, MLIS Department

2004 Randolph Ave, St Paul MN 55105

www.stkate.edu/academic/mlis/
[email protected]
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers

MODULE 1: COMPUTER BASICS

Lesson Overview

Lesson Goals
In this lesson, students will:

1. Learn basic computer terms

2. Learn about computer folders, menus and windows

3. Practice using the mouse

Lesson Materials
In this lesson, students will need:

1. Handout 1A: Lesson Goals

2. Handout 1B: Computer terms

Number of Students
Maximum: 10 with one instructor present

Level of Expertise
Beginner. Basic/minimal typing skills are required as prerequisite.

Lesson Length
60 -90 minutes

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics ! ! M-2

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers

MODULE 1: COMPUTER BASICS

Lesson Preparation

 Before the lesson, you should:

Read the entire lesson plan. Also review the handouts.

Store the lesson plan in a 3-ring binder to use while teaching.

Make copies of the handouts for students. To avoid distraction, we recommend that
you wait to distribute the handouts until indicated in lesson.

Check out the links that you and your students will be visiting in the lesson.

 When you arrive at the classroom, you should:

Write your name and the title of the level of the lesson on the board.

Make sure your computer projector and students' computers are working and that
there is Internet access.

Set students' screens to their desktops.

 Yo u s h o u l d a l s o :
Read Quick Tips for a Senior Friendly Computer Classroom. National Institute of
Aging. Available at http://nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit/toolkitfiles/pdf/QuickTips.pdf

Visit Palm Beach County Library System Mousing Around at http://

www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/intro.htm and

BBC WebWise Computer Basics at http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/computer-

basics/

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics ! ! M-3

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers

MODULE 1: COMPUTER BASICS

Lesson Structure

The senior-friendly lesson structure includes:

• Set-up activities to prepare students for learning.

• Core activities to teach computer basics and mouse features.

• Practice activities to let students apply skills learned.

The trainer-friendly lesson plan features:

• An easy -to-read format.

• Short, well-defined segments of teaching material per page.

• Clearly marked, scripted transition boxes at the top of each page announcing
the next learning point and ensuring a smooth transition between segments.

• Suggested teaching times for each skill.

• Helpful sidebars, providing teaching and navigation tips and describing the purpose
for activities.

• Meaningful icons.

Icons Used in the Lesson Plan:

Demonstrate Using Students Navigate A Discussion

Refer to Handout
Projector at Computers Should Take Place

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics ! ! M-4

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers

MODULE 1: COMPUTER BASICS

Reaching The Older Student

To h e l p y o u r s t u d e n t s g r a s p , a p p l y, a n d r e t a i n t h e s k i l l s
and information they are taught, be sure to:
• Proceed slowly through the lesson. Some older adults will take longer than
younger people to get the knack of using the computer. If you move too quickly,
they may not be able to keep up. They need time to practice and to absorb new
information.

• Circulate to make sure students are following you. Check studentsʼ screens and
expressions frequently to make sure they are not lost. If possible, arrange to
have one or more classroom assistants work with students individually during the
lesson.

• Speak slowly and repeat information as often as necessary. Donʼt make

assumptions based on studentsʼ age. They are learning new skills, and they will
probably need to hear the information more than once to retain it.

• Encourage questions. Pause frequently to ask if there are questions. After soliciting
questions, allow at least 10 seconds for students to formulate them.

• Create a senior-friendly environment. Read Quick Tips for a Senior Friendly

Computer Classroom available at National Institute of Aging, for help on setting
up the classroom to accommodate the needs of older adults. Available at http://
nihseniorhealth.gov/toolkit/toolkitfiles/pdf/QuickTips.pdf

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics ! ! M-5

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers

MODULE 1: COMPUTER BASICS

Reaching The Older Student

These training techniques in the lesson can also help

you be successful:
• The use of scripted transition boxes to announce each new segment helps the
class stay focused and on track.

• Presenting material in small, well-defined steps makes it easier for students to

grasp new skills and information.

• Frequent summarizing and hands-on practice helps students retain what theyʼve
learned.

• Handouts and printed screen shots help students understand and recall what is
taught.

• Group discussions and short dialogues help put students at ease.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics ! ! M-6

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
 Module 1: Lesson Plan

Computer Basics

A Toolkit for Trainers

A Project of St. Catherine University
MLIS Department
June 2011, Updated March 2012
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

OPENING COMMENTS (5 minutes)

"Welcome to Lesson 1: Computer Basics. My name is ____________,

(and this is ____________). Before we start the class I'd/we’d) like to
review a few general points."

This lesson...
• Is intended for beginning students

• Is the first in a series of three lessons developed by St. Catherine Universityʼs MLIS
(Master of Library and Information Science) department to help older adults learn
to use the computer in searching for online information and using email

• Will last about 60-90 minutes with a five minute stretch break

• Bathroom breaks can be taken anytime

Ask students if they have any questions.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-8

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

INTRODUCTIONS (3 Minutes)

"Before we get started, let's introduce ourselves."

1. Introduce yourself, giving your name and your background with computers. If you
have a teaching partner, let that person introduce him/herself.

2. Ask students to give their names and tell whether they are at a beginning,
intermediate, or advanced level with regard to computer experience.

3. If time permits, ask each student

• to tell something about his or her background,

• why they decided to take this class,

• and what they hope to learn.

Purpose of Activity
• Introductions help students feel more at ease.

• Sharing computer experience may help the class be patient with less
experienced students who need more time with an activity.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-9

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

CLASS PROCEDURES (3 Minutes)

"Let's talk for a moment about how the class will proceed. You will be
learning new ways to use the computer, and in order for everyone to be
successful, here are some things we need to do."

Te l l s t u d e n t s t h e f o l l o w i n g …

1. To make sure everyone grasps the information and learns the skills...

• We will proceed in a step-by-step manner and at a slow-to-moderate pace.

• I (or my partner) will circulate frequently during class to make sure everyone is
keeping up with the lesson.
• There will be plenty of hands-on practice activities to let you apply the skills that
you learn.

2. As student, you should...

• Feel free to raise your hand and ask a question if you do not understand
something.
• Feel free to ask me to repeat anything I've said.
• Not worry about hurting the equipment because it is very sturdy.
• Not worry about making mistakes because that is to be expected when learning a
new technology.
• Have a binder or folder to store the handouts you will receive.

3. Ask students if they have any questions about class procedures.

Purpose of Activity
• To communicate expectations, put students at ease, and facilitate learning.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-10

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

LESSON GOALS (2 Minutes)

"In this lesson, you will learn some basic computer skills in order to become
familiar with how the computer works for you."

Pass out Handout 1A: Lesson Goals

1. Go over the handout with students.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-11

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

COMPUTER TERMS (10 Minutes)

"Let's begin with Goal 1 - learning some basic computer terms."

Pass out Handout 1B: Computer Terms

# COMPUTER TERM
1. Go over the computer terms from Part I of
1 Computer
the handout.
2 Keyboard
2. Ask students to point to the items at their computer
3 Monitor
stations.
4 Mouse

5 Mouse Pad

6 Speaker

7 Hardware

8 Software

Tips for Glossary Review

• Refer students to the page and item number of the term.

• Make sure students locate the term.

• Read, or have a student read, the definition aloud. Point out details in the
illustration or on your computer screen.

• Tell students they will understand these terms better as they use them in the lesson
plan.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-12

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

MORE COMPUTER TERMS (15 Minutes)

"Let's continue with Goal 1 - learning some basic computer terms."

Refer to Handout 1B: Computer Terms

# COMPUTER TERM

1. Go over the computer terms from Part II of 9 Desktop

the handout. 10 Icon

2. Ask students to point to the items on their computer 11 Folder(s)

screens. 12 Cursor

13 Browser

14 Clicking

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-13

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

RIGHT AND LEFT CLICKING (15 Minutes)

"Let's go on to Goal 2 - practicing using the mouse. Let's begin by clicking

with the mouse."

1. Make sure students' screens are set to their desktops. Using your
computer projector, demonstrate how to left click on the mouse to open the browser
icon. Then ask the students to do this on their screens.

2. Show students how to close the browser window by left-clicking on the X at the top of
the window. Then have them do it at their screens.

3. Next, show students how to right-click on the browser icon and pull down to “Open”
on the right click menu. Explain that right-clicking on the mouse opens a list of
options, depending on what is clicked on the screen.

4. Give students time to practice right-and left-clicking the mouse.

Te a c h i n g T i p s
• Proceed slowly through each step. Make sure students are keeping up and are
accomplishing the tasks.

• Walk around to studentsʼ computers screens and provide assistance where

needed.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-14

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

COMPUTER TERMS (15 Minutes)

"Let's continue with Goal 2, learning about folders, menus and windows."

Refer to Handout 1B: Computer Terms

1. Go over the computer terms from Part III of the

# COMPUTER TERM
handout.
15 Menu

16 Window
2. Show students how to open a folder by
double-clicking on the icon.

3. Show students how to close the folder either using

the menu pull down or by left-clicking on the top right X on the screen.

4. Have them try opening and closing a folder (using both methods) at their
screens.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-15

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

Hands on Exercises (30 Minutes)

"Let's keep working on Goal 2 by going through some online tutorials.

1. Exercises

• Palm Beach County Library System

• Open the browser for each student to http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/
mousercise.htm

• Includes: Mousecise, Mousing Around and Games!

• SeniorNet - Additional mouse exercises
• http://www.seniornet.org/howto/mouseexercises/mousepractice.html 
• Topics covered:
• Placing the mouse
• Clicking the mouse
• Drag and drop
• Drawing

2. Additional computer tutorials (headphones required)

• BBC WebWise: Making the most of being online. Computer Basics. http://
www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/computer-basics/lessons/computer-
basics

• Additional topics covered: Power button

Te a c h i n g T i p s
• Let students know that it make take a few moments for these tutorials to load.

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-16

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov
Helping Older Adults Access Online Information: A Toolkit for Trainers
from St. Catherine University MLIS Department

SUMMARIZING (3 Minutes)

"Now let's take a look at the Goals to see what we've covered so far."

Refer to Handout 1A: Lesson Goals

1. Demonstrate and summarize the following learning objectives from Goals 1

and 2:

• Understanding computer terms

• Using a mouse and menus

• Opening and closing folders, browsers and windows

2. Ask students if they have any questions

3. Ask students to check off Goals 1, 2, and 3 on their handouts.

END OF LESSON 1

Module 1 - Toolkit: Computer Basics" " M-17

Course adapted from National Institute on Aging (2007)
Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online. Retrieved from www.nia.nih.gov