This volume of the CONNECT will contain lesson plans that integrate literacy tasks with basic word processing skills. The lessons are ordered according to computer skill. Someone learning how to use a computer for the first time could begin with Lesson 1 and progress through the lessons as far as their literacy skills permit. The literacy tasks will generally progress in difficulty along with the word processing skills. Most lessons will be accompanied by a handout. The handouts will be written in plain language for use directly with students. Please note that the symbol will be used for the action "click". will mean "double-click". will mean "type". All of the handouts will be available on our website in Word and PDF formats at the end of our project. The Word Processing handouts have been created for use with Microsoft Word 97, but should be easy to edit for use with different versions of Word.

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Lesson Plans:
Lesson Plan 1		PDF, Word
Handouts:
Handout 1-1		HTML, PDF, Word

Computer Objective: Learners will be able to name the parts of a computer.

Literacy Objective: Learners will be able to read and write vocabulary for the parts of the computer.

Materials: Lesson 1 - Handout 1; for the variation described below, a computer and post-it notes would be required

Introduction: Although many learners will probably know the names for the parts of a computer, they may not recognize the written words. In order to follow written instructions that will be encountered later, it is important that the learners recognize these words.

Procedure: Have the learners label the numbered diagram Lesson 1 - Handout 1, choosing the appropriate words from the list at the bottom of the page. The number of letters for each word is indicated by the dashed line.

Variations: For lower levels, put each word or phrase on a separate post-it note, and have the learners stick these on a computer in the proper places. The notes could also be put on in the wrong places by the teacher, and the learners would be instructed to rearrange them correctly.

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Lesson Plans:
Lesson Plan 2		PDF, Word

Computer Objective: Learners will gain confidence using a mouse by learning all of the functions of the left mouse button including: point, click, double-click, drag and scroll.

Literacy Objective: Learners will be able to read the following vocabulary which could appear in written computer instructions: left button, right button, mouse, point, click, double-click, drag and scroll.

Introduction: Introduce the vocabulary related to using a mouse.

Procedure: One fun way to help your learners gain confidence and mouse control is to introduce them to the calculator program that appears in the Accessories folder on most computers. The calculator is a great tool to teach mouse control while reinforcing math skills. Solitaire is another interesting way to get learners used to pointing, clicking and dragging. If you have Internet access, you can try Mouserobics at www.ckls.org/~crippel/computerlab/tutorials/mouse/page1.html. This site takes the learners step by step through the skills needed for mouse control. Finally, if you have some money for resources, you can buy software that teaches mouse control along with basic computer skills. Two of our favourites are Teknimedia’s PC 100 and PC 101. These programs were reviewed in the August/September 2000 issue of CONNECT.

Variations: For those learners who are creative by nature, try having them use a painting or drawing program. Most computers come with a basic drawing program that can be found by clicking on Start, Programs, Accessories and then Paint. Give out a hard copy of a simple labeled diagram you have created and ask them to try to copy it. You should review the different tools available in the drawing program before they begin.

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Lesson Plans:
Lesson Plan 3		PDF, Word
Handouts:
Handout 3-1		HTML, PDF, Word

Computer Objectives: Learners will be able to use the basic features of the Windows operating system: menus, programs, folders, windows, the Recycle Bin and My Computer.

Literacy Objectives: Learners will be able to read and write the following vocabulary: arrow, desktop, menu, program, taskbar, folder, window, close, maximize, minimize, document, scroll bar, recycle bin, my computer, floppy disk, hard disk and CD.

Materials: Lesson Plan 3 – Handout 1, a computer with Windows, a folder on the desktop and a document in the folder Introduction: Learners who already have a basic understanding of the mouse should then become familiar with some of the Windows’ basic features.

Procedure: Provide learners with a copy of Handout 1. Have learners complete the following tasks as you fill in the blanks together. Learners should begin by moving the arrow around the desktop, practising pointing to different things (blanks 1, 2). Next, learners should practise using menus by using the Start menu to shut down the computer (blank 3). After turning the computer back on, learners should continue to practise using menus by running and exiting a program. Learners can also be shown that the program appears in the taskbar when it is running (blanks 4, 5). Next, learners should practise opening a folder and closing a window. More advanced learners can be shown the maximize and minimize buttons (blanks 6 - 10). The folder should contain a document. After finding the document, learners can use the scoll bar to read the document's properties and then practice deleting it by dragging it to the Recycle Bin (blanks 11, 12, 13). Lastly, learners should open My Computer to see the different disks that can be used in the computer (blanks 14 - 17).