If you want to connect your computer to the Internet it must have a modem or a network interface card (NIC). Regular “dial-up” modems connect you to the Internet at the relatively slow speed of 56 kbps. Most individuals turn to the phone company or the cable company for high speed Internet access. Each of these scenarios requires you to have an Ethernet network card inside your computer and a specialised external modem.

If you are purchasing equipment for a work setting, you may want to look into ways of connecting computers in a local area network in order to share resources such as files, printers and Internet connections. There are several ways in which to do this. Larger companies will probably have server/client architecture where one large computer stores common files and controls the flow of data over the network. Smaller groups of computers in businesses or homes will probably have a peer-to-peer arrangement where all the computers have the same function – there is no server.

Setting up small peer-to-peer networks is becoming more common as families start having more than one computer in their homes. Unfortunately the procedures for doing this are still somewhat complicated. You currently have four options: phone-line networking, power-line networking, Ethernet networking, and wireless networking. Ethernet is currently the most popular networking system for both home and office. An Ethernet-based network can be as simple as two computers connected together using two network interface cards and a cable, or as complex as hundreds of computers connected together using cables, hubs and routers. For more information about networks visit the site http://computer.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm.

Before leaving the topic of buying a computer we should mention software, service and warranty. The software that comes with a computer can add several hundred dollars to the cost/value of your computer. Finally, you should always look for a company that is willing to clearly answer all of to your questions without making you feel like you’re imposing on their time. Similarly, you want a company that is going to provide you with reliable, free if you’re lucky, technical support and service. Word-of-mouth is probably the best way to find out which companies have good reputations in your area. The brand name companies such as Dell are a safe bet, with long-standing reputations for providing customers with good service. For more information about buying computer equipment go to http://pcworld.com and click on How-To.

Technological Literacy & The Matrix:
An Instructors Guide

The instructors Guide, Technological Literacy & The Matrix, by the Waterloo Catholic District School Board was designed as a supplement to the 1998 Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ Outcomes Matrix. The Outcomes Matrix defined learning outcomes for adult literacy and basic skills learners in the areas of communications, math and self-management and self-direction. This document contains some technology related learner outcomes, integrated into the three domains listed above. The document Technological Literacy & The Matrix expands on these learning outcomes by developing a domain specific to technology.

Technological Literacy & The Matrix divides Technology into four component outcomes: data management, Internet and e-mail, office technology and automated banking. The skill sets for each of these outcomes are defined and include: Windows and its features, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel (Data Management); utilizing e-mail and the Internet (Internet and E-mail); using voice mail, fax machines, photocopy machines and calculators (Office Technology); and using an automated teller machine (Automated Banking).

A lengthy initial self-assessment survey offers instructors a way of setting technology outcome levels and developing technology training plans for individual learners. The assessment is to be delivered in a one-on-one 20 to 30 minute interview. Once learners have had an opportunity to acquire the designated skill sets, the demonstrations within this document can be used to assess progress. Demonstrations such as Creating a Birthday Card, Writing a Letter and Sending an E-mail are outlined. A teacher’s guide, learner sheet and evaluation sheet for each demonstration are provided.

This comprehensive, professional document is sure to be of interest to literacy instructors not only within Ontario but across the country. The document can be viewed online at http://www.nald.ca/CLR/teclitma/cover.htm. The document must be viewed online since no PDF version is available.