[sci.psychology] teaching people how to use software packages

brady@chopin.udel.edu (Joseph Brady) (02/17/91)

I am looking for references on how people learn to use software
packages like Lotus, Wordperfect or dBase. I see a good deal of
literature on how people learn to program in third generation
languages like pascal. But learning to use a package would seem
to present different problems, and I do not find literature on 
how people learn them. Any guidance would be appreciated, and
I will summarize replies for the net.

freewill@nstar.rn.com (Bill Williston) (02/18/91)

I have been teaching computer applications (123, WP & dB) at Niles High 
School the past four years.  I did not learn how to teach them in college,
even though my degree is in teaching math and computer science.I have a
developed a method whi works for high school students.  I use a 
tutorial for a text.  Students work through the tutorial and related 
worksheets (written by me, the worksheets).  The worksheets highlight
important features, require students to read the screen and include 
check points for me to sign when various operations are performed.

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