It has been said that the best way to make sure you understand something is to teach it to someone else. Now that you know a little bit about computers, you are probably anxious to share what you have learned with others. For this activity, you will be teaching some basic computer operation to another person or small group. You probably won't have any problem finding a willing audience, as many people are anxious to learn about computers!

     This activity will require access to a computer, or if you are working with a group, a pool of computers that group members can share. Also, you might want to develop visuals that you can use in your presentation (see the activity "Lights, Camera, Presentation!").

     Develop a presentation that you can give to your target audience on basic computer operation. Before your presentation try to find out from your audience what it is they already know about computers. You will want to base your presentation on that information. If, for instance, no one in your group has ever even turned on a computer, your presentation will be much different than a presentation you might develop for more experienced users.

     Some items you will probably want to include in your presentation are: turning the computer off and on, basic navigation in the operating system you are using , opening programs within that operating system, saving files within programs, and basic computer capabilities (word processing, Internet, databases, spreadsheets, etc.). If possible, be sure to allow time for hands-on learning by your audience.

• After your presentation, visit with your audience. Find out from them what additional information they are interested in learning. Also ask them to make suggestions for ways that you can improve your presentation next time.



• Write down reflections that you have on your presentation. What parts of your presentation went well? What parts could use some polish? What can you do to improve the areas that need improvement?



• Were you surprised at how your audience responded to your presentation? Why or why not?

     Visit an instructor who teaches computer classes. (This could be at your school or at a local community college.) Ask the instructor what techniques and methods they use to help teach effectively.

     Volunteer to teach a basic computer operation class to a different audience. Consider volunteering at a retirement center, a youth group, or at a public library. Carefully consider how your approach and message may need to be different based on the needs of your audience.

     Develop a mutli-media computer-based presentation based on the presentation you developed (consider using presentation software like Freelance Graphics, or PowerPoint for this assignment). Volunteer to place your presentation on a computer, so it can be accessed by people who would like to learn about computer operation on their own. (Schools and libraries are both likely outlets for your program.)

     Depending on your experience with computers, it may be difficult for you to remember a time when you couldn't turn on a computer. As a presenter, however, it is important for you to remember that everyone has different experiences with computers-and some may have never turned on a computer before. Because of that, it is important that you do some research before you begin your work. Make sure you know what your audience needs and wants before you stand in front of it.

     Also carefully consider how you will present the information that you have to share. Hands-on experience is great, but if you have a group of 20 people and only one or two computers, that experience will be limited. If this is the situation you are in, consider alternative ways to present what you have to share. You also may want to develop handouts you can share with your audience.

     Remember to keep your presentation concise and to the point. Try to avoid too much jargon that might intimidate the people you are trying to teach. A good starting session might take 20-40 minutes. Make sure that you allow time for questions.

Information that might be helpful to you as you develop your presentation can be found at:

• Windows 98 Megasite: Windows 98 Tips - http://www.winmag.com/Win98/default.htm.



• Windows 95 Tips and Tricks - http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/heights/6348/tips.html.



• Microsoft - Windows 95 - http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/default.asp.



• Mircosoft - Windows 98 - http://www.microsoft.com/windows98/default.asp.

Adapted from material developed by Illinois 4-H. Used by permission.

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