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Technology

Computers: Not just for teaching software

by Mary Helen Martinez,
New Teacher Project, Southwest Texas State University

Teaching workplace essentials in order to prepare entry-level employees for today's workplace is no easy task. Computers should be utilized in developing workplace skills. Computer skills with specific software knowledge such as Microsoft® Word, Microsoft®Excel, and WordPerfect® are important skills to obtain. Equally important are the basic skills of reading, writing, and math. In addition, human relation skills or interpersonal skills are no longer just preferred, but required for higher skilled, higher paying jobs. While teaching software applications, interpersonal and academic skills may be integrated to give students more than just software knowledge. A little creativity added to mundane software tutorials can enhance computer skills, increase the command of academics, and better prepare our students to enter the workforce.

SCANS

The Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) developed a framework for entry-level employee characteristics. They include the foundation: a) basic skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking; b) thinking skills: decision making, problem solving, and reasoning; and, c) personal qualities: social skills, responsibility, and self-management. In addition to the foundation, five competencies were identified: 1) allocating resources; 2) working with others; 3) managing information; 4) understanding systems; and 5) working with technology. Adding real-world activities to teaching software programs can cover all of the SCANS skills and then some.

Word Processing Skills

Many times I have introduced word processing software without a relevant activity, only to face blank stares. However, when I incorporate a real-world activity, I get some interest from students. A real-world activity can be as simple as writing to the electric company to inform them of an error. After the initial example, two or more students will jump right in with their own examples. Soon we are writing to the school district and/or the city council. This generates composition in which you can then teach organization of ideas, business letter format, and yes, even grammar. Templates are wonderful examples of forms, memos, resumes, business letters, and reports. Resumes serve as an excellent introduction to templates.

Reading and Research Skills

There is so much reading to be done when using computers. For example, a student must learn to read instructions when finding their way around programs. Students will read what is of interest to them. E-mail has really assisted in making reading a more meaningful activity. Students are eager to receive e-mail either from other students or from family. The Internet is another tool to enhance reading, helping students analyze what is fact and what is opinion. Furthermore, the Internet can strengthen the skill of researching to solve problems, which is a highly desirable workplace skill. Also, the Internet can be utilized as a tool in job searching, since many employers have Web sites where students may find employment opportunities. The Texas Workforce Commission job bank is on-line, as well as many other employment services.

Math Skills

Math is an area that can be demonstrated quite vividly via the computer. Students can calculate car payments, house payments and depreciation, work on a budget, or compute credit card rates, loans, or sales tax using formulas. Then students can learn to demonstrate their work by using forms such as pie charts, graphs, tables, charts, or spreadsheets. Additionally, graphics and text formatting allow opportunities for creativity when presenting reports, writing letters, creating banners, designing invitations, or preparing announcement flyers.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are the most difficult to teach. I have found project- based learning a most useful teaching method. Utilizing computers while producing a product is a natural fit. You can group or pair up students to encourage teamwork, time management, cooperative learning, and to practice communication skills. Final presentations of projects can enhance speaking abilities. Students can reflect on the project process and skills learned, encouraging transfer of skills to the workplace.

Lifelong Learning Skills

Invite employers as guest speakers to demonstrate specific industry software, such as insurance rating or monogramming. Field trips to area employers can expose students to other ways computers are used.

Computers can help teach more than just software skills. Mastering computers can increase a student's self-esteem and increase motivation to learn. This will encourage self-directed and lifelong learning at home and at work.

About the Author

Mary Helen Martinez is currently the New Teacher Project Grant Coordinator at the Center of Initiatives in Education, School of Education, Southwest Texas State University. The New Teacher Project is a special grant from Texas Education Agency. Her past employment includes coordinating the Kyle Family Learning & Career Center in Kyle, Texas. Mary Helen is a graduate of Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education, Business Education emphasis and is currently working on her Master's degree in SWTSU's program of Developmental and Adult Education. She has over eight years experience in Adult Education and has taught GED, ESL, ABE, computer classes, and workplace essentials. You may e-mail her at mm42@swt.edu.

REFERENCES

Schepf, G.L. (1997). Linking to the world: Business activities for the real world. Austin, TX: Future Business Leaders of America.

U.S. Department of Labor. (1991). What work requires of schools: A SCANS report for America 2000. Washington, D.C.