Recent studies highlight our children are becoming super skilled when it comes to finding their way around a computer, but less proficient at social skills such as making new friends, knowing what to say in certain social situations, and so on.

Hardly surprising, considering that from as early as the late seventies we have all been obsessed with teaching our kids how to use their computers efficiently and how to navigate the web, so they would not be left behind in the techno race for supremacy, as it were. By the nineties we all accepted that, if our children were to make any real progress in life, they must be at ease with a computer mouse and keyboard.

To some extent, this it true. Nowadays it is unacceptable for any school leaver to be unskilled in computer technology. Some have only basic knowledge but enough to get by in a world run by computers. It does seem a pity, however, that we have neglected our children

]]> http://educaperu.com/is-computer-technology-harming-our-childrens-social-skills/feed/ 10 http://educaperu.com/avoiding-common-mistakes-when-learning-computer-skills-on-your-own/ http://educaperu.com/avoiding-common-mistakes-when-learning-computer-skills-on-your-own/#comments Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:33:17 +0000 admin http://educaperu.com/?p=34

It is very necessary for new computer users to avoid common mistakes, which their elders or seniors made when learning Basic Computer Skills. Such mistakes are common in the process of learning new skills on your own. There are many basic computer lessons, which an individual can read on his/her own, to learn good computer basics. One major mistake is the use of traditional methods and to avoid latest techniques to Learn Computer Science Skills.

Computer tutorials are available for new students from various sources, but they should avoid common mistakes in order to have sound knowledge of computer. Mostly these common mistakes are found in the out-dated ways of learning new skills. It’s a well known fact, that people, who believe in traditional ways of learning, don’t give importance to the use of Internet, CDs and DVDs. They rather prefer to learn only from the usual traditional ways of taking lectures from a teacher, and then reading all about the subject/lesson from only books.

But nowadays, a lot of people now take basic computer lessons and computer tutorials both in traditional as well as using advance techniques. In traditional way of learning, one has to spend more time to learn and it only suits regular students. This method of learning Basic Computer Skills, does’nt suit individuals that are on a regular job or have tight schedules in life. Traditional ways of learning does not provide clear and easy ideas to the students about the particular topic or subject.

Evidence of the importance of this new techniques of learning new skills faster, can be seen, in our educational institutes. As they now utilizing some advanced techniques to improve teaching levels and skills. Computer learning through advance teaching techniques enable a student to better understand a topic faster. There are a variety of basic computer lessons that can help any student to master new skills quicker.

In advance learning methods Internet, DVDs and CDs are used. Recorded lectures in video format are played. This method is very useful for those who want to continue their studies along with their jobs or tight schedules. One has complete control on the whole process of learning while using DVDs or such material. Pictures and videos are very useful in learning computer skills, because they save a lot of time. Such things save time and create a strong logic in the minds of every new student.

Students don’t need to read too much basic computer skills lessons and tutorials. They just use computer tutorials and lectures in video format to cover their lectures in a very short time. They listen to their lectures and see their computer science lessons on video, which leave a strong impact on the minds of the students. So it is better to avoid common mistakes and use latest technologies and proven methods, in order to make your learning system more effective.

By: Fredrick Ituma

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Computer users have a wide range of experience and levels of understanding of their computers. The great majority of users have just learned the most basic features of a few of the thousands of programs out there. But that’s nothing to be ashamed of — even the most advanced computer user was at that level at some point, myself included. Even if you’re just using your computer for word processing, learning a few simple skills can make your life a lot easier.

Here are a few things to remember to make your life easier:

First and foremost: save often! If you type a long letter, or make a lot of changes to whatever you’re working on, and the power goes out or something else happens, you could lose everything you haven’t saved! Just imagine how upset you would be if you’d worked on something for half an hour, an hour, or longer, and *poof* it vanished. Just going to the File menu and clicking save can help you avoid losing all that work. If you’re working on a large project — such as a story or essay, where you write multiple drafts — periodically use the “save as” option from the File menu to save your file with a new name. That way if the third draft had something good you deleted in the fourth draft, you can bring it back for the fifth. For example, if you’re working on a file called My Letter.doc and you’ve made a lot of changes since your last save, go to “save as…” from the File menu, and change the name to My Letter2.doc. This way, you have both versions. In most cases, this takes up very little space on your hard drive. Remember you can click anywhere in the document with your mouse and make changes wherever you place the cursor (the blinking vertical line which indicates where what you type next will appear). So if you realize you’ve made a mistake two lines back, just click where you want to make the change instead of deleting everything back to the mistake, then retyping it all. When you’re done, just click at the bottom and pick up where you left off. Cutting and pasting: If you want to move a word, a sentence, a paragraph, or even whole pages of text, you can cut it and paste it someplace else in the document. To do this, just highlight the section of text you want by dragging your mouse (click and hold the left button, then move the mouse) across the text. You’ll see a highlight appear where you drag. Let go of the mouse button then go to the edit menu. 
In the edit menu you can select “copy” to make a copy of the text, or “cut” to remove the text that is highlighted. Then go to the part of the document where you want to move or copy the text and click there so the cursor appears where you want your text to appear. Go back to the edit menu and select paste. Your text will appear where you clicked. You can use this to move text around in a document, or copy and paste it into an other document or even an email, and vice versa. Copying and pasting also can work with graphics or even files and folders in some situations. Undo: if you make a mistake the “undo” option in the Edit menu will allow you to undo the last thing you did. Accidentally highlighted and deleted a paragraph in that letter? Just undo before you type anything else and it comes right back. Learn the common “keyboard shortcuts” which work in most programs: On Windows PCs, the common keyboard shortcuts include: CTRL-S to save, CTRL-C to copy, CTRL-X to cut, CTRL-V to paste. ALT-F4 will close a window or program (or prompt you to shut down Windows if you are not in a program). On a Macintosh computer, common keyboard shortcuts include: Command-S to save, Command-C to copy, Command-X to cut, Command-V to paste. Command-W will close a window, and Command-Q will quit the program you’re in. The Command key is the one with the Apple logo. In all cases, these key combinations are done as follows: hold down CTRL (or Command), type the other key, and release both. Just like using the shift key to type a capital letter. On both Macs and PCs, these and additional shortcuts are usually printed in the menus next to the option to help you remember and learn new ones.

I know that’s a lot of information I’ve covered, but here’s an easy way to practice: just take one or two of these tips and practice using them while you use the computer for a week. The next week, try a couple more. With practice you’ll soon find you’re doing them without even thinking about it, and you’ll be surprised how much easier the computer has become!

By: Worth Godwin

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Kansieo.com

Working with numbers improves concentration, problem solving skills, memory, focus and general clarity of thought. And there is great news for gamers young and old! Video and computer games are rich with numbers! I have done some research to hone in on the games that utilize math skills to a greater extent.

Computer Games are generally less expensive and a bit more versatile. They are usual sought after by a slightly younger audience. By younger I am referring to school age children. being that a very large portion of video game users are adult males! So I will start with a review of a couple of math focused computer games that I feel are of good quality. Math Munchers Deluxe by The Learning Company reinforces math skills by encouraging problem solving through gaming in areas of whole numbers, decimals, factors and simple geometry. Mighty Math by Edmark teaches geometry concepts using math and and problem solving-solving skills. Students explore attributes of shapes and solids, constructions and transformations, 2D and 3D coordinates, and the relationships between length, perimeter, area, and volume. Teaching Pro: Middle and Highschool Math by Mathsoft has comprehensive coverage to insure students learn math concepts and understand how math is utilized in the real world. The program includes focus in Basic Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, and Trigonometry. It meets mandated curriculum standards in all states!

There are many math focused games readily available online. Suduko revolves around attempting to fill in a grid so that each line contains the numbers one through nine only once. This games is a widely known addictive brain teaser. It is a great game for sharpening math skills and is available for free on numerous websites and downloadable for your cell phone! Timez Attack is real video game created by the same engineers who have worked on Play Station games. The object of the game is to your way through the dungeon maze and foil those who would get in your way. You will develop your math skills while defeating a host of challenging obstacles and characters. The base version of this game is free at big online. The full length version is also available.

Nintendo offers a game called Math Play for the DS. This game encourages the player to create equations in four different game modules by arranging numbered cards. There are a variety of difficulty levels. There is also competitive multiplayer action and addictive puzzle play.

Donkey Kong Jr. Math has received mixed reviews. By mixed I mean not so great. It is one of the only math specific games however, that my search turned up for GameCube or Wii. When dealing with the game consoles, such as PS2, Gamecube or Wii I would choose puzzle games which are more abundant and tend to require math skill.

Working with numbers keeps many of our skills sharp including problem solving and improves general clarity of thought. Video and computer games [http://www.thesoftwarespot.com/default.asp?S=500&A=F&SearchText=&CategoryID=1695863&NID=6372614] are rich with numbers whether they are geared to be a math games or not. Research has brought a few games that focus on math to the surface so they might catch your eye more easily in the future!

By: Allison Merlino

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This is a world of computers and everywhere you hear about computers. You go for shopping and you find the lady in the counter uses computer to print out your bill. You want to communicate with your near and dear that are in places that are far from you, you again require computers to access e-mails that they send you. Therefore, it is essential that you master the basic of computers. Let us see the various options available to master the basics of computers.

Let us understand what primary or basic skills are. First would be to start the computer, which is followed by using the keyboard and the mouse. Before this, it is essential to understand the various parts of the computers and its functionality. You should be familiar with minimizing and/or maximizing windows, toggling between various applications that are currently running, opening, closing and saving files, etc.

You should also understand the PC fundamentals like how to open and type in word processor like Microsoft Word and save the typed contents, creating an e-mail account and sending out mails, using the Internet, usage of various Microsoft Office applications like Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc, printing the necessary files, usage of various peripherals like the floppy disk, Compact Disk (CD), printer, connecting the internet cable, etc.

Sounds difficult! When you start to understand what these are and how to use them, it is definitely exciting. There are various ways to master the basics. Want to master the basic computer skills in a smart way, here are your options. You can make use of CDs that details about history of computers, what are the basics of computers, how to use them, etc.

You will be provided with screenshots of various applications and peripherals in the basic computer training CD along with hands-on exercises. Say for example, there is a section about how to use a mouse, you would be provided with screenshots like how to double-click using a mouse, how to select text using mouse, how to drag and drop, etc. You can understand all these with the help of either a PC fundamentals CD or the basic computer training CD.

You can learn what are input and output devices, how to use them, what is memory, what are storage devices and their usage. You must be using day-in and day-out modem to connect to the Internet. However, do you know what a modem is and how it is used to connect to the Internet? Learn them efficiently and effectively using a PC fundamentals CD.

Each and every day, something new in the world of computers is emerging and it is essential that you keep pace with at least the basics of them even if not proficient. Grab a basic computer training CD today itself and start to explore the world of computers.

By: Caitlina Fuller

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Are you looking for a computer book to improve your computer programming skills or general IT knowledge?

A distinguishing mark of professionals is that they keep up-to-date with the newest ideas, techniques and developments in their field. If you are a computer professional you should read every computer book and computer Ebook which can help you to improve your computer skills.

You can find good Computer Books and eBooks on the Internet. Some of them can be purchased online, whereas other ones are free and can be easily downloaded.

Purchasing Computer Books

There are many online Book stores, which sell Computer Books and Computer Ebooks and the most famous one is surely Amazon. They have search facilities which allow to find what you are looking for in a way that is surely easier and faster than searching in a main street bookstore.

You can select a category from a menu (e.g. Databases, Programming, Linux and Unix, AS/400) or use the search facilities to find Books or Software in your area of interest.

If you browse some computer book among the possible choices, you will normally find a good product description which often includes the table of contents and, in many cases, you will find also reviews submitted by people who have read the book. Often there is also an average customer review which can be useful to decide if the purchase is worthwhile.

If you decide to buy, you can easily add your choices to a shopping cart and pay online by using a Credit or Debit Card. The Books are usually delivered from the Online Bookstore pretty fast.

Free Programming E-Books

There are many good Computer Ebooks, often published in PDF format, with plenty of useful information.

Some of them are free downloadable Ebooks whereas other ones (especially computer tutorials) can read online.

Computer manufacturers, such as IBM, often allow to access an online library of their technical documentation and often provide good computer tutorials (visit for example the site Developer Works ).

An author which offers online many free downloadable ebooks is Bruce Eckel. His company provides public and private training and consulting services and he has decided to offer the FREE downloadable Ebook version of many good Programming books, which are also sold in Book stores in the printed format.

Bruce Eckel has published over 150 articles and several computer books such as Thinking in Java (Prentice-Hall, 1998, 2nd Edition, 2000), the Hands-On Java Seminar CD ROM (available on his Mind View site and enclosed to the previous book), Thinking in C++>/b> (PH 1995; 2nd edition 2000), C++ Inside & Out (Osborne/McGraw-Hill 1993), among others.

He’s given hundreds of presentations throughout the world, published over 150 articles in numerous magazines, was a founding member of the ANSI/ISO C++committee, speaks regularly at conferences and is the C++ and Java track chair for the Software Development conference. He provides public and private seminars and design consulting in C++, Java and Python.

His books can be purchased in Book stores, but previous versions can also be easily downloaded as Ebooks and are surely very useful to Computer professionals.

Conclusion

If you want to improve your computer knowledge, try the Internet as a valid alternative to traditional Bookshops and Libraries.

By: Mario Pesce

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We all use computers in our every day activities. So many people these days use computers more often than using regular papers especially in offices. Due to the ways computers help so many people to be more efficient and effective, so many people now prefer to use computers more regularly than before. Keeping track records, doing more calculations, data processing, composing and even chatting are just few of the main reasons while most people these days prefer to use there computers more often than using normal paper works especially in most offices.

In our present life, every one must have some basic knowledge about computer. But if there is someone who is unable to operate a computer, then he can take part in basic computer learning programs easily which are accessible online and offline. Individuals who are unable to attend regular classes at some college or school, can benefit from the Internet or some offline computer learning programs. Some aged people feel embarrassed in joining classes at schools or colleges with young students so they want to master their course at home.

It is not hard to start your basic computer skills learning, because it is very simple to learn and master. There are many issues that one should keep in mind while selecting a useful source for him or her to obtaining basic computer skills. In the process of basic computer learning from home all the lessons or lectures should be in video format, because it would leave a strong impact on the learner. And the person who is delivering the lecture should be experienced and should teach in simple and easy language. The teacher should not be seen as speaking computer himself.

The teachers’ system of teaching should be interesting and simple to follow because it will create interest of the learner in learning basic computer skills faster. The knowledge of the teacher should be perfect and good because if he don’t have complete knowledge of computer himself, then it would be tough to handle students who are totally strange with computers. There should not be any kind of pressure on the students, as this can frustrate the students. The learning environs should be good and there should be some good materials to practice with or little interesting assignments for the students.

A completely different and better choice will be for the student to choose to learn basic computer skills faster on his/her own from a video tutorial/video lessons. Especially if the learning product series are on a DVD instead of a normal CD-rom and most importantly, a learning DVD product that can play on a home DVD player, so as to let the student easily learn and master basic computer skills faster on their own. You won’t need to worry about the teachers fastness or the learning environment. Depending on your time schedules and your devotions to your learnings, You could even learn and master your computer skills faster in a matter of days, as he or she would be able to watch, learn and practice at the same time.

It is necessity today in basic computer learning, that students can repeat lectures and tutorials again and again. It is proven that those who don t have good pick feel problems and want to repeat each lesson over and over again in other to understand it. The velocity of delivery of lectures and performance should be slow and understandable because if it’s too fast, then a new student would feel problem and can feel that it is very hard to get basic computer skills. And if the individual keep in mind all these views then they would reach a wise decision in choosing a source for learning computer skills faster.

By: Fredrick Ituma

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Kansieo.com

International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) is a worldwide qualification which is used as a measure of competence in computer skills. It has become the standard qualification used for non-European countries. ICDL is open to anyone regardless of age, gender, education, experience or background and is designed to help people both at work and at home.

The ECDL Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping to raise the general level of computer skills in society and providing access for all to the Information Society. Over 5 million people in over 140 countries are ICDL candidates and 15 million tests have been administered to date.

In the United States, ICDL is used by schools and academic institutions, corporations, Workforce Investment Boards, and government economic development programs to help prepare individuals for success in a world where proficient use of information and communication technology is critically important.

ICDL has enabled significant organisations across many sectors to drive sustainable revenue growth and enhance differentiation and competitive advantage. ICDL provides evidence to clients of an organisation ability to deliver effectively and helps to reduce IT support costs.

ICDL is a highly effective and innovative model for education and training which helps to motivate staff and complements an organisation’s investment in people. ICDL helps provide proof of competency in the computer skills of potential employees.

The ICDL certification program focuses on a candidate’s knowledge of basic computer skills in seven key areas that are necessary for success in today’s digital world: Basic Concepts of IT, File Management, Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Presentations, Communication and Information. Candidates who pass all seven module tests receive an ICDL Certification card, to be shown to prospective employers as an achievement of fundamental knowledge in all seven computer skill areas.

Testing can only be conducted at an Authorised Test Centre so if you would like to achieve the International Computer Driving Licence certification, all you need to do is look for an Approved ICDL Training Centre or an Approved ICDL Test Centre nearest to you.

By: Jenny Mather

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The increased demand for qualified IT personal and skilled networking technicians has made the workforce diversity more competitive, as computer training is essential to any company’s growth.

Although computer based training is provided by diverse high school nationwide as well as colleges and other educational center, employers consider the need of a better IT training.

Technical training for improving soft skills can be achieved easily because of the use of computers in almost any household in the United States and other countries, as well as in all respectable businesses from small-medium to major companies with the latest technologies and equipment.

Computer training software is available almost anywhere, allowing people to gain the necessary skills in areas such as accounting and finance, administrative support, business, communication, consulting, selling and customer service, human resources, industrial operation, management, marketing, personal development, networking and safety, strategic planning, technical training and IT training.

Computer based training comes in the form of CD-Rom courses, so any individual who knows how to turn on a computer can learn through a diligent application process at home, office or school, and even at Internet cafes.

The scope of the deficiency of technical training underscores the need for IT training courses as complementary to any other former education.

Other advanced computer skills can be easily acquired with high-quality computer training, as a long-term reliance alternative that increases the opportunity of recruitment for workers.

Networking sectors and other companies which performance is based on computer systems, strongly promote among their employers the enrollment in computer based training programs to improve their skills, while they stay updated in new technologies.

From creative computer based training to IT training, CD-Rom software can be combined with interactive online courses and tests to round the individuals’ learning experience. Technical training can be combined with live practice, which aids in improving overall skills.

Although some companies do not have a web server of their own or cannot afford the licensing to own computer-training software, a CD-Rom is the perfect answer to offer their employers a computer based training experience.

Furthermore, many courses online, or through land-bases institutions, offer along with the learning material computer, training CD’s to allow the student to practice at home, or elsewhere when they are not connected to the Internet.

IT training and technical training software is usually accompanied by a complete step-to-step development guide, which allows people to practice safely with their own equipment or those in their work environment.

By: Natalie Aranda

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Once upon a time, many years ago, I didn’t know a thing about computers. People who know me, and especially my clients, often have trouble believing this.

But it’s true; I wasn’t born with some built-in ability to use computers. I started off as a complete novice, and had to learn as I went along.

In this article I’m going to explain something that I was very lucky to figure out on my own, way back when, that helped blast my computer skills into the stratosphere compared to where I started.

But first I want to tell you about a client of mine named Peter.

One day I was at Peter’s office, helping him with a problem he’d had with his laptop. Peter has a problem which is very common – his computer skills never improve because he’s afraid that if he tries something new, he’s going to break his computer or mess things up somehow.

Maybe you’ve felt this way too.

So I was talking to him, and was telling him about when I first started driving. When I first got my beginners permit, I wasn’t very confident about what I was doing, and would get nervous when a car passed on my left, or a mailbox was coming up on my right, so I ended up swerving slightly back and forth in the lane.

It probably looked pretty funny.

Of course, I didn’t have to do this — there was lots of space on both sides, and I wasn’t going to be hit by anything. All I had to do was just relax and drive instead of worrying about what might go wrong.

I’ve met a lot of people over the years who use their computers the way I used to drive back when I first started. And unfortunately, while I quickly got over this with driving, a lot of people never get past this problem with their computer.

The thing is, once I stopped worrying about something going wrong, and just relaxed and drove (while still, of course, paying attention to what was going on) I got a lot better at driving.

Turns out that Peter was kind of the opposite from me when he first drove. He actually “borrowed” his dad’s car when he was just fourteen years old, and drove to a friend’s house!

He dove right in and just did it, and probably really enjoyed himself right up until the moment a cop pulled him over!

His attitude was great, and made it a heck of a lot easier for him to drive (even without lessons) than it was for me at first when I started to drive. If he’d just balanced that out by being a little more careful (or maybe waiting until he had his license!) he might not have gotten into trouble.

The attitude Peter had when he was a teenager about driving a car is the attitude I had about using a computer when I first sat down in front of one. I dove right in and just played around with it to see where I could go with it.

But there was something else I did.

When I was exploring somewhere new with my computer, trying something I hadn’t done before, I paid attention to what I was doing. I made a point of remembering how to get back to where I was, and what I did, so I could undo it if it caused a problem.

So for example if I wanted to change a setting in a program, or try doing something new in a program, I first made sure I had some idea what would happen when I did it. If I had no idea, I either looked it up, or left it alone.

If I did have some idea what I was doing, then I’d try it and see what happened, but would make sure I knew exactly what I’d clicked, and where it was so I could reverse it if I didn’t like what happened.

And I’d only change one thing at a time, so if something went wrong, I knew what caused it.

The way I like to put it is “if you dig yourself a hole, bring a ladder.”

Remembering this tip, and remembering to have the right attitude when it comes to computers will do a lot to help you feel more comfortable and confident with the computer than you used to think you could.

So don’t be afraid to try new things – just make sure you bring a ladder when you do!

By: Worth Godwin

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Kansieo.com