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Computers as a teacher's aid is a technology class that introduces students to Microsoft word, Power Point, and Excel programs. In this course students are required to present a power point presentation, a virtual trip journal, and an Excel spread sheet demonstrating all acquired computer skills. The instructor introduces fonts, such as Serafont, which reads easier and San serafonts which force the eye to slow down while reading.

Students work in Word to create flash cards. Students learn how to make a hard page break to get to the next page making a text into a flash card. The instructor also teaches How to create a table of contents. Then he uses a problem-based learning skill to have the students give back to the instructor what was learned. Letters to parents are created using a template for a Professional Letter. This template allows students to construct a letter for various occasions.

Students also create a room sign for their classroom for back-to-school night. This sign includes art and color. As a requirement for this course students are to create a journal in Word about a virtual trip, "journal trip to ca". A power point presentation consisting of slides with animation, photos and clip art is presented to the class.

In Excel, students create a class list. This list is an outline for students to create their own list. The third part of the presentation is done in Excel. The virtual trip calculator, which organizes the projects expenses, meals, activities, and charts. As a final activity, students are to post ten outstanding web sites recommended for teachers. These sites are to be in hyperlink so that other students could click on the link and explore the site.

                                                       Reflection

I learned so much in this computer class. Nick's patience with the students was incredible. We learned that there were different ways to do the same  command, therefore, giving students options and insight about the computer. I was especially pleased to learn how to retrieve a photo from the internet and be able to add it to my power point presentation. I had never used Power Point before and was timid about the program. After learning from Nick that it is only difficult "if you don't know how" i was glad I learned how.

I really enjoyed and learned a lot about computers and different programs in this class. I know I will be using many of the skills learned in this course in my classroom. I now feel more confident using the computer having enhanced my computer skills. As a teacher, I feel I have learned computer skills that will in turn enhance my students learning.