In this activity, we'll learn about our software by trying out a tool
or technique and then teaching it to someone else. Then, we'll create
an online "experts" list so each of you can seek out classmates
who have some experience with a tool you want to know more about.
1. choose a technique from the list to try out (or pick
one in the book that looks useful)
2. look up the technique in the book, read over the
directions underlining the essential moves and marking (?) any unclear
words or steps
3. spend about ten minutes trying out the technique
and the various tips and tools suggested by the book or just generally
experimenting. See if you can figure out the ?'s you marked initially
and then put a check next to the answered ones
4. pair up with a neighbor
5. get help from your neighbor if you need it
6. starting with a fresh file on your own computer,
show your neighbor how to do your own technique, making reference to
the steps in the book
7. let your neighbor do his/her technique for you
8. then, watch/help your your neighbor do your technique
on his or her own computer following the steps in the book (help him/her
with reading the directions as necessary)
9. let your neighbor watch/help you work through on
your own computer her/his technique by following the directions in the
book. Make improvements as necessary
10 go to the discussion
board and post the name of your technique/tool to the "Survey
of Tools" discussion board with the page number in the book and
your tips and/or commentary on any vague or confusing parts of the directions
(for instance, wording you didn't understand at first, what the wording
means, and a page number where you found the explanation, if you found
it in the book). We'll use this discussion as an "experts"
list later.
