Teaching and Learning Computer Media AMREF Seminar

Introduction Why use computers ? –Computers can make things easier Improved distribution and manipulation of information –Computers are becoming integrated with society People are interested in computer-presented information People are beginning to expect to receive information on computers

Media Types Visual Audio Video Interactive

Visual Word Processing Spreadsheets Graphic Design / Layout

Word Processing Programs –Text Editor (Notepad, Wordpad) –Microsoft Word –OpenOffice Writer Aspects –Good for lots of information (e.g. reports) –Familiar (well understood, common) Demo

Spreadsheets Programs –Microsoft Excel –OpenOffice Calc Aspects –Used for numeric data, e.g. accounting –Good for analysis, e.g. charts, graphs Demo

Graphic Design / Layout Programs –Visio –PageMaker –Quark –Adobe Aspects –Very accurate, professional design –Expensive, complicated

Office Suites Microsoft Office –Common –Expensive; often illegally copied OpenOffice –Less common –Free! –Can read all Microsoft files –Available for nearly all kinds of computers

Audio Pre-recorded audio –CD –MP3, WMA Streaming Audio Players –Windows Media Player –RealPlayer Demo: “A Teachers Story” (MP3)

Video Formats –MPEG –RealMedia –Shockwave, Flash Players –Windows Media Player –RealPlayer –Shockwave, Flash Demo: “No Time to Drop Your Guard” (SWF)

Interactive Presentations Internet/Web

Presentations Programs –Microsoft PowerPoint –OpenOffice Impress Aspects –Similar to word processing, but optimized for presentations Demo

Internet Probably the most valuable computer tool –Access to most of the information in the world –Searching (yahoo, google) –Specialized content Aspects –Lots of information; sometimes hard to find –Can be biased or wrong! –Inadvertent, inappropriate content Demo: Google search

Internet HIV/AIDS Resources

Fast, cheap communication Easy to broadcast information Easy to exchange lots of information via attachments Demo

Summary Lots of information available Lots of things to learn –Don’t worry ! Everyone is just as overwhelmed by computers as you are. –Share information –Experiment –Work with experts (become an expert !)

Thank you Questions ? My