|
|
The computer classes syllabus
In the educational field, the main objective of the project is to train a group of students to become the instructors of the center.
Their training started in January 2000 and will last until the end of 2001, when the project is expected to be concluded.
We are using what we call "sighted to blind' approach.
After three months of tuition, as part of their training, they were requested to teach what they had already learned.
For this we use the "one teacher/one student - blind to blind" approach.
Phase 1
Procedures and Activities
Getting to know the Computer Room and its technology;
Operating the computer;
Introducing Jaws (software interface for the blind) and the Windows Desktop;
The BRAILLE package software;
Knowing the keyboard;
English-Vietnamese Dictionary;
Writing and reading a text in Vietnamese using the keyboard (BRAILLE program);
Saving files on diskettes and in other folders;
Embossing text;
Concepts and Know-how
Hardware;
Software;
Interface; Hard Disk; CPU; RAM;
Folder; Desktop;
Menu; Operating System; Voice interface;
Screen reader v/s monitor;
Navigating the HD;
Default; Working folder; Perception of computer space;
Preparing a lesson plan;Phase 2
Procedures and Activities
Getting to know the Bung Sang Computer Dictionary (the students will be given the list of words and add the Vietnamese translation and/or definition);
Word Processing:
writing and reading a text in Vietnamese in the Windows environment, using the keyboard and NDC program;
writing and reading a text in English with NDC; Copy, Cut and Paste text.
Introduction to the E-mail facility in NDC;
Starting applications from the Desktop and from the Start Menu;
Desktop functions and commands of Jaws;
Adapting Jaws to the user's preferences;
CDs and the CD-Rom drive.
Using CD-Player;
Printing to a remote embosser in the local network;
Concepts and Know-how
Windows objects and classes;
Different kinds of software (file management, editors, databases, sound, …);
File types;
The Computer Room Local Network;
Sharing the network resources;
Navigating the network;
The local network file system;
Management of the Computer Room, basic principles;
The Clipboard;
E-mail;
Improving the lesson plan;Phase 3
Procedures and Activities
Using the e-mail facility in NDC program;
Word Processing:
Editing in English in the Windows environment, using Jaws and the keyboard (HJ WordPad, MS-NotePad, MS-WordPad);
Processing different text file-types;
Converting a file;
Adapting Jaws to the program being used;
Introduction to software used to manage the local network and its file system;
Introducing Internet Explorer;
WEB sites for VIP;
Concepts and Know-how
File types;
E-mail;
The Internet;
Navigation software;
Hhyperspace;
Maintenance of the file system;
The System Manager;
Drivers; Devices;
The computer as a tool for learning and communicating;
Revision of the syllabus;Phase 4
Procedures and Activities
Different kinds of Braille Displays;
The local network and its file system; Network and file-management software;
Searching and navigating the Internet;
Printing for sighted readers;
Faxing a document;
Concepts and Know-how
Management of the Computer Center;
The Computer Market;
Keeping yourself updated on hardware and software;
Upgrading the system;
Helping the student to learn;Phase 5
Procedures and Activities
Braille Displays:
Operating the computer, reading and writing using different kinds of Braille Display;
Interaction between the keyboard and the Braille Display;
Introduction to Music and Sound manipulation software;
Looking for information on CDs and the Internet;
WEB based e-mail; POP3 e-mail and Outlook.
Concepts and Know-how
Installing software;
Evaluation of software for VIP;
Updating the syllabus;
Maintenance of the hardware;
How to detect the system problems;Phase 6
Procedures and Activities
Music composition and sound manipulation software;
Embossing music scripts;
Extracting texts from CD-ROMs and Internet to make them available for reading, word processing and embossing;
Scanning a text printed on paper;
Using Open Book (OCR for blind users);
Advanced Embossing procedures;
Concepts and Know-how
Retrieving information;
Knowledge bases and digital libraries; Copyrights;
Carlo Pizzato, Project Head
Amedeo Pignatelli, Education and Computer Co-ordinator