Conducting a Computer Class

The way that a class is conducted will depend entirely on the instructor and the subject of that class. Each instructor has his or her own personal preferences and these are evidenced in the teaching method that he or she uses to teach the class. Some instructors will go through the presentation portion first and then do a "hands-on" activity afterwards. Others tend to combine the two and switch back and forth between the presentation and the "hands-on" activity. Still others tend to not use the presentation at all. Any of these methodologies is acceptable.

Computer Class Setup

The setup of the room depends entirely on the preferences of the instructor of that particular class. It is important to verify that the following items are located on/in the laptop cart:

- Box of mice
- Box of power supplies
- Mouse pads
- 4 surge protectors
- 1 surge protector with long cord
- Projector

The tables are usually setup prior to the time of our class by the center's security personnel. If it is not setup they must be informed immediately of the problem and they will setup the tables as needed. Depending on which room you are in the tables will be setup differently. It is important to always orient the projector so that it is projecting on a suitable surface, ideally a white colored wall (projecting on the movable partitions in the large auditorium room is not recommended as the colors tend to washout).

It is also important to make sure that the tables are oriented such that the surge protectors can be easily run between them. The laptops are not charged here in the library and must be plugged in during the class.

Computer Class Guidelines

In order for a class to be conducted successfully the following steps should be taken prior to class time:

1. Verify that the room is available. The following rooms are scheduled for use for our computer classes:
Computer class (12-2pm): North Room
Computer class (5:30-7:30pm): East Room
Computer class (Saturdays): Room 123
2. Print out handouts if needed. There is a supply of preprinted handouts in the electronics storage closet where the laptops are kept.
3. Checkout laptops on the HPL/XSW Staff card. This must be done before every class. Waive the fines if there are fines on the card from previous laptop checkouts. Make sure to put a note in the notes section of the account.
4. Verify that there is an attendance sheet for the class, there should be a packet of preprinted attendance sheets for the entire week.
5. Verify that you have a copy of the presentation available on your flash drive; all employees will be provided with one flash drive. It is the responsibility of the employees to keep up with his/her flash drive. A replacement will not be provided and must be furnished by the employee if he/she loses her original.

Computer Classes at Express Southwest

At Express Southwest we strive to provide computer training to the surrounding community. As such we offer a variety of different classes and our goal is to provide at least one new class every month. All staff members that participate with the computer classes are responsible for developing new materials.