[NIFL-4EFF:1640] EFF in the Workplace

From: Dawn Norris (Dawn_Norris@umit.maine.edu)
Date: Thu May 31 2001 - 10:45:00 EDT


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From: "Dawn Norris" <Dawn_Norris@umit.maine.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov>
Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:1640] EFF in the Workplace
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Hello everyone,

I have been using EFF in the workplace here at the EFF National Center.  I
supervise 2 employees; my goal is to create a team atmosphere in which we
all continue to learn, gain skills & have a voice.

Recently, I have been helping our newest employee gain some computer
skills.  The contextual & purposeful elements are naturally present since
these are real-life tasks in her role as a worker.  

I always ask her to sit at the computer for a hands-on learning
experience.  I try to use metaphors for technology terms which are
unfamiliar to her.  For example, today she discovered how to use templates
and to cut & paste for a specific task.  I likened a template to a jar of
paint - "whatever you dip into it comes out the color of the paint" vs.
"whatever text you put in the template comes out in that font".  

I am especially interested in how other people have helped a novice to use
computer technology.  I am still uncertain how I can link new terms &
skills to her existing knowledge.  Any ideas?

Best regards,

Dawn Norris
EFF National Center
University of Maine
5766 Shibles Hall
Orono, ME 04469
Phone: (207) 581-2402 x11
Fax: (207) 866-0059



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