Introduction

• Welcome to The ESL Computer Book - Microsoft Word 2000. This workbook is one in a series of computer skills workbooks designed for ESL learners. The others are:
  The ESL Computer Book - Microsoft Word '97
  The ESL Computer Book - Corel Word Perfect 8
  The ESL Computer Book - The Internet

• This workbook is a basic introduction to Microsoft Word 2000 and was developed for English as a Second Language learners both in a classroom setting with an instructor and as a self-teaching guide.

• Typing and familiarity with the keyboard enhances successful computer skills learning. Although this workbook introduces the keyboard, no typing instruction is included. There are several good typing programs available for purchase and it is recommended that learners have a basic understanding of keyboarding before they begin to study Microsoft Word '97.

• Each computer skill is followed by practice activities. The activities are designed to practice both the recently learned skill and control of the keys and mouse. Following a group of learned skills, there is a review. Learners can use these activities to practice their skills. There is a skills check-list on page 86 that can help learners check their progress.

• The learned computer skills build on each other so it is suggested that learners follow the workbook in order.

• Learners should review pages as many times and as often as they wish. Repetition is crucial in remembering how to do something. Instructors should develop other practice activities that reflect learners' needs and life experiences. If possible, it is suggested that instructors copy some of the activities on a disk for learners to complete. This provides the opportunity to practice locating, opening and revising a file.

• Learners have different learning styles. Some may want to 'jump in' while others may need to read carefully and understand the instructions before proceeding. This workbook has been designed to address both styles by offering, where possible, different ways to accomplish a task.

• Computers are complex machines and there are often many ways to accomplish the same task. This workbook includes only one or two ways and as learners become more familiar with the computer, they will add to the skills and knowledge taught in this workbook.

• It's very difficult in any workbook to adequately describe some vocabulary items eg. 'click', 'cursor', 'select', 'deselect', 'scroll down'. Learners may need some initial assistance with vocabulary items.