Surviving the Computer Classroom

Here are some basic guidelines and hints about surviving your semester in the computer classroom. Since many of you are new to this environment, it can present you with trepidation and anxiety. However, if you take the following suggestions seriously, then you will not only survive, but may prosper.

Prior Knowledge — Since much of the work we will do in this class will be on the computer, any knowledge of computers will benefit you. I expect you to have some general knowledge about computer use, like word processors, floppy disks, and the World Wide Web, before you enter the class. While computer “geekdom” is not required for your sucess in this course, a willingness to approach the computer with an open mind is required.

Fear — Many who are unfamiliar with computers are often apprehensive about using them. You cannot hurt the computer, and the computer cannot hurt you. If I may borrow from Nike: just use it.

Frustration — Frustration always accompanies that which is new. If this class is to be at all successful, then frustration will follow your contact with the new and different, especially when using computers. While frustration may easily degenerate into a negative experience, we can help one another to keep it positive by communicating. Please, if you begin to feel frustrated, talk to me—either via email or face to face. I would like your introduction to fiction to represent a positive, life-affirming experience, not a battle to overcome constant frustration.

Use the Computer — As the semester progresses, you will become more adept at using various applications, especially the ones we use daily in class. In fact, the only way to get more comfortable with using various applications is to use them. I expect you to use the computer every day during the semester. You cannot learn the piano unless you practice; the same goes for computers. You will find that once you learn some basic procedures and processes, other, more complicated tasks, will become easier. Like learning anything else, you just have to practice.

Imagine — Since we are discussing new ways of writing and reading, you should imagine new ways to work using the computer to assist you. How can Hypertext help you in turning the average paper about a short story into something more dynamic and interesting? Can I use a MOO to help me with any of my assignments? Is the listserv useful for anything than just answering boring prompts?

Backup Your Work — I’m sure you’ll agree that there is nothing more infuriating than working hours on a paper only to have something go wrong with your computer, your disk, or your file. You may count on one thing when using computers: that something will go wrong. The only way to mitigate your loses when the computer does crash is to work from multiple copies—i.e., make backups. I suggest no less than three backups per important file. When possible, use your hard drive on your computer at home to keep your working copies, and only put them on floppy disks when necessary. Never keep your only copy of a file on a single floppy disk—you’re asking to lose it.