Make your choice from the menu below:

Computer Procedures

 Before beginning any computer programs for your Reading class, it is important to make sure your computer is logged on to our Reading Network.

 Have no fear, it is easy to log into the Reading Network!

 If the computer is already started, and you are unsure if you are logged into the Reading Network, it would be best to double check before continuing any further.  You can do this by clicking on the Start Menu, select Shut Down, then click on Re-Start, then click on OK. A new dialog box should appear in the middle of the screen.  Now you may type “Reading” for the Username, and “Read” for the Password, now Enter or click OK. You are ready to begin!

 If the computer is turned off, start the computer by pushing in the large circle, located just below the disk drives on the computer hard drive (the hard drive is the rectangular unit just left of the computer monitor). When the dialog box pops up in the center of the screen, just type “Reading” for the Username, followed by “Read” for the password, Enter or click OK.  You are ready to begin!

 Once you are finished working, please remember to log off the reading network before you leave the lab.  Be sure to close all open programs, then select “Start” from the desktop.  Continue by selecting “Log Off Reading Network.” This will allow other “non-reading” students access to the programs they need.

DRV Reading Selections / Chart

The DRV reading selections assigned for lab work each week (as differentiated from the homework assignments) are taken from college level texts from a variety of disciplines. Practice transferring the concepts and techniques you learn in class to this reading task (and eventually, of course,  to the reading you are assigned in your other college courses). Reading these selections and then charting your percentages of comprehension, vocabulary, and (often) your reading rate will give you weekly feedback on your progress.

Consult your lab assignment sheet for the reading assignments from DRV to be completed each week. Follow the instructions in your text as you read the selection and answer (without looking back at the selection) the comprehension and vocabulary checks that follow each selection. This much of the assignment may be completed anywhere you wish. Keep track of the time and record it in the “black binder” where you log your lab hours.

In the reading lab find the DRV answer  key on the shelves where your folders are kept. Check you comprehension and vocabulary check answers against the DRV key. Record your score (e.g., 8 correct answers = 80%) on the chart from the back of the DRV text. Using the perforations, tear this chart from your text (or make a photocopy if you would rather) and keep the chart along with your responses to the comprehension and vocab checks in your lab folder at all times.

Be sure to notice that some of your DRV reading selections should be timed and your wpm recorded on your DRV chart. Follow the instructions in DRV  that precede the selections (The first to be timed begins on page 52) and use the wpm chart on page 409. Remember to keep your DRV chart in your lab folder.

Reading for Understanding (RFU)

Work with these cards when you come into lab as a warm-up exercise to get your eyes and minds moving. Time yourself and attempt to complete each card (reading and answering 10 questions) in 3 minutes. Give yourself a few days’ practice to get accustomed to moving at this rapid pace. If you are still experiencing difficulty or frustration, communicate this to your instructor.

You will be completing 2 cards for each numbered level (e.g. card 35 ¨and 35·) and 2 numbered levels per week (e.g., cards #35 and 40). Your instructor has indicated your starting number; your progress from then on will be determined by your comprehension scores. Follow these steps:

 ·        Complete two cards at the level assigned. Use your answer sheet to record your responses.

·        Check your answers and record your scores on the answer sheet.

·        Average your scores for the two cards you have completed.

·        Determine your next card number by following this chart:

o       If your average score is 9 or 10 move up 5 levels

o       8 – move up 3 levels

o       7 – up 1

o       6 – down 1

o       5 or less – down 3

·        Record the number of your next card on your answer sheet so you will know where to begin next time you come to lab.

·        Record the levels (card numbers) on your lab assignment sheet in the blanks provided. (Level #’s _____ & ______)

·        Also, record your averages each week in the “Score” column on your lab assignment sheet.

EXAMPLE: 

 DATE       SCORE

  2/3       8 & 10            RFU Box  #  3    (2 Cards per level) Level #’s  25   &  28

The above entry indicates that in the week of 2/3 you completed two cards each on levels 25 and 28. Your average of the 2 cards on level 25 was 8; therefore you moved up to level 28; your average of the 2 cards on level 28 was 10.

Remember reading and thinking quickly and with full concentration is the key to success.

Motivational “carrot”:  When you reach card number 100 you will have “maxed out” the cards. You’ll be finished with RFU and can cross that off your list!

Speed Reader

 This is a terrific program on which to begin your computer assignments for the day. Using the Speed Reader program is a great way to get “warmed up” and ready for the other computer programs which you’ll be working on in the lab.

 Click on the Start button, and scroll up to Programs. Select Speed Reader. A dialog box will appear in the middle of the screen. Type your first name and first initial of your last name, then click on OK.  You will begin the first stage of the program, which is the  “Profile Training Program”.

 Press the Begin button to start this assessment/profile segment. Read the passage at a comfortable speed; press the continue button at the bottom of the screen to advance to the next page. Then take the comprehension quiz which follows the passage. When you have completed the quiz, the computer will give you several scores, which you will want to record on your “Speed Reader” answer sheet in your lab folder.

 Important:  You must complete this entire first session (without opting out by clicking the “x” in the upper right corner) or your profile will not be saved. Once you complete this portion, the computer will determine your current reading speed.  A personalized training session will then be prepared for you.

 While working with the Speed Reader program, you will want to start each session with 5 -10 minutes of warm-up, followed by the work which your instructor has specified on your assignment sheet in your lab folder.

 If you follow the above steps, you will be on your way to becoming a skilled “Speed Reader” in no time at all!

 Note:  To turn off beeping sound, follow these steps at the beginning of each session.  Choose “session” from the menu bar, then choose “options” from the drop down menu, then be sure the box next to “sound effects” is not checked. 

 This is a "rate builder" computer application. I think you will enjoy Reading Power Modules (RPM), and I'm sure it will help you reach your comprehension and rate enhancement goals.

These modules can be accessed directly from the network.  No outside disk or c.d. is necessary.  Click on the Start Menu in the lower left hand corner of the computer screen.  Scroll up to Programs, then click on Reading Power Modules.  The first time you log on, a dialog box will appear in the middle of the screen.  Type in your first name and the first initial of your last name, when prompted; click on Enter. (If it asks for a class number, simply click on the Enter button.  You do not need to enter a class number).  At this point, you will need to type your first name once again, then click on the Tab button on your keyboard, and enter your last name.  Click on Enter one more time.

You are now ready to begin.  Be sure to refer to your “Assignment Sheet” in your lab folder to determine what your instructor has assigned for the week.  Remember, everyone’s assignment may be a little different, so it is wise to check your own folder. Your level will depend upon your group # (refer to the top of the first page of your lab assignments handout if you've forgotten your group #):

Group I - Level E;  Group II - Level F;  Group III - Level G;  Group IV - Level G

Your words per minute (wpm) target should be based on your current reading rate (derived either from your Nelson Denny test results or DRV rate) plus 25 to 50 wpm. In other words, begin now to push yourself to read and think at a more rapid rate. 

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE - I highly recommend that you choose either "read at your own pace" or "line in place" when given these options by RPM. Play around with the program a bit before you "officially" start if you wish; I know 99% of you will agree with me.

 Remember to record your progress on the answer sheet provided in your lab folder.

 This program can be accessed directly from the network.  No outside disk or c.d. is necessary.  Simply click on the Start Menu in the lower left hand corner of the computer screen.  Scroll up to Programs, then click on Inspiration.  You will instantly enter the program, without entering any additional passwords.

 We have a comprehensive, user-friendly “Help” menu on this program.  If, after trying this menu, you still have a question, or are unsure of a procedure, ask for help from the Instructional Assistant.  If no one is available to help you in person, we have a copy of the “Inspiration User’s Guide” at the front desk.  As with all other lab materials, this book should remain in the lab for everyone to use.

Quantum

 This program is easily accessible on what we call “boot disks”.  We keep these stored in our Reading filing cabinet.  Ask a lab technician or the Instructional Assistant when you’re ready to begin, and they will issue a disk to you.  You will sign and date a pink check-out card, and will be able to use the disk while you are in the lab.  We do not allow these disks to be checked out overnight; we want to be sure everyone has a chance to use them.  These disks are for lab use only.

 To start the program, insert the disk in the top disk drive, and click on the small circular button (directly below the larger “start” button).  Or, click on “Start” in the lower left hand corner of the desktop, choose “shut down”, then “restart”. This will restart your computer and open the Quantum program immediately.  Do not worry about any log-on passwords for this one.  Now, refer to your “Assignment Sheet” in your lab folder to determine what your instructor has assigned.

Advanced Analogies

 “Boot disk”, to be checked out at front desk. 

See instructions for “Quantum”.

To select the lesson you want, type “AA1”, “AA2”, etc.

Word Attack

 Click on the Start Menu, scroll up to Programs, then select Word Attack. Be sure to give the headphones a try on this program.  They are great to wear; they prompt you along in the program, and they help to eliminate any distracting background noise in our lab!

 Follow the computer prompts, and have fun! It will ask that you log in.  Do this by typing your first name and first initial of your last name. Then continue the log in process by setting your “word list” Your word list is the level which your instructor has assigned to you.  You will find this information listed on your assignment sheet. Once you have determined what your level is for the assignment, go back to the computer and click on “Word List” at the upper left hand corner of your screen. Simply scroll up or down to your specific skill level, and click the mouse.

 For example, your instructor has assigned work on “Roots”.  You would click on Word List, click and drag the mouse down to roots, then continue dragging the mouse over to Prefixes, Roots, or Words.  Keep in mind, you have a wide range of levels under each of these three subcategories from which to choose.  For example:  Prefixes include levels 1,2 and 3;  Roots include levels 1 and 2; Words include levels 1 through 15. The key is to refer back to your assignment sheet to make sure you set the computer at that particular level which your instructor assigned.

 Also available under “Custom Lists” are all the words you will be studying each week in 1100 Words. Just follow the procedure outlined above choosing “Custom” then the week # that you are currently studying.

 When working on your Word Attack assignments,  we have found it to be very helpful if you follow a basic routine.  While you are working on the program, click on “Presentation Activity” and try the “Study” exercise first; copy the words and their definitions onto your answer sheet in your lab folder.  Next go to  the “Complete Sentence” exercise. When you have finished both the “Study” and “Complete Sentence” exercises, you are free to move on and play one game;  record your scores on your Word Attack answer sheet. Follow this order, and you will find yourself completing each assignment with ease.

Spell It Deluxe

 Spell It Deluxe is only installed on the 5 computers specifically designated as “Reading” computers. CD is also required.

 PROCEDURE:

Secure CD for Spell It Deluxe from Lab Tech and insert into CD-ROM drive.

 Log on to Reading Network.

 Double click on the “My Computer”  icon in the upper left corner of the desktop.

 Double click on the Spell It (Frog) icon.  (It may be necessary to look on the “Palomar C:” drive for this icon.)

 Click on “Run Spell It Deluxe”.

 Enter your name.

 Click “OK”.

 Choose word list.  Begin by taking a look at Advanced, List 9.  Take the Spelling Bee as a pre-test.  If you score 40-70%, use this list.  If your score is les than 40%, move to Intermediate, List 9.  If your score is 70-100%, move up to Champion, List 9.

 Record choice on answer sheet.

 Complete the following:

1.     Bayou Word Preview

2.     Frog Crossing (when prompted, choose “sentences” option)

Or

Midnight Correction (when prompted choose “Search & Edit” option)

3.     Spelling Bee (headphones required)

 After List 9, move up to List 10 for next week. Complete 1 list per week and record scores on your answer sheet. Keep answer sheet in lab folder.

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