This page describes some of the features
available in our software tutorial learning guides. (Note: Not all features are available in
every edition.)
Introduction
The Advantage Series for Computer Education, published by Irwin/McGraw-Hill
and distributed worldwide, provides software
instruction for business and computing students. Over 400,000 students
have used our tutorial learning guides in corporate, career, and
university training labs. Our instructional
methodologies have proven very successful in teaching students the what, why, and how of today's leading software applications.
Brief:
Covers an application's basic skill set in 2 to 4 chapters (120 to
190 pages.) Introductory:
Includes the Brief edition plus 2 or 3 additional chapters toward helping
students attain a proficient level of
software expertise and MOS certification. Complete:
Includes the Introductory edition plus 3 to 5 additional chapters toward
helping students attain an expert level of
software expertise and MOS certification.
Learning guides are divided into chapters (or sessions) and modules.
Each chapter requires two hours of focused hands-on study. Students can spend
an additional two hours completing the short answer questions, true/false
questions, multiple choice questions, hands-on exercises, and
case study at the end of each chapter.
Learning Objectives
Each chapter begins by outlining the
concepts and skills to be learned in the chapter. A student can easily
identify what will be expected of them before diving into the material.
Concepts, Skills, and Procedures
Each chapter’s layout and content incorporates pedagogical features
that are intended to incite interest and enhance learning. Commands and
procedures are introduced using hands-on examples in a step-by-step
format, and students are encouraged to keep pace along with the guide.
These examples are clearly identified by the text design and students are
helped along by the large well-defined screen graphics.
Feature-Method-Practice (2000 and XP editions only)
Feature-Method-Practice (FMP) is our proven what, why, and how
pedagogical approach for software instruction. First, the Feature
layer describes the command or technique (the "what") and
persuades you of its importance and relevance (the "why"). The
Method layer then demonstrates how
to perform the procedure (the "how"). Lastly, the Practice
layer lets you practice the technique in a step-by-step hands-on
example.
Learning Support Features
Instructions:
The step-by-step progression for all hands-on examples and exercises are
clearly identified and very easy to follow. In
Addition boxes: Placed strategically throughout the text, these
content boxes provide information on related or advanced topics. Self
Check boxes: At the end of each module, a brief question appears for
students to test their comprehension of the material. Chapter
Review: The Command Summary and Key Terms provide an
excellent review of the chapter's content. Hands-On
Projects: Each chapter concludes with 4 to 6 hands-on projects of
progressively increasing difficulty. Case
Studies: Students are introduced to a fictitious person or company at
the beginning of each chapter and then asked to solve specific problems
after working through the chapter content. Microsoft
Windows Appendix: A quick reference to Microsoft Windows describes the
fundamentals of working in the Windows environment, including using the
Office Assistant and Help system. Glossary:
At the end of the tutorial, students can review definitions for the Key
Terms listed at the end of each chapter.
Brief:
Covers an application's basic skill set in 2 to 4 chapters (120 to
190 pages.)