Observation

The goal of the observation was to determine her comfort and skill level with computers. In the initial interview, the teacher had mentioned that she needed help with some aspects of a multi-media project. I used time at the computer to both help her learn new skills and identify her general level of comfort with a computer. I would explain to her how to do something, and then she would perform the task. I used questions similar to the following to guide my analysis:

• Does she understand the terminology I use?
• Does she seem lost or confused?
• Does she have to ask me many questions after I explain a task to her?
• Does she seem familiar using the operating system (changing windows, directories, etc.)?