X-Envelope-to: nettrain@ubvm.cc.buffalo.edu
X-VMS-To: @NETTRAIN
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.nettrain
Date:         Wed, 27 Jan 1993 19:27:00 CST
From:         NETTRAIN <MILLESJG@SLUVCA.SLU.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Tips on ftp training

----------- Original message below forwarded by NETTRAIN moderator ------------

Date: Wed, 27 Jan 1993 14:28:07 -0800 (PST)
From: Carol Brand <cbrand@nwnet.net>


I've been training mostly K-12 teachers in the past year, and one of the
biggest challenges I've faced has been helping them to understand the
hierarchical directory structure of most ftp servers.  As an aid, I use an
overhead that shows that the path pub/mirror/chemistry/xblat.Z can be
visualized as:

                        HOME
                         |
                         |
             ----------------------------
                |       |       |
               PUB     nic     bin
                |
                |
        -------------------
        |       |       |
       info    stuff   MIRRORS
                        |
                        |
                ___________________
                   |          |
                  math       CHEMISTRY
                                |
                                |
                        _____________________
                          |        |        |
                       XBLAT.Z    234.zip  tr9.tar


UHHGG!  I hope my overheads look better than that, but you get the idea.
Also, I find that it is important to help new users distinguish between
directories and files.  Too many people get frustrated because they try
to transfer directories and cd into files :^).

Anyway...on to your question....

I don't like using only a projector, because I think people learn better
by doing rather than watching.

My classes typically have 16-18 participants in them and having everyone
log into one host does have it's problems.  I have found however that
some of the more robust sites are able to accommodate us all.  The
following servers have worked for me:

wuarchive.wustl.edu
ftp.sura.net
ftp.uu.net

Sometimes is takes a couple of trys for everyone to get in, but
eventually, we all make it.

If for some reason you need to use a site that will not take everyone, I
suggest splitting the class up by rows.  Have handouts prepared that give
explicit instructions for logging in, locating a file, and transferring
it.  Then as people begin the process, you can move back and forth
between rows, providing help as needed.


*******************************************
|                                         |
*  Carol Brand          (206)562-3000     *
|  NorthWestNet         cbrand@nwnet.net  |
*  15400 SE 30th Pl                       *
|  Bellevue, WA  98007                    |
*******************************************


On Tue, 26 Jan 1993, NETTRAIN wrote:

> ----------- Original message below forwarded by NETTRAIN moderator
 ------------
>
> Date: Tue, 26 Jan 93 11:30:42 MST
> From: Skip <DUSKNOX%IDBSU.BITNET@UBVM.cc.buffalo.edu>
>
> I'm looking for guides and advice on training users to use anonymous
> FTP.  I have an outline and such, and plenty of experience, so mostly
> I'm looking for ideas and perspectives more than a place to begin.
>
> But I do also have one specific problem.  I'll be in a room with 20
> users at 20 machines.  If everyone tries to FTP to the same place, we'll
> have problems.  How have trainers dealt with this?  Every approach I
> can think of seems to present its own difficulties.  I could give each
> person a different place to go.  I could use a projector and just have
> them watch me do it.  I could try to find a place that would accept
> 20 simultaneous logins (!).  Or I could cancel class.  :-)
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Ellis "Skip" Knox       dusknox@idbsu.idbsu.edu
> PC Coordinator & Faculty Computer Lab Supervisor
> Professor of History
> Boise State University  Boise, Idaho
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU