Rationale

The finder is the main core application for the Mac OS. It holds all the files, as well as all the applications on the Mac.

Apple actually refined the design of the Finder after they successfully designed the iTunes (music manager) interface. Once they had a model that worked, they translated it to all the native applications on the Mac. Therefore, for the Mac user, understanding this application leads to understanding the rest of the Mac OS.

There are many commonalities between Finder and the other core applications suchas Mail, Safari (the Mac designed Internet browser which has a PC version), iCal (the calendar application), iTunes (music manager which also has a PC version) iPhoto, and iMovie. This commonality also includes the iWork programs, Pages (the Apple version of Word), Keynote (the Apple version of PowerPoint) and Numbers (the Apple version of Excel)

You can even find similar elements in Apple's Pro software such as Logic (pro-music editing software), Aperture (pro- photography software) and even Final Cut Pro X (pro-film editing software). It becomes clear that Apple spends a lot of time making sure that the user can have a consistent computing experience when using their software. If a new user can gain mastery of the basic functions and design of the Finder application, it can take them thru out the rest of the software.

Many computer users in PC environment it keep their files on the desktop because they don't understand where or are comfortable with the filing system. The same thing can occur with Mac users. There is also a lot of computer users who mistakenly assume that an application such as Word holds their files. They will use the menus of the program like recently opened as the only way they know how to get to open a file.Thus they are frustrated when a older document can't be found. Other issues occur when they can't organize their files further into folders or figure out to rename them or even delete them if needed. They also don't understand where their downloads go and often repeatedly download the same file over and over again.

This short course would address the basics of managing files on a Mac thru use of the Finder. It would be organized into three parts, the first would be an in depth explanation of the Finder window, each OS generated system folder along with the items on the toolbar. Analogies would be made to assist the adult learner to grasp the main concepts. Socratic method of teaching would be used to help them retain the information. The next part would involve some very useful as well as fun tricks. There would be tips on customization of the interface and references to the items that are common thru out the Mac itself. The learner would practice making folders, saving files, moving files, renaming files as well as sharing files quickly and easily. Best practices would be given on how keep things organized and in control on their computer.

Confidence would be gained and the learners would feel more secure in their file management skills on the Mac. Finally a level one evaluation would be done to test their new skills.

Target population

Target population for the Finder course can be divided into three sectors. The largest would be the beginning Mac user who has no or little experience with computers in general and Macs specifically. They are typically in the baby boomer generation. If they have used a computer in the past, they claim to have not really understood how to use it well. Their skill level usually is limited to surfing the Internet and using email but only thru the web based interface such as AOL, Yahoo, or Hotmail. They usually have no understanding of the filing system of any computer. If they had a PC, they will have any documents created stored on their desktop. They also will have shortcuts or aliases created to their documents and their programs, all stored on their desktop. Their usual assumption is that their applications i.e., Word or whatever program they use to create something, is what stores it. When they want to find a document they have created, they will open the program first and go to the recent items menu. The second group, the moderately experienced user, may have used Macs for awhile. They may know where the Finder is but they still are not sure what it does. They will often also keep their files on their desktop but have figured out how to make folders thru top level Finder menu. The Mac OS has evolved a lot since the beginning. With the inception of OS X, Finder was completely re-designed. This group may also have returned to Mac, having used it in school, and now that they are retired, they have decided to go back to the Mac OS. Things have changed and they need some help reorienting themselves to the new look and feel of Finder. This group may also have difficulty visualizing where the files they create go as we'll as struggle to store things in sub-folders. The last group would be comprised of the advanced user. They are tech-savvy and adept at creating and manipulating their files. They understand the concept of Finder as a file manager. They may have elaborate filing systems set up for their files. The main use of this course for them will be to show them some tips and tricks that they may not be aware of. Every OS that Apple comes out with has some subtle to more major shifts as to how Finder works. Sometimes learning is more efficient when someone shows you the things that have changed and how best to take advantage of the changes. They could benefit from discovering the connection between the interface of the Finder and the other native Mac applications. Things that they may really understand such as iTunes being connected to Finder will quicken their understanding and appreciation. In conclusion, it becomes clear that everyone who has an interest in using a Mac will find some benefit in this course. From beginner to advanced Mac user, it will have relevance.

Design Plan Objectives

Given the Finder lecture, with the hands on demonstration workshop, the learner will be able to correctly identify the uses of the Finder application.

1. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able to identify and describe without error, all the components of a Finder application window along with their uses.

2. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able to create new folders within the Finder window, name the folders and place a document in those folders.

3. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able to rename, move or delete a file within the Finder application window.

4. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able sort files by date created, kind, application, date last added, size or name.

5. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able change the view of the Finder window to icon, list, column or cover flow.

6. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able add folders or files to the sidebar of the Finder window as well as remove them. They will also be able to describe the purpose of doing so.

7. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able share files with another Mac that also is running Mac OS 10.7 or above within 30 feet of each other, utilizing the airdrop function.

8. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able to make a contiguous as well as a non-contiguous selection of any of the files, folders or a combination of both. They will also be able to enclose that entire fore-mentioned selection within a new folder with one single click of the mouse or trackpad.

9. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able customize the toolbar of the Finder application window, adding text underneath the tools as well as shortcuts to other items to the toolbar.

10. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will be able to use the search feature of the Finder application effectively, quickly locating any file on the computer.

11. Given the lecture and the workshop, a working Apple computer running Mac OS 10.7 or above, the learner will discover how to customize the size of the icons, and background color of the Finder window.

Course'Description

This%course%will%be%a%90%minute%hands%on%workshop.%Class%size%will%be%limited%to%6%participants.%This%will%allow%for%a%seventy%five%minute%class%followed%by%a%fifteen%minute%Q&A%session%with%the%wrapAup.%Each%parCcipant%will%be%supplied%with%an%working%Apple%laptop%running%the%minimum%of%Mac%OS%10.7.%There%will%be%a%table%set%up%with%three%laptops%on%each%side%and%a%stool%for%each%parCcipant.%The%facilitator%will%have%a%Cinema%Display,%an%Apple%laptop%and%Thunderbolt%Display%connector%for%the%laptop%to%connect%it%to%the%display.%This%will%be%setup%at%the%end%of%the%table%facing%the%other%laptops.%

The%class%will%cover%the%basics%of%the%finder%window%anatomy%explaining%each%part.%It%will%cover%basic%file%management.%CreaCng,%moving,%naming,%sharing.%There%will%be%some%advanced%Cps%and%tricks,%learning%customizaCon%and%efficient%management%of%files.%%

Evaluation strategyEmails will be collected at the end of the course to send a survey link to gauge initial reactions. There will also be a short level two voluntary evaluation conducted via email to test the learners recall of the course topics as well as ask for ideas to improve the class. Learners will be encouraged to practice their new skills during the class.

Participant prerequisitesParticipants will be required to be able perform the following basic computer skills, use of mouse or trackpad, ability to turn on computer.

Facilitator prerequisitesFacilitator will be required to have reviewed with complete understanding all of the course materials. They will have to have familiarity with the Mac operating system that allows them to perform all of the tasks outlined in the course without need for any reference. They should be able to answer any basic question that the learners will ask regarding the course content.

DeliverablesDesign PlanFacilitator's guideGuide to Finder Handout Project Evaluation Email Collection Sheet

Gaining Attention:

Facilitator " Welcome to the Finder course. I would like to ask some questions of the group before we begin. Have any of you ever lost a file on your computer? Raise your hand. (Wait for hands to go up)Have any of you ever had trouble figuring out how to delete, move or re-name a file on your computer?( Wait for hands to go up)Well today we are going to solve all of those issues and more! We are going to see what a beautiful, elegant filing system that the Mac has for us!"

Direction:

"We will learn how the Finder application works to store all files efficiently, allow us to find them quickly and move or delete them as needed."" We will learn how to customize the Finder window to make it easy and fun for us to use it. "" We will also see how learning all about the Finder application will help us understand how other Apple applications like iPhoto and iTunes work. "

Recall:

“ So before we begin, I have one more question for the group. “Does anyone here have a file cabinet?” (Waits for response) “Do you store your important papers in it?” (Waits for response)“Well the Finder application is our filing cabinet for the Mac. We are now going to dive in and see how we can set it up and use it to the best advantage”. "Now let's all take a seat in front of our laptops. I will walk around quickly to make sure that all of you can turn yours on and locate the Finder symbol on the left side of bottom of the screen. It looks like a smiling blue face. I'm going to also see if anyone would prefer to use a mouse instead of the trackpad. I am also going to hand out a pictorial guide that you can use to help you during the class as well as take with you when you go home. Please feel free to write your notes on it. "(Facilitator will walk around and check that each participant can turn the computer on and locate the Finder symbol, and are able to click on it with either the trackpad or a mouse. Hand a guide to each person and make sure they have a pen if needed.)"If anyone needs help, please raise your hand. "

Content:

"The first thing we are going to do is learn about the Finder window itself. Everyone should have a blue smiling face at the bottom left of their screen. I would like you to click once on this face. "( Waits for class to perform this )

" When you have done this correctly, you will see what I'm showing you on this display.” ( Have the finder window open on the Cinema Display. Each picture in this guide should be replicated on this Cinema Display as you go along )

" Does everyone have that open? " ( Walk around and check that each person has the window open) " You can use your guide on the first page to see where we are as well. " (Show the handout, first page with screenshot of the window)

" The first thing we will go thru is the top of the window, otherwise known as the toolbar. This is where we find many useful things”

This is the toolbarguide picture 1

Here are the close(red), hide(yellow), and the maximize (green) buttons

“We see three buttons at the top left. A red that closes the window, a yellow that hides it and a green that maximizes it. I would like everyone to click on each button and see what they do. If your window disappears, click back on the blue face as you did when you first opened it”(Wait for all to finish testing each one)“How did we do?” “What happened when you clicked on the yellow button?”(Wait for response)“Yep. It hid the window. You can see it lurking near the trash can on the bottom right. You can get it back by clicking on that smaller image of it or as I said just re-click on the Finder face again. ”“That was fun wasn’t it? Do it again if you want to. Yellow buttons are seen in other windows in other applications. You may have done this before when you are on the internet and someone comes along who you don’t want to see what you are looking at. Maybe you are playing Farmville at work and it’s your boss. Click that little yellow button or for you power users, press the command key with the "h" key. Poof, you are safe. For now..."

guide picture 2

“ Now let’s look at that next set of tools in the bar. See the box that has four little squares, a set of lines, a set of columns and that strange black thing at the end?”(Wait for response)

(Select the applications under the favorites menu sidebar to show off all the views)

“Let’s see what changes when we click on each one. Start with the four squares and tell me what the items in the middle of the window look like. “

(Wait for someone to answer. It should be something like pictures or icons. )

“We call that icon view. You may already have it set on that view when you opened Finder. Everything in the middle of the window looks like a symbol or a picture of a file.”

Here are the view buttons, icon, list, column and cover-flowguide picture 3

Icon Viewguide picture 4

“Let’s try the next one over. This is called list view. Simply everything is in a list. This one is common to Windows users as well as the last. “

(Waits for everyone to switch views)

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

guide picture 5List View

“The next one is the column view. It is a favorite for when you are using folders. It makes it easier to see what is in your folder and still see the other things that are above and below folders. “(When in this view, select a folder that has something in it to show this part)

Column View

guide picture 6

“The last view is Cover-Flow. It is a combination of the icon view and the list view. You can click on or use the scroll button to see your files. Does it remind any of you of iTunes? There was a view in iTunes where you would see your albums scroll by just like the old days when we had “records” and would flip through them. I think you all may be too young for that.”(Wait for any questions at this point)

guide picture 7Cover-Flow View

Scroll button

‘Okay now we know how to open a Finder window and we have seen how we can look at files in different ways. Let’s find out how the rest of the toolbar helps us do things with other files. In fact, I think now would be a good time to learn a little customization. While we can try to memorize what each of these little symbols on the toolbar mean, I think it would be great to have the Finder tell us instead! So let’s go to the main menu and under the view part, let’s select customize the toolbar.”

(Show this on your Cinema display )

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Click here to customize guide picture 8

“ I want you to find the bottom of this drop down where you see “Show”. Next to show is icon only. Click on that bar and scroll up to icon and text. Your toolbar now has words under the pictures! Wow! While we have that open, let’s also drag some things from here to our main bar.”

guide picture 9

You can also drag anything that looks useful from this drop-down menu to your main toolbar. The trashcan and new folder icon are sure to be useful :)guide picture 10

Click here to change from icon only to icon and text

(Give the learners a chance to drag tools up to the main bar and help them if needed. Make sure everybody gets at least one extra tool on the bar and everyone can see the names under the tools now)

“You can also move your tools around on the toolbar while you have this drop-window open. If anything needs to come off this bar, this is the time to do it as well. Simply drag anything you don’t want off the bar. You will see a little “poof” appear. Cute isn’t it? We like the details at Apple. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !“Now let’s learn what the other tools do. You should have added either the delete or new folder tool or both to your toolbar”!

guide picture 11

These tools can go wherever you want on the bar and you can drag them to re-arrange them or drag one off the bar to get rid of it. Remember to have the drop-down window open to do this!

guide picture 12

Here you see your newly organized and augmented toolbar!

“Let’s look at the arrange button first.

“When you have it open you can re-sort your files in all these helpful ways. Let’s try them! “ (Make sure everyone tries all the different ways. Recommend the document folder as it has the most variety of file types on our demos)! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

“Next, the share button. You can share your files in all these ways with one click!” ! !

guide picture 13 Arrange button is a great helper when you are looking for something!

guide picture 14 You can re-sort your files in all these ways!

guide picture 15Sharing files is so easy,select how you want to share!

“The next two we will talk about here are the delete and the new folder button. Have any of you tried to just select a file and press the delete button on the keyboard? Does it work? (Wait for someone to try it) Yep. Doesn’t work. So we could drag it to trash but why not use our new button ?” (Have learners delete an item this way, by selecting it and then pressing the delete button) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

“All of these are short cuts. Things that make it faster to do what we want. Next we are going to look at one other really important tool. It’s the action button. It looks like a gear. Check your guide for picture 17. Let’s click on it and see what it does. ”! ! !

guide picture 16

You will use these two a lot

guide picture 17Action happening, right here!

“You should see the drop down appear like in picture 18. Go down the list and see all the things you can do! If you don’t understand one, raise your hand and let’s figure out together what it does!”(Wait for group to ask question. Make sure to ask them what they think it means before you tell them. If they don’t ask about the label part, make sure you bring it up.)! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

guide picture 18There’s a lot to do here!

“Now we are going to use the tools we have learned about to organize our files! The sidebar is the name of the place where all our the drawers for our Mac filing cabinet exist. They are really system created folders. But calling them drawers may make it easier for you to understand their function. We are going to play with the ones I call the three “D”s. They are Desktop, Documents and Downloads. They are the ones that you will use the most. You can actually change the order of these drawers by dragging them up and down. Let’s all try it!” !(Make sure everyone can see how they can move these up and down. Advise them to put them in the order that seems most important to them. If they aren’t sure, remind them they can move them back later )!! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !! Application Feedback Level 1 ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !“We know what the tools are and what they do. We know where the main drawers are. Now I’m going to divide you all into three groups with two people each. (Count everyone off as 1, 2, and 3. Have people move to be next to the others in their groups)You will review with each other the toolbar taking turns going thru each button. Use your picture guides to help you out. We are going to start by re-starting our computers, it will clear everything we’ve done so far so we can be fresh. (Walk around and make sure that each person re-starts their laptop. Explain that Apple puts special software on their computers that clears everything you do off of them

guide picture 19These drawers can be re-ordered by dragging!

when they are re-started. Mention that it’s a good tip to remember when using a public computer in the Apple stores to protect their private data . )!“Please try to see if you can recall how we customized the toolbar and do that too. I’m here if anyone has any questions”.(Wait for all the groups to finish exploring and customizing before beginning the next exercise. This should be about ten minutes. ) ! ! ! Application Feedback Level 2

“ Now I would like the teams to practice the following three things. You will create a folder in the document drawer using all the tools you can find to help you. You will then name it and then use the delete tool to move it to the trash. For extra credit, I’d like you to move the folder from whatever drawer you made it in to another one. Help your teammate if they get stuck. If you really need me, I’m here! ” (Give the teams about ten minutes to do this. Walk around and help if needed. If they have trouble naming their folder, show them how to use the enter/return key. Encourage them to look for the things they need in the toolbar itself, the menus and under the tools themselves. Make sure everyone accomplishes all three things)!

Application Feedback Level !3!

“ For our very last exercise, I’d like to have each group make a document in Word or Pages and save it to the Finder in the document drawer. I’m going to come around and watch you show me. I’ll be really impressed if you can also put it into a new folder with your name on it. If you need help starting the document, I won’t count that against you!(Walk around and make sure they can start a document. If needed, show them where the applications are. They have seen this Application drawer in the Finder window the whole time so try to let them work this out before you show them. After they make their document, if they feel they don’t know how to start to move it to Finder, show them the save menu. Let them explore all menus and encourage them to look hard before you will answer their question. The goal is to have them discover how Finder is linked to the save menu. This should be another ten-fifteen minutes )

Evaluation

“ It is a very powerful thing when you think about the difference what you studied with me today can make in the management of your files. You may have only had your Mac for a week or maybe for a few years. Now you can take your understanding of Finder to help with other Mac applications. You will see toolbars in other applications and you will see sidebars again too. Sometimes you will be able to customize them like you did with Finder. Apple mail is a great example. Try to see what you can do with it. Learn to use

your menus to help you find the things you need to do. It is never too late to learn new things and it's always fun! I would like some of you to tell the group what you have discovered about the Finder that you didn’t know before this class. I want to hear how you are going to use your computer differently from before you took this class. "(Wait for someone to say whatever it is they have to say. If no one speaks, pick some people from the group that you observed making good progress and ask them to answer )

Closure

“I really enjoyed helping you discover Finder today. Does anyone have any last questions that they would like to ask? (Wait for questions)Let me know what you are going to do first when you get home to your computer! I hope you feel a little more comfortable manipulating your files and will not lose anything ever again. I mean in your computer, of course. If you have any further questions, there are a lot of resources right in your computer. Make sure you check out http://www.apple.com/findouthow/mac/ for more tips. Don’t forget that the Finder has a help menu right at the top of the screen, to the right, under the menu item, help. You can type in a specific search or just select the first item under it. You'll go right to the manual. Thanks for your attention and be sure to leave me your email if you’d like to participate in a short evaluation of this course! “