APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 2005-02 > 1107529185


From: "Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS" <>
Subject: RE: [APG] Beginner's Software
Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2005 09:59:45 -0500
In-Reply-To: <013d01c50a52$b2661e00$6e41b142@VALUED16AFA648>


Since the question was about what to teach a group I think it is appropriate
to present all the options to the class and let them choose based on their
goals. This means becoming knowledgeable yourself on the strengths and
weaknesses of the various packages so that if guidance is your goal for the
class you can present the software in their own spotlight. If just
presenting reference points for the class in order to let each individual
choose, then do a nice bibliography with websites for the major products and
the magazines that have reviews such as "Genealogical Computing."

In my classes I present the latter and since we are in a setting with
Internet connect, I go to each website and show them how to download demos
so they can test drive each product. I also have an old Family Tree Maker
demo CD that I use to show how to create a book using that software. The
visuals usually get them excited about their family history. Seeing the end
goal makes the other tedious parts of research worth it. I leave the choice
of the software package up to them.

-- Elissa

Elissa Scalise Powell, CGRS
www.PowellGenealogy.com
CGRS and Certified Genealogical Records Specialist are Service Marks of the
Board for Certification of Genealogists used under license after periodic
evaluations by the Board. http://www.BCGcertification.org/




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