[CW] Learning CW

[Mike D.]

Our local club teaches Technician License courses with code instruction. I
believe there are advantages to teaching code in a classroom setting. There
is motivation for students to practice, so they won't embarrass themselves
in class. It puts a little (good) pressure on them to meet the stated goals
for that week. A camaraderie develops and the students encourage each other.

It's important to have instructors that are CW operators. They must
emphasize that they are not learning the code because they have to. Speak of
the benefits of using CW over voice (especially for small stations), the art
and the instant rapport developed with a new ham friend who speaks the same
language. Mention some interesting conversations you've had on CW. Talk
about the romance of Morse code, the watery signals from a DX station or
breaking a pile up with a dipole.

We use the ARRL introduction CD/cassette tape to teach the characters. A few
students have purchased the MFJ-418 code tutor to practice while in their
car (with good success).
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-418 I like Morse
Academy software by Joe Speroni, AH0A. It's freeware, DOS based and simple
to use. We've had instructors e-mail text to the students to use with the
program as an assignment. You can download Morse Academy at
http://ah0a.org/AH0A.html I have other links to Morse Code training software
on my Morse Links Page at http://www.qsl.net/n9bor/morse.htm

For the instructors, they may want to read the Art & Skill of
Radio-Telegraphy by Bill Pierpont, N�HFF. You can download the book at
http://www.qsl.net/n9bor/n0hff.htm or it will soon be available for purchase
in printed form from FISTS CW Club. You don't want the students to spend a
lot of time reading about Morse code until they already know the characters.
Some students would rather study about learning the code than actually
learning it.

Once you get them through the code test, make sure you invite them to a
station, so they can make their first CW contact.

73 de Mike, N9BOR
FISTS MAC SMC ZUT
http://www.qsl.net/n9bor
MAC http://www.qsl.net/mac

di dah dit - The only Roger Beep you'll ever need.
My designated driver is a 12BY7A.