[CW] Learning CW

[N2EY@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/22/02 1:15:42 AM Eastern Standard Time, N0BN@aol.com 
writes:

> Our ARES group wants to encourage the Techs to upgrade.  I and another CW 
>  operator have been asked to help.  The EC wants a formal class to provide 
>  structure. I tend to think folks need to learn on their own (mostly) and 
> then 
>  have tutors help them brush up, speed up, pass the test and hopefully 
>  encourage them to enjoy CW as a means in itself.
>  
>  1)  Any input on that dichotomy?  Any particular suggestions on how one 
>  teaches a CW class?

Formal classes are always a good idea. But the key (pun intended) factor is 
how often a
class can be conducted, and how people can attend.

At one end of the scale is the daily or twice-daily class, as was done in 
radio schools. In
such a setup, actual training and practice sessions during class will teach 
the students 
the code in a matter of a few weeks. Such classes today could be done as 
lunchtime
activities in a company that supports such things, or as a before-school or 
after-school
activity for young people.

At the other end of the scale is the weekly or biweekly class given by a 
radio club or
other group. Such a class cannot teach the code unless the students do daily 
"homework"
practice on their own. The problem is simply that most people forget too much 
between
classes. 

I'm going to assume that you are dealing with the second case. Seems to me 
the best
plan for such a class is to do the following things:

- explain what the code is and how it is learned and used
- arrange demonstrations
- facilitate the distribution of training systems (software, tutors, code 
oscillators, SW 
receivers, tapes, etc.)
- teach the basics, like how to hold a key, how the Koch system works, etc.
- set up practice schedules and monitor students' progress
- work on individuals' problems 
  
>  2)  What are the best, hopefully free, downloadable programs or websites 
for 
>  learning CW (such as those listed on ac6v's great site)?

All depends on the computers available. I used to use some old DOS based 
shareware stuff, but 
modern Wintel boxes don't run it well. AH0A's Morse Academy does a great job, 
but there are lots
of others. 

Good luck!

73 de Jim, N2EY