Getting Started with HST

[Staceyshoe]

My plan is to learn HST+, and I've heard there is quite a learning curve, esp for those (like me!) who are tech-challenged. Any recommendations for tackling the project of learning the program? Should I use Basic for a while and get used to that program before upgrading to +, or should I dive right in?

[Matryoshka]

My plan is to learn HST+, and I've heard there is quite a learning curve, esp for those (like me!) who are tech-challenged. Any recommendations for tackling the project of learning the program? Should I use Basic for a while and get used to that program before upgrading to +, or should I dive right in?

 

The basic HST and the Plus are like entirely different programs. Learning how to use Basic to better use Plus is like learning how to ride a horse so you can better drive a car. Really. Much harder, frustrating, and in the end a waste of your time.

 

As for learning HST+, it's not that hard, lol. I'd start by watching all the videos. After I did that, I posted specific questions on their forums - the moderator answers usually within hours and is very helpful. If you learn well by reading, I've heard the user manual is helpful- for me personally, the videos and forum were more than enough - but I start going cross-eyed reading manuals. :tongue_smilie:

[fhjmom]

I am har-of-hearing so I can't use the videos but found the user's manual very helpful. I would open HST+ in one window, then open the user's maual in another and switch back and forth as I was working through a new task. I did not read the entire user manual but looked up what ever thing I was trying to do then worked through it.

 

A tip that someone else gave that I found helpful was to make a "practice" database. I have one that I use to try things out in, trial run a schedule, import lesson plans from others to so I can tweak them to my liking, etc. Once I am satisfied I can import it into my "real" database.

 

And I agree about the riding a horse/driving a car analogy.

[Blossom'sGirl]

I ordered the trial version and worked on it for several weeks before ordering the full version. There is a very steep learning curve. I was really wanting to have someone right there with me to walk me through it. I ended up using my Mac laptop to view the instruction manual and videos while I practiced with the program on my antique PC desktop. I also downloaded some of the pre-made lesson plans from the HST yahoo groups to really see how they are put together. I am still far from knowing all the ins and outs of it but I do know enough to get the year started.

 

What also helped me relax is I decided to keep my younger two children using my original paper schedules and not use HST with them at all.

 

I wish I had thought of making a practice database. I believe mine is a mess.

[LaissezFaire]

The videos would still be helpful if you are hard of hearing as you can watch the mouse movements. For instance you can watch how to do lesson plans and get the gist of it without sound. I think I had the sound turned off when I watched them. :)

[Sasharowan]

I second using the videos. I had the program open on one computer and the videos on the other and copied what they did on a test database.

[MaMa2005]

DH printed and bound the owner's manual for me. That way I could highlight and put sticky notes all over it. It made the learning curve much more manageable.:tongue_smilie:

[amys]

I started trying to learn this program today. It is making my head hurt. I am pretty computer-savvy, too. :001_huh: I hope it's worth it in the end!

[PygmyShrew]

I had to get the user's manual. I have a feeling that once I get the hang of it I'm going to be thrilled with all it has to offer, but as a newbie it's overwhelming.

[3lilreds in NC]

I am trying to figure out HST+ also, and don't WANT to read the user's manual. I want someone to come and show me how it works! [stomps foot and pouts]

 

What I did was give up on it for the upcoming year, because we would never start school if I tried to get everything into HST before we started. My goal is to figure it out for next year, even if it means reading the manual. Sigh.

 

:lol:

 

ETA: Sorry for my complete lack of anything helpful. Just had to share my frustration.