How to use pie weights?
Yes.  You can either use aluminum foil that has been lightly sprayed with some Pam or rubbed with butter OR a piece of parchment paper cut into a larger circle than the pie.  It will create an overhang that you can use to pull out the weights or beans.

If you try to bake it with the beans on the surface it will cook directly into the dough and your shell will be ruined.

I still prick the bottom of the crust because steam and air will still be trapped underneath the pie weights.  When you remove the weights to finish the baking of the crust, if it has not been pricked you could still end up with pockets and air bubbles as that part of the crust is still a bit raw.