brand new to computers

Dan · Jul 6, 2009

I want to open a local class (as a volunteer) aimed at seniors and folks brand new to computers and the internet. Aimed at folks who would ask how to turn on a PC. Gonna ask local Dept. of Ed. for the space and computer lab. From the mouse up. Start with the very basics. Any one tried this or any thing close who could advise? I am just winging it here.

TIA

2door · Jul 6, 2009

Dan,
I think you'd be surprised how fast they can learn. We gave Char's mom our old IBM, our first, a 166. Char taught her mom, who is in her 80s, to run it in just a few days. She even bought a new one this year because she said, "That old one is too slow"
I think it's great idea. Best of luck.
Tom

D.J. · Jul 11, 2009

Hi Dan

I have been teaching since the 70s . The last 10 years teaching computer graphics to middle school students . Don't try to reinvent the wheel . Use the existing program tutorials as your lesson plan or just go through the tutorials with them and show them how to look for and use other tutorials .

Safety is a big concern to older computer students . They want to be assured that they can and will be safe from fraud and stalkers .

Encourage questions and assure them that there are no strange questions or ones that are too simple . You will be asked some of the strangest things .

Encouragement is important . Tell them that they do not have to know everything about computers to be a computer user .

Don't expect the current computer teacher to like the idea of a different class working in the lab . I was very protective of my room and equipment and took damage and abuse personally . The computers are used for serious classroom work and when one goes down there is one less to be used by all . The principal or administrators will want to open things up for you but don't forget that the administrators are not the ones who will have to deal with the extra wear and tear on the equipment and the use of extra supplies on the lab budget .

Congratulations you should have fun . ..... D.J.

Dan · Jul 11, 2009

Very cool Tom and D.J. Thank you. Could use this as an example of one of the uses and power of the net. Can throw any question out there and some one will have experience that they will share

lordoflightaz · Jul 12, 2009

Back in the dark ages I would have people play "Solitaire" to get used to moving and using the mouse. For people that haven't used computers the mouse really was hard to deal with.

For more fun have them try doing things WITHOUT the mouse. There are some things that seem impossible.

Both are good lessons.

Dan · Jul 19, 2009

That is so cool LOF. I have used that and still am. You are so right! it works! The thing I am learning (DJ, awesome!all of your reply was great to read and implimeant) is tell folks they do not need to know everything, but how to look it up. Really am just winging it here and you guys have no idea how glad I am for your knowledge and how 2. The goal is to do good. You make it so and possible.
As always, great to know and have you all 2 ask crazy stuff. You guys rock!

I have no class yet, but have 2 older folks online. My Mom and the wifes. Is a great feeling. Both told me they could never. As Tom said, I am surprised. In a great way, Is more about confidence then knowledge. One thing I am learning is no "techy" or geeky words. Seems to scare folks. But answer questions. (What is a Google, etc.) Is going well so far.

If I mess this up (and I most surely will) I will not report unless it is funny and some one launches missals. Because nuk launches are always funny.

lordoflightaz · Jul 19, 2009

Make it fun.

Take a look at Cisco Routers Help, CCIE lab - CCIE training - CCNP, CCNA Cisco Router Forum, Certification It has been around for years and really make networking educational with a twist. Its not what you would call basic computing stuff, but it really helps get you interested in a topic.

Here is proof positive that geeks are really weird RFC 2549 (rfc2549) - IP over Avian Carriers with Quality of Service

I got stuck teaching a class on email as a substitute, Director of Training thought it would be fun if the Chairman of the Board/CEO attended my class, didn't tell me about it until the day of the class. I guess I am lucky that I acutally prepared a brand new set of lessons. My course ended up being the new course, yes it really was that good, I am proud to say (I will add that it doesn't hurt that my ex was a trainer at a bank and gave me a lot of tips.)

Good Luck

Dan · Jul 19, 2009

Outstanding LOF. That is some thing you should be proud of. In some of my learning this, I am finding the biggest speed bump is the fear that they will break some thing or cause a failure that will require a tech or geek and money. Trying to think of an analogy. I am using cars to much. ("You don't need a Cadillac to learn how to parallel park, buy you don't want a Yugo either") I am thinking of trying st8 forward; "You have to work really hard and know an awful lot to get in deep enough to do any real damage"

Seems to long to be of any good. hmm.

Make it fun is great advice. The fear thing seems to be the big hurdle. I have been answering questions and not putting them at ease. Am going to open first class with that in first sentence after introducing my self.

I had no idea how much fun this was going to be! Really, the looks of "happy" and "wow, I got it" are such a high. I can not wait to have a room full of folks.

fasteddy · Jul 19, 2009

Dan--I started using a computer about 7 months ago. Still lots I should know but I can nip around to what I want to see.
The big reason I stayed away was the fear it was too complicated. Most people my age tell me the same thing. Can't be bothered. Elder speak for not sure. I'm 65
My nephew is in the Canadian Army Signal Corp. One niece is a computer whiz and my brother and sister in law are top notch with them too. They all got tired of looking thing up for me and ganged up and forced me to learn. It's great.

Steve.

Dan · Jul 19, 2009

Awesome Steve, great job! Really is a confidence thing that any of us can build on. I really think this is the most amazing invention in history. If the pen is mightier then the sword, a home computer is a nuke. It is a library card to every library on the Earth. I wrote a thing way back on this; Ramblings If your at all interested. Is called "why would any one need a computer" (second to last post) I would love to hear your thoughts on this. As a new 2 computers person, your input would help big time!

fasteddy · Jul 19, 2009

Dan,you are right on the money with your article.
I find that I have very little tolerence for my friends who don't have a computer. That was me a few months ago but now it bothers me when someone else does it.

To think you can travel anywhere in the world in seconds and visit or get information is a rush. I sit here for 10-12 hrs a day visiting the world.

Fifty years ago my mothers, mother lay dying of cancer. It was from her that I got my love of history. When I went up stairs to see her, she would often say that I would never see what she had in her life. Sailing ships become steam ships. Horse and buggy became cars. The telephone invented. Radio invented. TV invented. Railways improved. Aircraft invented.
Before she passed away, man in space.

She also said I would I would see improvment in what was there at the time. I have often wondered what Gram would have thought of cell phones and computers? I bet she would have had both. Coloured TV would have been her darling.

Stay in touch.

Steve.

Dan · Jul 21, 2009

Thanks Steve. Really, you cemented my want to do this. Open doors for folks who are unsure or do not know they are there. My Mom framed her first email. From my Nephew. He was 6. If I get this even close to right, gonna post how to do it so others will. Such a good feeling. All about the contact and communication. I really was thinking I should not ask here. Lesson learned big time. Thanks guys

fasteddy · Jul 22, 2009

Dan-- Let me know how it goes. You will be a lot of peoples hero.

Steve.

Dan · Jul 31, 2009

Town I live in offers a "introduction to computers" course. (Which was one of the catalysts) So they have shot it down. I am sure the course is great but is geared to folks who have seen or used a PC. Carol's Mom took the course but was lost b4 they started when some one asked how to make gmail their default email client. So as a stipend-ed (is 2 a word. Is right there on the internet) volunteer for CRT, I am making a proposal to them on Monday. They have great clout and if I can sell them, can at least start. They are the folk behind local meals on wheels and pro-senor citizen.

Love the hurdles!

fasteddy · Jul 31, 2009

Dan-- When I first started I didn't know how to turn the computer on. Still don't know a whole lot but as my bro. says it's the worlds biggest library.Sure am glad I joined

Wish I could go with you because I present as good a reason to do it as they will ever hear. Hours of enjoyment and since I'm crippled up with the knee operations a great way to spend time with people I've never met.
They worry that as seniors we will lose of mental capacitys. Put them on a computer and the world is thier oyster.
I feel since I've been on the computer I've started to notice a difference in my self.

Hope it works.

Steve.

Dan · Jul 31, 2009

fasteddy said:
Dan-- When I first started I didn't know how to turn the computer on. Still don't know a whole lot but as my bro. says it's the worlds biggest library.Sure am glad I joined

Wish I could go with you because I present as good a reason to do it as they will ever hear. Hours of enjoyment and since I'm crippled up with the knee operations a great way to spend time with people I've never met.
They worry that as seniors we will lose of mental capacitys. Put them on a computer and the world is thier oyster.
I feel since I've been on the computer I've started to notice a difference in my self.

Hope it works.

Steve.

May I use that Steve? is the whole point and thank you. I tell folks it is a library card to every library in the world. The "Magic box"

You rock Steve and big time hope you get better soon. Know we all are pulling for ya! Can not keep a good man down.

.flg.

fasteddy · Jul 31, 2009

Dan,Please do and with my best wishes. As I said I wish I was there to talk to them. If you can break through the "it's too hard" and show people thier fears are groundless. They will find there is nothing fear and the world will be a better place>

Steve.

BarelyAWake · Aug 11, 2009

Breaking through the "it's too hard" is a LOT more challenging than it should be, honestly I think a lot of the time its more "can you just do this for me?"

I'm surrounded by performance engine specialists, people who's life is inundated with details and specifications, advanced systems and complicated procedures - systems much more intricate than any basic computer use...

Yet gawd help you should ya suggest they google something... "Have you tried turning it off and back on again?"

Ok... so mebbe I'm not so new to computers... mebbe I'm even a bit of a g33k *blush*
mebbe more than a bit lol, but I thought you guys might appreciate this;

now, if I can just figure out where to mount the satellite dish

Dan · Aug 12, 2009

2 funny BA and good point. Yesterday I went to an auto parts store and a electronics store looking to make a solar charger for a GPS for work and a trickle/regulator for a 6V batt for 2 smokers. Both places told me to look it up on the internet or Google it. Carol was in the car and did not go in with me but last place I stopped was an eye glass place as I had lost my reading glasses. As I walked out she asked; "They had none?" I said; "They told me to Google it"

2door · Aug 12, 2009

Dan said:
2 funny BA and good point. Yesterday I went to an auto parts store and a electronics store looking to make a solar charger for a GPS for work and a trickle/regulator for a 6V batt for 2 smokers. Both places told me to look it up on the internet or Google it. Carol was in the car and did not go in with me but last place I stopped was an eye glass place as I had lost my reading glasses. As I walked out she asked; "They had none?" I said; "They told me to Google it"

I'm waiting for the next step: We can already send and receive a FAX, how long before we can get out parts the same way? I can see it now; I Google a company, order my part and then on a little table next to my computer under a weird blue light, my parts appear. No waiting for the US mail, or FEDEX or UPS, just mouse over the part and 'Presto' it's there...! Scotty and Spock did it in 1968, why can't we?
Tom

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