This morning I taught my first computer class of the Summer computing season. I had a full class roster registered, but a very low turn out. I thought I’d soothe the sting of the searing rejection by presenting my class here in the hopes that someone might be inspired to teach someone they know.
Learning the computer is very much like learning a new language - don’t try and remember everything all at once, practice, and don’t be scared you’re not going to break it. Second, I go over the parts of the computer and the keys on the keyboard. I take this chance to point out that, despite what geeks say, computers are no always consistent and predictable. Sometimes they do weird things. Next I teach how to hold the mouse: index finger to left click, middle finger to right click, rest the palm lightly on the table behind the mouse for control. Most of the delicate cursor movement is achieved by pushing the mouse slightly with the thumb and pinky finger. We practice our mousing together using Mouseaerobics courtesy of the Central Kansas Library System.
If you’re looking for more practice we have computers here at the library for folks to use as well as friendly staff who will be happy to point you to mouseaerobics for a chance to practice. For the self-starters the library has lots of computer books for beginners: Windows Vista for Seniors, Easy Computer Basics, and who could do without The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Computer Basics?
0 responses so far ↓
1 ann delaney // May 9, 2008 at 9:23 am
The notes about teaching use of computers was very helpful - as I am a volunteer at Senior Health Center and will be intructing seniors and hopefully making them comfortable while they get hands on lessons. Thank you, Ann
Leave a Comment