Helping a friend learn

[jaxory]

I have a friend who hates computers. She despises them in every way I know possible, and I, as a person who loves computers, wishes to change that. Her hate grows from the fact that she knows nothing about them and she gets frustrated with them anytime she tries to use them. That being said, I have offered to teach her about computers until she no longer wants to learn.

I had already offered her local people who give classes at libraries and such but apparently she has difficulties with them (being that they may go too fast, they use computer jargon she doesn't understand, etc). Anyway, she wants me to teach because she's comfortable around me and she knows I know a great deal about computers. I have a -lot- of patience so that shouldn't be a problem for me, and I have a spare laptop for her to use at home and a spare desktop here that she can learn on (so even if something does go horribly wrong, it doesn't mess anything important up).

With all that said and out of the way, I need help of some other people. While I have some basic ideas about what I should teach her, I'd like some input from the community. She knows how to turn a computer on and that's literally about it, she has no idea what the difference between windows, linux, osx, etc is. Like I said, I already have some ideas about what to teach her, and I plan on writing up myself a little note sheet every time before I start teaching her (I'll be teaching her over multiple sessions more than likely).

So...any advice or ideas to help her learn? I'm willing to basically try most anything that is suggested that would help. I'd really appreciate any info anyone can give me, ESPECIALLY if you've taught someone who has been shy towards computers their whole life.

Thanks.

 

[doubt.]

I think one important topic is safety on the 'net. The safer you know how to surf the less you need to worry about malware. Explain to her different filetypes, and how executable files can be extremely dangerous if you don't know EXACTLY what they do and who they're from. Show her how to check the BBB, and google search to find out if something is legit.

Also about webbrowsing in general, Firefox vs. IE vs. Safarti (etc.), basics such as what a computer is versus a monitor (lost of people still don't know... /facepalm), if you see her make any silly mistakes tell her about it then, and if necessary write it down and go over it again, later.

Maybe teach her how to set up printing jobs as far as quality/color/layout etc. go? Err... if she has an iPod, how to sync that.. How to acquire music.. Does she intend on using the computer for recreation, work or both?

I dunno, that sound good?
=P

 

[Volcom]

go through what makes up a computer

then go in detail

Then tell her about new hardware and why they are good or bad

 

[jaxory]

Nah, no iPod or anything, like I said, she grew up ignorant to computers. She knows about the internet, but that's about it and she's not really comfortable with that. I'm honestly basically starting from scratch with her. In terms of what she wants to use it for, of course recreation (she's mystified when I show her games on my computer) and she wants to learn skills in things like Office so she could apply for a job and be able to claim having the said skills to do so.

But yes, some good suggestions already. I appreciate it.

 

[Gunning]

No need to be to detailed, just teach her the essentials she needs to know. Unless you show her, she will probably never see Linux or Safari. Save stuff like that for when she is more cofortable. Just basic terminology and the programs she wants to learn.

Keep it fun. Get her addicted to you tube and TF2!

 

[Not-Z]

If she's hot enough to not learn about computers, stop teaching her.

 

[fobmaster2001]

If she's hot enough to not learn about computers, stop teaching her.

lol, well what do you want to teach her, software or hardware? thats a big factor to what you need to teach her about.

 

[jaxory]

I'm teaching her software first. If she shows a genuine interest in computers somehow, then we might move on and teach her hardware. But like I've said, we're starting with software, specifically, how to use a computer.

 

[fobmaster2001]

hm.....that how to use a pc...in other words, windows in general. Well thats a bit easy. Teach her the basics of woindows like booting, running software ie antivirus and system tools that help get better performance, and probably fun software like movie maker! hell u could get her to make a movie with u, if u know what i mean

 

[Havegooda {A|R}]

Number 1: Don't click on porn links.

~Gooda~

 

[Arn0t]

Ok, im going to replace gooda's #1 with something else, sorry gooda

Basically what you want to do is tell her the basics, booting, starting programs, and then telling her exactly what each program is for.

Second, tell her that anytime she needs a question, ask you first, knowing she can ALWAYS go to you, helps out alot, no matter how stupid she thinks the question is.

Umm, well i guess on your part, is always be patient. i know you said that you have alot of patience, but sometimes even having alot doesnt work out. so just truly stay patient

Oh, last thing for sure lol, when teaching her how to run the computer, tell her, NEVER do it for her (ex. pointing at the screen to go to start -> *program*, just tell her go to start, then all programs, and then the program, and stand back the whole time. they only way she will learn if she has to do it herself along with your guidence

 

[AWPerator]

Last year, I was FORCED to take the most useless Tech Proficiency Class.

If I were you, start her off with some typing practice every day. Look online, theres some free online programs. After that, move onto word, then excel, then powerpoint.

 

[jaxory]

Umm, well i guess on your part, is always be patient. i know you said that you have alot of patience, but sometimes even having alot doesnt work out. so just truly stay patient

I've worked in customer service for 6 years, and my supervisors have always complimented me on how patient I am with customers. Really, I'm probably one of the most patient people that anyone could deal with.

As for everything else, I appreciate the help with the info guys. I plan to take everything slowly and I really want to see how far I can get her. I plan on buying her her own nice computer for her birthday if she gets into it enough, and maybe when it comes to that point in time I can have her help me build it.

We'll all see how this all pans out though.

Any more suggestions are still welcome. I'm writing up a bunch of notes tomorrow night for me to use to make sure I cover everything I want to cover.

 

[AWPerator]

Try to incorporate fun stuff into the learning process, such as showing her youtube, wikipedia, and games. Don't throw it all at her in a single day, but show them to her over the course of a week or so, along with more the more practical material.

 

[Arn0t]

yeah and like i said, dont do it for her. tell her what to do and "step aside" and try to let her figure it out. Being a customer service person helps too