Teaching Older People Computer Programs?

Question

How do you teach an older person (early 50’s) about computers? (Ex. Word, Microsoft ECT…)

So they will not get frustrated by the language or the many ways to do the same thing?

Can some one recommend me some thing to read on-line about how their thought process works or if there is a different method to teaching some one in the 50’s new information?

Answer 1

Logically.

You have to start with basic concepts, such as identifying icons and double clicking with the mouse to start a program.

Then you need to cover the basics of cut and paste (control C and control V)

After that I'd show them the different ways they can view the document they are working on and let them chose what view is best for them.

Then have them work.

After they work you can show them how to use the spell check and grammar checker. Word count.

Once they get experience you can teach them about fonts, font sizes and effects like italics, underscore.

When they have finished a major project of many pages you can then teach them about headers, footers, page numbering and how to place these.

YOu can show them how to globally change to double space or single space.

You can show them how to set up print margins for 1" equal.

Eventually you can show how to import pictures and set the text flow around these pictures, size the pictures, etc.

Finally you can show them how to build a table of authorities and index.

This assumes they know how to type to begin with.

This also assumes YOU know how to use Word!

Answer 2

You'll not believe this, but I've never failed teaching older people how to use a computer by starting with Solitaire.

The concepts of using a mouse, click, and dragging are all covered. In my experience, every person knows how to play the game with a deck of cards so it makes the computer less threatening.

Mike Honeycutt

Answer 3

I love the above idea. We are working on my father in law (age 82) and we plan to start with games.

When you get to Word (I would start with that because it seems less complicated) have them use the menu and show them that it tells them everything that they can do. So if they want to do something (like center text or underline) and cannot remember how, it is okay because it is all stated in the lists at the top.

After they learn to use that with ease then you can show them the shortcut buttons that make it easier. Be sure to show them the "undo" button in edit! Let them play first before it is something that is required for work or school.

Answer 4

you can start by showing them how to sign in and make a email account, and what i teach my friends is how to use the mouse and keyboard. teach them some games, it will be fun while they are learning and then show them how to write a letter on word or other program, take each step one at a time and soon they will be relaxed and enjoy exploring...