Teaching Computer Skills

When learning how to use a computer, everyone has different needs and abilities. Some may have a working knowledge of computing, but with little experience using specific applications. Others may have difficulty understanding basic computer concepts. For example, many people with disabilities have used computer games before, but when asked to find the enter key or use the mouse, they are stumped.

Assess the Situation

To start, figure out a plan based on an individual's computer knowledge, visual and physical abilities. Setting goals gives new users something to strive for. Some areas to consider in relation to this are mouse and keyboarding skills, Internet literacy, and reading and writing ability.

Create a Plan of Action

For beginners, this could be something like:

• Learning how to turn the computer on
• Learning how to place hands on the mouse
• Learning how to place hands on the keyboard
• Learning to move the mouse
• Learning to click the mouse

Breaking each component of computer use into steps makes it easier.

Make it Fun

Make learning fun for new users. Try to intersperse some fun activities in with the more rudimentary teaching exercises. Playing computer games is a fun way to practice how to drag items, click on icons, and other useful skills.

Be Patient

And finally, the most important aspect of teaching anyone how to use a computer is patience. While some computer skills may be second nature to the teacher, they are new to the student, and may take some time and effort to master.