Help for the computer novices

+9 votes
242 views

About once a month I find a person who is just learning to use the computer and is just learning to use WikiTree.   Those people require some "special" hand holding, because it is not just learning how to use WikiTree, it is simply learning to use a computer.  Any thoughts on how to help these folks?

in The Tree House by Robin Lee G2G6 Pilot (868k points)
Robin, I dislike being negative, but trying to conduct a computer course for a rank novice is way above and beyond what either WikiTree or any of its members are able to do across the internet.

I am an active member of an organization named RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) and my chapter has a classroom with 12 student workstations, where we hold classes on everything from basic computer usage for brand new computer owners to a custom designed 6 session course (that I made and presented) in using all the collaborative features of Outlook on an enterprise WAN for employees of a local State Park.  

In my experience, people who have - at this point in time - not yet ever used a computer are not likely to pick up the needed skills very quickly.  To expect such a person to simultaneously learn to use WikiTree seems beyond absurd to me.  I would say that the best help we could offer is to point them to the right place near them where they can get the hands on and in person instruction they need, after which we can look forward to welcoming them to WikiTree.
My struggle exactly......
I have coped with people at RSVP with problems you wouldn't believe.

One said his computer didn't work and brought it in for me to look at.  It was a tower, not a laptop, and worked fine, so I asked him questions.  He said the light didn't come on at home (we're talking about the power light) so I started asking about his power connections.  He said he tried to check whether it was plugged in but couldn't see well enough because there was a power failure.  I swear I am not kidding.

Another one said she couldn't use her laptop at home because it was too frightening when it started talking to her.  She was concerned that someone was eavesdropping on her in the privacy of her home.  It turned out to be ads and news videos on CNN.  I disabled her speaker and she was fine after that.

Then there was the nice older gentleman in a class who was having a problem moving his mouse to the top menu bar when I told the class to click on some button there.  The class was waiting and waiting … finally he said "I can't get it up" so I explained that there are certain problems that are not in the scope of what I can help with in this class.

“...finally he said "I can't get it up" so I explained that there are certain problems that are not in the scope of what I can help with in this class.” OMG!!!

Well, Pip, what was I supposed to do?  Please remember that I am a respectable grandmother!

laughGrandmother: yes.....laugh

I am staying right away from this one!   laugh laughlaughlaughlaugh

3 Answers

+3 votes
 
Best answer
Based on discussions on several other threads,  I have created two pages where members can volunteer to help people in specific locations.  I recommend any meetings take place at a local library or similar location with genealogical ties.  

The pages are:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:World_Volunteers_by_Location

and

https://www.wikitree.com/index.php?title=Space:United_States_of_America_Volunteers_by_Location&public=1
by Laura Bozzay G2G6 Pilot (838k points)
selected by Dennis Wheeler
+4 votes
I think it would help to ask those people which things they specifically have trouble with or would like further explanation about, as learning to use a computer is a fairly broad topic.

Provided they understand how to search on google, or open an internet page, you could refer them to a learning resource: https://www.careertoolbelt.com/5-free-and-easy-ways-to-improve-your-computer-skills/

Or, if you have converse with them, find our where they live (if they're comfortable disclosing their city), and advise them to check out their local library, which sometimes have training to better their skills (especially the physical skills associated with using the computer, like double clicking, typing, scrolling, etc.). Or they could visit a local computer store (like Apple) to get a better familiarity with the device the they're using.

Unfortunately (or fortunately!), as with most skills, practice makes perfect.

edit:

Another thing, make sure to advise those learning to "take deep breaths", don't rush, just take your time to read what you see on the screen. Read each part carefully and make deliberate clicks. You would not believe the number of misunderstanding that happen simply because people rush and click all over instead of read carefully and observe.
by Tannis Mani G2G6 Mach 2 (20.4k points)
edited by Tannis Mani
Another idea, in regards to wikiTree... is there a sandbox? if not, maybe start by making them a profile, then allow them to practice editting and updating their profile by using the Preview and save button. Then show them how to search. I think those two skills are very basic and useful to help spur more questions for learning.

is there a sandbox?

commented ago by Tannis Mani

.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that the "sandbox" is your own profile.  You can do things on it that may not be acceptable on the "open" profiles (limits on stickers, for example, don't apply in the same way .. horizontal lines (pretty frowned upon, I believe) can be used on your own profile).

I learnt to use colour code on my profile.  I learnt how to use a sticker template and have it say what I wanted it to.  I learnt how to size up or down an image and to align it where I wanted it to sit.  I familiarised myself with the use of multiples of ' for italic and bolding.  I learnt how to "word hide" a link [https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk scotlandspeople.gov.uk online index, search] (words that "hide" the link).  All on my own personal "sandbox".

Tannis Mani, I think great advice about getting their own profile going and let them work and learn there. Practice makes perfect!
+3 votes
Silly advice...

WikiTree needs to have a book "WikiTree for Dummies"

and to those needing computer skills because they have none and there is no community help available or money to take a course at a local college, university, junior college, and I believe some libraries have classes as do some community centers. Then the silly advice I have for them is buy the book "Computers for Dummies"

I don't want to say that helping those needing help is above and beyond those volunteers that would try to help. I would be one of those until recently when I can't stay focused on just one project and find myself starting and stopping just about every other day.

Stop, take a deep breath, sadly some times we just have to learn to say no but I'll help them find an alternative way.

My 2 cents worrth....
by Louann Halpin G2G6 Mach 7 (71.7k points)
Thanks, Louise, it is what I was thinking, but, needed some "other" opinions.

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