That's right, for those of you who didn't know, you can take FREE computer classes at your local library. I have been teaching them for over 10 years and let me tell you I have a lot of material for this month's blog post.
You would think this would be a good idea, free computer classes. Well let me tell you, very rarely does it turn out well. More often than not, by the end of the class I am ready for a tall drink and a hot bath. There are currently six different classes that I teach (http://www.mercer.lib.oh.us/computer.htm) from basic computer skills to advanced internet. Usually the basic computer class brings out the senior population in droves. I have to admire anyone over 70 who doesn't have the advantage of having been around a computer their entire life, and having the ambition to learn the skills this late in their lives. However, I have found that most of the Greatest Generation simply are not capable of grasping computers. Now there are of course exceptions, so don't get all defensive. But, for example, when the patron cannot even follow directions to make it into the room where the class is being taught, you know your in trouble. As was the case with my most recent class. I was waiting for the last person to arrive before I started the class, but after waiting 10 minutes I decided to begin. About 5 minutes later an elderly lady came stumbling in and said she was in the wrong room. Apparently, she had been waiting for 20 minutes for the class to begin, at a computer workstation in the main part of the library.
In the basics class I teach things like "this is a mouse" and "this is how you turn on a computer". Simple right? I would say no less then 10 people have attempted to wave the mouse in the air after I have explained how it works by sliding it on the mouse pad (illustrating it for them and everything). Lack of mouse skills isn't just a problem for the elderly, I once had a classmate who nearly ruined my presentation because she couldn't figure out how to use a mouse (yes I had to go there AK). After another basics class, I began to tape arrows pointing to the on/off button after in one class over half of the people turned off the computers when I was attempting to show them how to open the CD drive.
The internet classes are even better. One of my favorite examples is when I was explaining how to use a search engine to find a web directory like Google Directory (http://www.google.com/dirhp). I instructed the students to type Google Directory, my exact words were "Google space directory". You guessed it, at least half of the class got a hit list for GoogleSpaceDirectory. Once in the Internet Basics class, I was explaining browsers, how there are different browsers but they are all very similar, and if you become familiar with one you will likely be able to use any. One person asked "so all of those things under my favorites are browsers?". I didn't even know how to respond. Then there was the time I told everyone to type "www.google.com" in the address bar, I looked around to make sure everyone had successfully accomplished this to find one innocent looking lady looking at a xxxmatchmaking site. Apparently she had typed www.goodle.com. The guy beside her looked quite interested.
Although many times I want to scream and I do truly believe some people are just not going to get it, I have also had many positive experiences that almost make it worth while. Recently I taught a class on how to use eBooks. Everyone there learned, understood and was excited by actual results by the end. Now if you have a mother, grandmother, aunt or elderly neighbor who wants to learn about computers......do me a favor, teach them yourself. What?! I'm just kidding, I love to teach computer classes, it's always an adventure AND an exercise in patience.
