Introduction-to-Computers

When I was teaching "Introduction-to-Computers", I found that seniors needed more familiarity with using keyboards and the mouse. So I taught using a simple process of playing Solitaire! I concentrated on teaching them to use the mouse to play the game. I also concentrated on watching their ability to use a mouse. In some cases, I recommended that they use a trackball instead. Particularly, if they were "shaky", and could not operate a mouse efficiently.

The more difficulty they had with the mouse, the more frustrated they became.

INielsen: More seniors becoming Web regulars

Although those aged 65 and older make up less than 10 percent of active Web users, a new Nielsen study has found that over the past five years, the number of seniors using the Internet regularly has increased by a 55 percent.

I think this is happening because of the importance of the web for new, shopping, and ease of research and e-mail. There is also a concentrated effort by senior groups for classes, computer groups, etc.

Note: I've been looking for info on seniors and tablets, and found this:

Seniors, Women Embracing Tablets, E-Readers Norm 8/30/11

Why concentrate on using a mouse? A mouse is a pointing device, and the ability to use a "pointing device" is critical! With the new tablets, you can just use your finger! And this might be the best pointing device for some!

Difficulty with pointing devices is often the reason seniors have problems with a computer. I've found that once they learn to point and click reasonably well, then everything else falls into place readily.

Young children take to using a mouse, like a "duck to water!" They do this, by learning games. For them, this is natural, but for seniors, unfortunately not.

Seniors are more into following investments, news, communications with friends and family. But. I had to "force" them to games, (Solitaire). To get them to use a pointing device.

If this was difficult, I then had to find out the best way for them to use a "pointing device". Sometimes it was a trackball, sometimes using a combination of keyboard and a mouse or a trackball. In every case, there was a best solution . The reason a trackball would work, is that I taught them, that once they have the pointer where it should be, take their hand off of it, then "click" (which on a trackball is separate from the roller).

Once they could use a keyboard and mouse (pointing device), they would leapfrog other beginners, because their life experiences would drive them to their personal goals!

Great Tutorial For Computer Beginners

This tutorial teaches the fundamentals of the keyboard and the mouse, which is a good introduction to computers. For those of you that have gotten to this point, this could be a refresher! If you are trying to teach someone the basics of keyboard and mouse, this is a great lesson and exercises!

http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/computer-lessons-for-seniors.html

An excellent source of on-line computer tutorials! Check it out!

History of Computers

In my Introduction to Computers course, this was a natural subject to cover for Seniors. They were there when it happened, and it is fascinating to find how Thomas Watson (IBM), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Michael Dell (Dell Computers) and so many others affected what happened with computers. It is true, that you can learn to use computers without this, but it is really interesting! Probably the most fun to learn ( though not really helpful on using a computer)!

1946 - In February, the public got its first glimpse of the ENIAC

The ENIAC was one of the first computers, at least in the public eye. You'll hear of this in some very old movies.

1948 IBM Selective Sequence Electronic Calculator

Famous then, but very few of us remember this now! I had 30 years with IBM, and it means little to me, now.

1950 UNIVAC info

Remington Rand, the producers of UNIVAC machines, got their start by buying the Eckert Mauchly Computer Corporation in 1950 and, shortly after, the ERA firm. These were the foundation of the Univac Division that produced some of the earliest commercially available machines ahead of more famous firms such as IBM.

1952 - Walter Kronkite and Univac

On election night, November 4, CBS News borrowed a UNIVAC to make a scientific prediction of the outcome of the race for the presidency between Dwight D. Eisenhower and Adlai Stevenson. The opinion polls predicted a landslide in favor of Stevenson, but the UNIVAC´s analysis of early returns showed a clear victory for Eisenhower. Its sharp divergence from public opinion made newscasters Walter Cronkite and Charles Collingwood question the validity of the computer´s forecast, so they postponed announcing UNIVAC´s prediction until very late.

1953 IBM Ships its 1st Computer, the 701

IBM shipped its first electronic computer, the 701. During three years of production, IBM sold 19 machines to research laboratories, aircraft companies, and the federal government. This was during the period when Thomas Watson, Sr. (CEO of IBM) was quoted as saying “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”

1954 The IBM 650 magnetic drum calculator

The IBM 650 magnetic drum calculator established itself as the first mass-produced computer, with the company selling 450 in one year. Spinning at 12,500 rpm, the 650´s magnetic data-storage drum allowed much faster access to stored material than drum memory machines.

This is the first computer I ever saw! I was in awe! I actually fixed it a couple of times, though I was not one of the "anointed engineers", who were allowed to work on a 650. I was there, and the customer asked me to "look at it", while they were trying to reach their regular engineer. I turned the lights out, saw which vacuum tube that wasn't lit, replaced it, then "Wala" it worked! Made my day!

1957 Companies

DEC, Control Data, Sperry Rand, Univac - read about their early history.

During the 1960's there was The IBM 1401, the IBM 360, then in the 1970's was the IBM 370 series. But the computer did not really become personal, until the Apple came along!

1976 - 1st Apple Computer

Cupertino, California based high school friends Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs produced their first computer, the single-board Apple I, in a garage workshop in 1976.

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Ten catastrophes: All-time worst tech industry executive decisions

John Opel was a well respected executive at IBM, when I worked for IBM, but nobody's perfect! The Osborne was an excellent computer, but that's now history! Norm

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Museum of Dead Technology

Interesting collection of once popular machines and devices! Enjoy the stroll thought history!

Applications

Introduction-to-Computers education would then cover the basic applications, such asWord Processing, Spreadsheets, Databases, Desktop Publishing, and the the Internet! This introductory level overview, would spark interest in each student differently, depending on their needs and interests. I have to admit, most liked the Desktop Publishing the most! I guess it triggered the "creative juices!"

Internet Usage

This was worth half the Introduction-to-Computers course! I taught the overview of the internet, then gave students some basic projects. Then the next lesson, was a one-on-one private lesson with each student, to use the internet, the way they wanted to use the internet! Most students, learned to "master" the internet in just a few hours, once they learned the basics of doing a search. They would then teach me about their fields of endeavor!

My Introduction-to-Computers classes were predominanlly instructor led, some private tutoring. I think Instructor led is the most acceptable, as the instructor works with each student to monitor progress, and then develop teaching techniques for each. Also, students would learn from each other. Tutoring is even more tailored for the student.

On Line Courses

On-line Introduction-to-Computers education courses are good for some, but not all! They are less expensive, but motivation is always on the student! I noticed that if I get stuck on some important point, it would frustrate me to the point of quitting. With some online courses, there is an instructor you could get help from, and this makes a big difference, paticularly if they are readily available. . I use a lot of on-line courses, but as an experienced instructor, I've had to teach myself a lot! But, I've always preferred instructor led classes.

Instructor Led Courses

These are generally more expensive, though I've seen "volunteer instructors" do a decent job. But in most cases, the better instructors are "paid". They have families to feed, etc. However, I've paid thousands for courses, that were worth far less than I (or my company) paid. Instructor led is not always worth the money! But, on the whole, I still prefer these!

In many cities and towns, there are courses available at libraries, and colleges, usually at a modest cost. Below are some additional resources. Key words for search - Introduction-to-Computers Continuing Education computer classes for seniors . You can also call nearby college or senior center.

SeniorNet Computer Classes

Savvy Senior - Resources

Christopher Wren Association This is adult education classes at William and May College. Has an excellent series of computer classes for adults (mostly seniors). Is taught in the college computer lab by very knowledgeable instructors, and the students are generally at the same skill level. This is a good example of instructor led class.

Private Tutoring

This is a strange category! Many of the tutors are okay, some not very good, and a few excellent! But, your advantage is, that if they don't really help you, then you can drop them quick! A second advantage is, that with tailored tutoring, you can skip what you don't want! Some students are actully quite adept, and really only have to get a few questions answered, and they are off and running! Generally, I think this is a very good solution for most! While this seems the most expensive, my experience says it is faster and cheaper!

Classes and Tutoring - San Francisco

Caution: On-Line Courses

On line courses run the full gamut, from very useful, all the way to "rip-off". They are designed around "self-teaching" , and some include access to an instructor for questions. I do not have any recommendations yet, so if you know of a good one, please let me know, so I can add to this website! Below are a few sites to try, whcih can be helpful.

Computer Lessons for Seniors

This site has some very good lessons for seniors. Please review!

Seniors Guide to Computers

This is an interesting site, with helpful tips for Seniors.

SeniorNet

I have not reviewed their classes, but appears worth a second look.

learning computers -from Amazon