Teaching Computers to Adult Learners

Although we are in the technological age, many adults do not know how to use a computer at all or very little. Reasons for them not knowing how to use a computer, varies.

To teach adults in a formal institution, the educator must have a course syllabus detailing what will be taught in the computer class, how outcomes will be met, along with other institutional and personal rules and polices of what is expected by the learner and educator. I would also recommend a syllabus be completed even if you are privately teaching an adult how to use a computer. The syllabus should be given on the first day of class.

As an educator, you're responsible for creating lesson plans for your students. Lesson plans should be detailed, yet flexible. The reason is many inexperience computer users are afraid of the computer. You will have to help build their confidence in dealing with computers. That could take time. Depending on your institution, allow students reasonable time to get comfortable with technology.

Computer lesson plans are available on line, bookstores and libraries. I will list a sample of lesson plans I have used in the past when I taught Basic Computer Literacy Skills. Don't forget to present a checklist of accomplishments once your students achieve them. Along with the checklist, keep sample of your students work. However, they should get copies of their work as well.

* Introduce the computer to your students. Name parts of the computer and its purposes. Handout a worksheet, so students may label parts of the computer.

* Students may also have poor hand coordination with using the mouse. Explain how to hold a mouse and its functions. To strengthen their coordination, have students use a Paint program or even play Solitaire.

* Word processing applications are very important for students to know. Once you explain what it does, you can have students write letters, stories, and create advertisements.

* An introduction to the Internet is vital as well. Show them how to use the search engine to find many things they may be interested in. Once they are comfortable with the Internet, you can even create a scavenger hunt where they have to use the Internet to find their answers.

The key is to help students feel comfortable sitting with a computer. Many have a fear that their lack of knowledge will cause them to destroy this piece of machinery, which is not true with much modern technology. Have fun preparing lesson plans, and watch students learn.