This page is written by a talented fellow named Phil Agre. I would have
just included a link to his web, but I wanted to annotate his work (you can view
the original)
and I wanted you to be able to print out his essay on a single page (Oops! - I
just tested and there's no way that's going to happen). I
would also suggest visiting Phil's
home page. He has authored many articles that are worth reading.
Forgive me, Phil, for annotating your fine work. I fell in love with it the first time I read it. I believe all your suggestions are important, but wanted to add some of my own observations.
You've forgotten what it's like to be a beginner.
Remembering back to all the mistakes you made while
learning this stuff (or anything else for that matter) will help you to develop
compassion for the person you are trying to help.
If it's not obvious to them, it's not obvious.
When they don't know or understand, it does not
necessarily follow that they are slow or stupid. Many times we need to
understand several key pieces of the puzzle before we can begin to make
reasonable assumptions about the solutions we are searching for.
... they've probably tried several
different things. As a result, their computer might be in a strange state.
This is natural.
Guilty, guilty, guilty. I have made fun of
"users" because of the messes they have made. Thank you,
Phil, for so eloquently reminding me that they were trying their best to remedy
the problem.
A computer user who's not
part of a community of computer users is going to have a harder time of it
than one who is.
It's very hard for many people to learn new skills from a
book. Computer user groups and their SIGs are invaluable for guiding many
students into the light.
Don't take the keyboard.
Also, of course, applies to the mouse. Just wanted to
mention that many seniors initially have problems using the mouse. Suggest
that they play Windows Solitaire for a few days and you will see rapid
improvement. Trust me - it works!
Find out what they're really trying to do. Is there another way to go
about it?
Do not assume that the question that they ask you is really the
question they need answered. A little digging on your part may save you
both a lot of time.
Formulate a take-home lesson.
Give them a "homework" assignment, tell them you will
be in touch via email (hopefully, that won't be a problem), then follow up with
them daily until they can fly on their own. Email is invaluable for
allowing me to support many students over long periods of time.
