How to Help Someone Use a Computer

One thing you have to tell yourself:
"Don't take the keyboard. Let them do all the typing, even if it's slower that way, and even if you have to point them to every key they need to type. That's the only way they're going to learn from the interaction"

I always want to just take over the computer when someone asks for my help. It's really hard for me not to because I look at it as being time efficient. But I realize now, that in order for that person to remember how to do it, they have to do it themselves. And then, next time, they won't have to ask for help. And the only way I can recognize this (besides reading it) is that I used to be like that and I didn't mind when people did the work for me. But then I figured out that next time, I still didn't know what I was doing, so I needed help again.


One Important Rule:
"You are the voice of authority. Your words can wound."

I, myself, am the first to admit that I am not that great with computers. I have really come a long way and I can see that. I can also spot beginners right off, too. I try really hard not to scoff at the newbies because I remember how embarrassed I was when someone made fun of me for not knowing how to do something.

When I present, I will slowly show the class how to navigate the Maine Memory Network and show them all the neat options they have when they check it out.

http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/pagre/how-to-help.html