Plan a schedule of lessons that fits both parties’ lifestyles. Night owls have trouble focusing at 8:00 in the morning. No one is interested in patiently explaining a computer when he is late for work. Set times to meet when both you and your student are awake and relaxed.
Start with the basics. If you use computers all the time, it is easy to forget that instructions such as “Bring up Control Panel” may be confusing. First, teach your student how to click and double-click, explain hot buttons on the keyboard and show him how to open a program.
Demonstrate a task before asking the student to repeat it. Some people learn best by viewing, others by hearing and still others by doing. Show your student how to create an e-mail address, tell her what you are doing in each step, and then have her create her own address.
Touch on each of the major categories of computer applications. Teach your student to create a document and a spreadsheet. Teach her to use a basic photo-editing program. Walk her through the process of searching the Internet. Gauge your student’s reactions to each topic before going into further detail.
Teach your student how to install programs from CD, DVD or download. Explain how to view the “Read Me” file.
Explain how to use the “Help” feature in major programs. Teach your student to perform keyword searches and follow the logic of the “Help” function.
Demonstrate basic troubleshooting. Teach your student how to recover from a minor blue-screen, clear the Internet cache and reboot the computer. Show her the Recycle Bin and explain how to retrieve items.
Explain basic data security. Ensure that your student has virus protection and a firewall. Teach her how to run a virus scan. Explain how to create secure passwords.
Dispel myths and encourage exploration. Explain which information is actually stored on the home computer and which items are stored remotely (such as bank accounts and insurance policies). Encourage your student to try new programs, surf the Internet and access various computer features.