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Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Weaver on September 17, 2018, 07:48:52 PM

Title: Old folks
Post by: Weaver on September 17, 2018, 07:48:52 PM
Has anyone been able to teach very very old people how to use a web browser, desktop or laptop computer, smartphone or iPad ? Or failed spectacularly?

If you manage to get 90 year-olds to take an interest, find some motivation and get up the courage, how does one best teach the very elderly successfully?
Title: Re: Old folks
Post by: Ronski on September 17, 2018, 10:38:37 PM
I would think it very much depends on the person, some just will never pick it up - we have an old driver in his 80's, when his mobile rings he just stabs at the screen, despite being told how to answer it correctly, and there's absolutely no point texting him or leaving a message  :wall:
Title: Re: Old folks
Post by: 4candles on September 17, 2018, 11:25:25 PM
Best to start when they first get the device.
Usually, though, I get called in when they've had it for a while, have ended up confused and frustrated, and just haven't got the patience to start with the naming of parts (https://shenandoahliterary.org/blog/2016/06/the-naming-of-parts-by-henry-reed/).
All they want is a step by step list of actions to complete a task. All very well until something unforeseen occurs, and then they're stumped. But still they don't want to know if I try to explain what a browser is, or an email client, or how folder trees work.
I have had some success with old and young - the best 'pupil' was over 90.
Title: Re: Old folks
Post by: banger on September 18, 2018, 12:22:21 AM
My late father took to Windows like a duck to water, browsing and using spreadsheets even though he had never done so at work. He was late 80s with just the odd question on how to do something. My late mother had no interest whatsoever.
Title: Re: Old folks
Post by: renluop on September 18, 2018, 08:46:29 AM
As one of the target group, I never manage to receive a call on the smartphone and always have to phone back.