Computer Studies

The group started almost by accident, with a chance remark around Christmas time 2009 by a Member that her grandchildren would only communicate by e-mail and she didn't know how . . . I (perhaps somewhat rashly) said "I'll show you if you like", the Committee did a survey to see if there was a need to formalise the sessions, and here we are! The waiting list is now on Page 7!

The reasoning behind the 1:1 sessions is that everyone is an individual with their own particular needs, and speed of working. The downside is that there is quite a long waiting list - three people a week isn't very many, but on the other hand, the queue grows shorter very quickly (in theory, anyway!)

Some of the group have already tried more "conventional" IT courses and found that although they were supposed to be for beginners the group as a whole went too fast, and the tutor had to go at the pace of the majority.

While we started out with half-hour sessions, this being deemed long enough without getting eye-strain, neck ache and all the other symptoms of "computeritis", we found we were just getting into our stride when it was time to pack up, so March 2011 will see a change to hour-long sessions.. Some of the group are fairly proficient already but want to brush up on certain specifics, while others are still on the "mind and eye coordination" and learning to use the mouse or scratch pad to move about the screen - OK, playing Patience or Mah Jongg if you prefer! Having said that, this week two of the absolute beginners sent their first e-mails - you can't imagine how thoroughly chuffed we were!!

I initially agreed to become a convenor as a means of giving something back to U3A for all the hours of fun and companionship I get from it, but it is backfiring (again) and I am enjoying myself even more! There are giggles to be heard occasionally, the cursor isn't so-called for nothing, and I truly hope that the lady I was tutoring last week was saying "shift" as she was looking for that particular key to form a capital letter!

If you'd like to come along and join the fun, then put your name on the list on the board, or if you think you might like to join but have reservations, then by all means give me a call, or stop me if you see me.

One thing I would mention is that it is easier if you have a computer at home to practice on - otherwise you will need to take yourself into the library to get any benefit from the sessions.

Finally, if you are due a session but can't make it, please let me know somehow - one missing from a group of 10 isn't quite as noticeable as one missing from a group of one!

Barbara

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