Teaching Computer Skills to Older Adults

June 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Diagram of a mechanical mouse. Pulling the mou...

Image via Wikipedia

 

Older adults didn’t grow up with computers and the Internet. Whereas today’s teenager or young adult has experienced computers since birth and early childhood, the computer and the web are relatively new inventions for older adults. For this reason, teaching seniors how to use a computer and navigate the web requires a comprehensive approach.

Computer Skills: Children vs. Seniors

If you’ve ever watched a room full of children interact with computers, you’ve noticed that they jump to the task. They are many steps ahead of you and do not hesitate to push the keyboard buttons and move the mouse. This is in direct contrast to older adults who constantly ask, “Is it okay if I click on this?”

Children are fearless in regards to computers because they do not realize the consequences. Adults, on the other hand, are afraid that they will cause some kind of damage or create a problem they don’t know how to fix.

Breaking Things Down

When teaching adults how to use a computer, break down all steps to their smallest components. Don’t take for granted that they will know the meaning of “right-click.” Explain how to use a mouse and the difference between right- and left-clicking.  Computer terminology such as “desktop” and “tool bar” should also be explained.

Repetition is Key

Adults often need to practice their computer skills repeatedly before the steps become second nature. Instruct the adult(s) you’re teaching to take notes. Provide screen shots of computer images so that when they are going through the steps without you present, they have visual tools to guide the way.

 

 

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Apps, Internet, Scams Tagged With: , ,

LG G2x: A Dream Come True for Gamers

June 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The LG G2x deserves to be high on any gamer’s list of smartphones. This new offering from T-Mobile has the features to make any gamer happy, regardless of whether he or she is mobile or not. The following is just a taste of why the LG G2x is certainly a dream come true for gamers everywhere.

This is an LG Android Phone, which means you’ll be living off the powerful and popular Android platform. Coupled with the Android platform is the G2x’s dual-core mobile processor, the first from T-Mobile. This processor, the NVIDIA Tegra 2, will provide an amazing amount of power for your gaming needs.

The graphics are also amazing. HD gaming is available, which is commonly found on smartphones, if you have been looking to choose a smartphone lately. However, the G2x goes above and beyond, offering HD graphics on its 4-inch screen in 3D. You’ll be able to play the latest games in 3D HD, which is a dream for any gamer.

Plenty of other features round out the G2x’s gaming and multimedia abilities. Consider that the G2x, with the help of DLNA, can stream 1080p HD movies and games from the phone to your TV. Both sides of the phone capture video and 1080p recording. With the 4G network from T-Mobile, whatever you send and receive will be done at blazing speeds.

If you’re a gamer or if you’re interested in some of these exciting features, perhaps the LG G2x is right for you.

Filed Under: Apps, Internet

Free Cell Phone Applications

June 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment

One of the best parts of owning a cell phone, particularly a smartphone, is the ability to buy and utilize some of the many applications that are now available.  This is also true for the prepaid Blackberry Curve. Cell phone apps can tell you the weather forecast, the movie listing for the night and much, much more.  After purchasing your first few apps, you may begin to notice that your app bill is building rather quickly and in today’s economic climate; we cannot afford to purchase apps the way we all want to.

Not all apps that you find will be lifesavers, but allowing yourself time to download and try the apps out will save you money in the long run.  The prepaid Blackberry Curve has the functionality to allow you to try out apps and if those apps are not what you are looking for, you can then delete and look for another app that may be better suited to your needs.

However, there are many free cell phone apps to be found on your phone. Yes!  Free!  While the selection of free apps are not always as extensive and the apps themselves are not always as nice and user friendly, as the pay apps, there are many that are worth your time. It’s a matter of searching hard enough and spending a few more minutes trying the free apps out. You may find yourself downloading a free app that is just as good, if not better, than a similar application that you would have paid $5 to download.

Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed Under: Apps Tagged With: , ,