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Teaching Computer Skills to Older Adults

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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.

Understanding Internet Addiction

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As addictions go, Internet addiction may seem tame. It’s true that being addicted to the Internet is not as damaging as alcohol, drug or gambling addiction. Still, Internet addiction does have its negative effects by limiting productivity on the job and reducing social engagement.

Fascination With the Internet

When the world wide web first emerged, people were fascinated by the ability to communicate instantly via email and instant message with others across the world. Seeing someone on a video camera online or accessing important information are productive ways of using the Internet. These capabilities enhance productivity and increase social engagement.

Drawing Limits

Internet addiction can creep up on a person. He may start by writing emails and looking up interesting information on websites. Before long, he may find that he’s addicted to discussion forums and constructing long emails that can be communicated more easily over the phone or in person. His social life may be affected because he does not want to be away for too long from his computer for fear of missing an email or reading an interesting news story.

Achieving Moderation

Many things are useful and enjoyable in moderation. It’s when excessive time is spent doing any one activity that problems arise. When a person turns down plans to attend an exciting event or take part in his favorite outdoor activity simply because he does not want to leave his computer, an addiction or compulsive behavior may be at play.

Solutions to Internet addiction require self-awareness. Saying yes more often to social invitations will help to remind a person that there’s more to life than just the Internet.