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(8,155 posts) Sat Jun 1, 2013, 04:17 PM Jun 2013

For those who are computer challenged, why do you think you have such an issue? [View all]

I've always wondered this. It seems that those who did not grow up in the computer age have the hardest time with them. My current theory is that it is similar to the problem of learning a foreign language after childhood development. Because of the way we learn in our youth, and the way the brain seems to "set in" as we grow older, learning the language of computing becomes a significantly more difficult task.

Anyway, I help my elderly grandmother a lot with her computer and it can be extremely frustrating. I'm trying to figure out different ways of teaching her the right way effectively.

Just want to make it clear that I'm not trying to offend anyone. I'm legitimately interested in hearing what people have to say.

74 replies

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For those who are computer challenged, why do you think you have such an issue? [View all] Gravitycollapse Jun 2013 OP

My grandchildren have a different phrase for it, premium Jun 2013 #1

My Mom is 75,I'm 56 and call her when I need computer help. sufrommich Jun 2013 #2

You've hit the nail on the head. GoneOffShore Jun 2013 #28

Without venturing into neuroscience, I think lack of familiarity is a huge factor steve2470 Jun 2013 #3

My brain is a little old man with a visor and a shoebox full of Evergreen Emerald Jun 2013 #4

Lol senseandsensibility Jun 2013 #69

I'm 64, self taught OKNancy Jun 2013 #5

So I guess you technically group up in the very early years of the computer age? Gravitycollapse Jun 2013 #6

yes... now that I live in the wired age, I would never want to go back OKNancy Jun 2013 #7

Hey we all loved that smell!! LeftInTX Jun 2013 #10

LOL in small doses I guess OKNancy Jun 2013 #12

When dinosaurs roamed the earth... pipi_k Jun 2013 #46

35 years ago, I was a computer programmer LeftInTX Jun 2013 #8

Use the YouTube share link. Make7 Jun 2013 #39

Got it!!! LeftInTX Jun 2013 #62

My father was 53 Jenoch Jun 2013 #9

I really need to set things up to be handy or "intuitive" or I get lost... bettyellen Jun 2013 #11

My dad was 73 or so when he bought himself his first computer. RC Jun 2013 #13

It's almost solely due to piss-poor instructions Occulus Jun 2013 #14

Anytime a programmer or tutor tells you, "All you have to do is..." you know you're in trouble. randome Jun 2013 #16

I've been on the internet for 17 years and I still have trouble with some sites steve2470 Jun 2013 #17

Design skills are not considered valuable and they should be. randome Jun 2013 #22

I agree with your points nt steve2470 Jun 2013 #24

+1. (nt) Paladin Jun 2013 #43

Step-by-step kinda goes out with information overload LeftInTX Jun 2013 #27

Some people 'get' computers, others do not. randome Jun 2013 #15

I, literally don't have anyone fredamae Jun 2013 #18

try this site: steve2470 Jun 2013 #20

I'll check it out! Thx :) n/t fredamae Jun 2013 #21

you're very welcome ! nt steve2470 Jun 2013 #26

Thank you Steve. Basic stuff I can do, it's other stuff I get confused.. monmouth3 Jun 2013 #49

sometimes there are tutorials on Youtube for programs steve2470 Jun 2013 #51

That is not a programming class, you need a microsoft office class sammytko Jun 2013 #50

I think for many it's a matter of interest as much as anything.... Sekhmets Daughter Jun 2013 #19

instead of just written instructions (I am awful at those) a series of screen shots helps a lot. bettyellen Jun 2013 #32

That's a good idea.... Sekhmets Daughter Jun 2013 #33

I'm really visual and have a hard time with losing paper instructions... so I write a tiny bit, bettyellen Jun 2013 #34

It's actually very clever! Sekhmets Daughter Jun 2013 #36

you are most welcome! bettyellen Jun 2013 #37

My first internet experience was w/a WEBTV in 2000. Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #23

What is it, specifically, you have a question about? Occulus Jun 2013 #30

Thanks for that Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #56

is this helpful ? steve2470 Jun 2013 #57

I'm not sure Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #58

It might steve2470 Jun 2013 #60

This looks pretty much like a carbon copy of the original game boy tetris: DireStrike Jun 2013 #72

I also had Web TV in the late '90s. RebelOne Jun 2013 #71

I was hoping to meet some fellow webbies Isoldeblue Jun 2013 #73

When I taught my mother William769 Jun 2013 #25

That is so clever! sammytko Jun 2013 #52

That was the idea. William769 Jun 2013 #64

"Don't touch the keyboard ....OMG you blew up the computer" L0oniX Jun 2013 #29

Figure out what she does on the computer, where she likes to go, and MADem Jun 2013 #31

Plenty of people don't get mechanical/technological things. But many who do lack other talents. WinkyDink Jun 2013 #35

I was in tears every day for the first two months I had a computer NV Whino Jun 2013 #38

I started using a computer back in 1990. Lugnut Jun 2013 #40

For some people it's fear. ohheckyeah Jun 2013 #41

For me, yes, it was fear at first. Your parents are lucky that you are so patient and kind nt steve2470 Jun 2013 #42

Thanks.... ohheckyeah Jun 2013 #44

What does your elderly grandmother need to know how to do? scarletwoman Jun 2013 #45

I think it's because they are afraid they will break it sammytko Jun 2013 #47

Age Makes no difference dem in texas Jun 2013 #48

Perspective from the other side quakerboy Jun 2013 #53

Am 72 - used to be ahead of the pack elfin Jun 2013 #54

It has nothing to do with age. Le Taz Hot Jun 2013 #55

I legitemately think that you are clueless about people. geckosfeet Jun 2013 #59

I don't think you read the OP properly muriel_volestrangler Jun 2013 #61

She just doesn't care about learning to use technology. All the "teaching" in the world geckosfeet Jun 2013 #65

So, you think she wants the interaction with the person who is clueless about people muriel_volestrangler Jun 2013 #66

Thanks. You are coming through loud and clear. geckosfeet Jun 2013 #68

I think your take on the OP is well-stated. (nt) Paladin Jun 2013 #67

I think it's really like learning a new language. Marrah_G Jun 2013 #63

It has nothing to do with age. It's something else. MineralMan Jun 2013 #70

It's aptitude and attitude - not age. laundry_queen Jun 2013 #74