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

[scarletwoman]

45. What does your elderly grandmother need to know how to do?

Is it email? Basic start-up? Search?

I'm 63 years old. I got my first computer (a PC) in 1999 and am almost completely self-taught. I got a job in the Accounting department at the company where I work in 2001 by totally bluffing about my skills, and then proceeded to teach myself how to use Excel in a hurry. After 6 years in accounting, I transferred to an Admin job, and taught myself how to work in Word, Publisher, Power Point, and do a lot of work with graphics. Now I upload content to our company website and have taught myself some basic html.

I don't think it has anything to do with age, or with growing up with the technology - I've picked up everything I know after the age of 50. I think it simply has to with interest and desire. I really wanted to know how to do stuff and most of the time I've had to figure out to do it on my own. I think the main thing is that you have to be willing to flail about in the unknown and keep at it until whatever it is you're trying to do finally "clicks".

I've ended up teaching lots of computer stuff to other people over time, and the one important thing I know about how to do this is to always make sure you've got the other person in the driver's seat, so to speak. Make sure that other person is the one who is sitting in the chair in front of their monitor and that they are the one moving the mouse and clicking the keys. This builds up their "body memory", which is essential for learning any task.

The person teaching needs to be patient and compassionate, and generous with praise and encouragement. Proceed as slowly as needed in a loving and supportive spirit. And, most important of all, with good humor.