Idea sharing - Barrier 1

Graphic courtesy pixabay.com

In the discussion forum below, contribute your thoughts on how, as a digital mentor, you might assist a client who presents this barrier as a reason for not engaging with the digital world. Please feel free to comment on or reply to any other contributions.

Discussion

Sabina Ryan, 2022/11/17 16:52
Offer support and lend a listening ear while assuring them that they are not alone and that programs are available or even one on one learning if they are not comfortable with being in a group.
Andrea, 2022/10/13 09:05
Let them know they are not alone, let them know coming to the library is a great start. Be patient and supportive
Katrina T, 2022/10/13 09:02
Establish a rapport with the person who is struggling to embrace anything technical / digital. Listen to their concerns, provide information of places they can go to obtain information i.e. the local library, they may provide basic computing classes to start the beginner. Encourage and support them to try something new.
Ash, 2022/07/29 15:59
let them know the current libraries computer programs being offered for learning computer skills.
Janette, 2022/03/26 08:51
You are not alone, keep learning and practicing, suggest other programs available at the library.
Caroline, 2021/08/05 15:04
Let them know that they are not alone and that there are groups and teachers out there to help him/her to navigate the digital realm. Learning and practicing something new is a positive thing at all ages.
Susana , 2021/07/15 14:10
Reassure them that they are not alone and that staff are here to help, and all they need is a teachable heart & mind.
Neill Hahn, 2021/04/09 18:23
Reassure the person that this is what we are here for, to get them started. Find out what things they can do.. eg drive a car? use a typewriter? Play a sport? etc, so that you have a starting point to relate learning to use a computer to and to assure the that they have overcome this barrier in life before. Show them some basic moves that are used to use and control all devices... turning on, clicking or touching on icons to get a reaction, typing in words, etc. Show them where to get further help with this, either on-line or books, or in person as appropriate for them.
Stephanie, 2021/04/01 12:21
Inform them of the classes and books available at the library and reassure them that they're not alone. Depending on skill level offer self guided options such as Be Connected
Georgia, 2021/04/01 10:39
Reassure them that they are not alone in feeling this way.
Offer the courses that are available for them to take in order to learn how to use the computer.
Include the skill ranges of all of the courses in case they're interested in furthering their knowledge.
Jessica, 2021/03/31 12:34
Offer to help in a friendly, welcoming manner and reassure them that they aren't alone. Explain to them that the library offers free classes to a range of people of all different skill levels.
Richelle Ryan, 2021/03/31 10:56
Reassure them they are not alone.
Find out their interests, what could motivate them to move past this.
Offer information on local courses.
Offer assistance and use of library computers to practise.
Jasswant, 2021/03/21 17:39
try to understand the importance of using computers and the great things that can be achieved, also they should also realise that it is very easy to get used to operating computer systems with regular practise. Would start by going to the training programs offered by the library
Paese Sagafili, 2021/03/16 12:30
Barriers are excuses to mask fears. Fears that they may 'break something'. In this case, walk them through basic steps one at a time, starting with turning the computer on and continue from there. They will soon learn that there is no way they can break the computer.
Sonia, 2021/03/16 11:46
suggesting Tech Savvy classes
Linda, 2021/03/05 11:29
Let them know that we are here to help and offer classes
Robina, 2021/03/04 12:37
Let them know they are not alone, suggest the free classes, or one on one - depending on preference
Mark, 2021/02/28 20:35
Suggest the library's free class for new computer users both young and old.
GERARDINE MARY LAAN, 2021/02/24 14:25
I'm here to help with all your questions. Lets get started
Judith Di Gregorio, 2021/02/23 14:11
Take time to form a relationship with person encourage them to see what a computer can do and that is cannot be broken and they are not stupid, tell them about programs run by library that can help them learn. Talk to them about how a computer is able to help and enrich their life.
k, 2021/02/18 13:48
advise them about library help services.
Debbie, 2021/02/12 17:18
Suggest Tech Savvy classes
Where possible give one on one help
Pam, 2020/12/24 10:44
Advise the customer the library is there to help, encourage to do a basic computer class
Kathleen, 2020/11/24 10:54
invite customer to attend one of our computer workshops
Pauline Thomas, 2020/11/13 15:10
reassure customer that we have all been their situation ...but by doing we gain knowledge
Maree Taylor, 2020/11/11 15:02
Suggest that we can help with our one on one "Be connected Sessions"
Tracie, 2020/11/04 14:25
Reassure that we are hear to help, provide advice of services that we can help with.
Jenny, 2020/11/01 16:54
I would advise them they are not alone and try and build report by asking questions and learning about their interests. I might then show them little tricks on how to use a computer if they are willing and share that our libraries would be willing to support and assist them to learn. They could use our equipment during the sessions before they decide whether they wish to buy a computer for home.
Tanaya, 2020/10/31 10:00
Offer and assist with any training needs they have and be supportive and patient
Jodie, 2020/10/28 15:47
Let them know that we are here to help them, and suggest any training course we may have as well as a one on one help.
fiona thackray, 2020/10/27 18:14
Build a rapport - explain how a computer could be useful to them and then highlight trainings available through the Library with like minded people.
Desiree, 2020/10/27 12:04
Ask what would you like most to learn. Offer Tech Savvy Classes or similar. Explain all attending Tech Savvy classes are beginners.
Nadine Keenan, 2020/10/24 11:32
suggest any training courses that are available
Amy, 2020/10/21 10:45
Establish a rapport with the customer and get them comfortable about coming to the library, as they can get ease themselves into learning and build confidence either with a 1 on 1 or with a group of people in a similar situation.
Pearl, 2020/10/15 14:26
Give them information about computer courses that are currently available through the library.
Kirsty Snadden, 2020/10/12 16:06
Suggest sessions to help
Pam, 2020/10/12 14:07
Often they are already using computers but don't realise it (smartphones, ATMs, library Self-Checker). If they are already using their smartphone, let them know that most things can be done via phone - they don't have to sit down to a big, intimidating computer screen.
Tell them about our tech support sessions, & reassure them we can just show them how to do that One Thing they want to do.
Leisa , 2020/10/09 09:19
I would let them know that we are here to help and that we start at the very beginning and can work at their pace.
Hannah, 2020/10/06 12:52
Reassure them that they are not the only people that don't know and that it is an easy task to learn with the right guidance.
Karel, 2020/10/02 12:57
Let them know that we can help them with learning to use a computer. Discuss the options available to them.
Colleen Hobdell, 2020/10/02 09:46
Visit your local library, register for introduction to computers, small group session
Carolyn Beattie, 2020/10/01 10:47
Let them know that is it ok, and they are definitely not alone. Offer support in getting started.
Anna, 2020/09/30 10:00
Offer support in the learning phase, let them know that are many other people out there thinking the same thing. You have to begin somewhere.
Tia, 2020/09/29 14:21
Reassure them by letting them know they aren't the only ones, discuss some different options with them that are available at the library which could help with their lack of knowledge with technology.
Tegan, 2020/09/28 12:20
Offer one on one support through the libraries tech help program
Gemma, 2020/09/23 16:16
I try to be warm and friendly when dealing with new patrons. Telling them that the classes offered by the Library are free are usually a good selling point. Letting them know classes are small and intimate so the trainer will be able to deliver a slightly more personal experience is another good way to get people interested in the classes.
Kirrily, 2020/09/23 14:45
I use this as an opportunity for promote TSS
Kerry, 2020/09/23 13:04
I often tell older clients about my Dad and his computer skills and how they have developed over the years. I would discuss different options available to them and encourage them without being pushy.
Susan , 2020/09/23 12:01
Lets just take this one step at a time, (try not to overwhelm) and then guide them through each step. At home (for homework) they can also go on to web page "Be Connected" where they can learn at their own pace in their own environment.
Theresa, 2020/09/23 10:00
I would let the customer know that our classes are designed specifically for people who are just starting out, that we begin with things like turning on a computer and using a mouse. I would let them know our classes are small and supportive and that within a very short while they'll be amazed by what they learn and how much more confident they'll feel.
Alexis, 2020/09/21 15:02
Assure them there a lots of people who don't know how to use a computer, but the library's beginner classes have helped many of them become confident with computers and smart phones.
Jodie, 2020/09/18 14:09
Let them know that it's ok and that I'm here to help. I would offer them a one on one tech session or let them know when the Tech Savvy Sessions are available and that there are courses that can teach you the basics of using a computer if they're interested.
Jacki Hastings, 2020/09/14 15:39
Let them know that you can help and advise them of the free tech courses available at their local library.
Eleanor, 2020/09/10 15:48
I would offer a tech help session to take them through the tech savvy course introduction to computers and connect them with other groups that might offer courses.
Jennifer , 2020/09/10 10:48
Suggest programs available at the Library and that these programs are free. Also other community places that run programs
shirley venuto, 2020/09/10 10:20
Thats ok, thats what I am here for
Petrina, 2020/09/09 16:33
Let them know that everyone had to start to somewhere, we were all beginners at one stage. Try and find out something that interests them and apply that to their learning.
Chloe Patch, 2020/09/08 11:42
Let them know you can assist them with learning to use a computer. Let them ask questions etc.
Letting them know we are all learning together and that though it might be hard to start with practice makes perfect and little steps at a time.
Katrine, 2020/09/03 12:30
Assure them that computers are just tools and can be simple to learn.
Anyone who can write with a pen can use a computer - they just need to be able to press keys on the keyboard and move and click a mouse.
The whole point of computer training is to learn how to use a computer - we can teach you.
Petra, 2020/09/02 11:10
"Tempt" with possibilities after finding out what they would like to know deep down
sue, 2020/08/31 10:56
I would suggest training. Tech Savvy Seniors to start with.
Maria, 2020/08/30 16:34
Informing the person of the relevant programs available at the library that would suit their needs.
Oleshya, 2020/08/28 12:55
Establish a rapport with the individual. Coming to the library is the first step, as you can get to learn the basics for free with other people in a similar position as yourself. We here ready to get you started and help.
Natasha, 2020/08/28 16:26
Assist with finding a suitable training provider near their residence if possible. For some, the less travel time, the less anxiety.
Training should include explaining the hardware of the PC and functionality.
Provide a cheat/tips sheet to take home.
Shelley, 2020/08/26 16:03
Offer to help them learn and advise that the library offer free computer classes to people.
Christi, 2020/08/26 10:46
Offer to help in a friendly, warm manner. Explain the library offers free classes to a range of people of all different skill levels. Let them know they aren't alone and we will move at their pace not ours. Don't be afraid to give something new a try
Sharynn, 2020/08/19 11:47
Offering the saying there is no time like the present. Showing what is available and then providing simple instructions on how to use a computer
Tammy, 2020/08/18 15:50
I would suggest contacting groups/training centers that offer digital training as part of their membership.
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digital_literacy/training/bc_digital_mentor/module_4/discussion/barrier1.txt · Last modified: 2020/08/04 08:52 by Alan Duncan
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