"How to help someone use a computer"

    I really learned how important it is for computer experts and really any expert in a field to be patience, calm and sensitive to new learners because it will help them relate to the learner more and the learner may open up more and explain the difficulties they are having rather then just "shut down."


"Beginners face a language problem: they can't ask questions because they don't know what the words mean, they can't know what the words mean until they can successfully use the system, and they can't successfully use the system because they can't ask questions" (http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/pagre/how-to-help.html)

This quote really jumped out at me because it's true, it's really hard to explain what's wrong with the technology if you don't know what any of the terminology means. It's really frustrating for the user and the expert, plus it causes a lot of discouragement.

   An important rule to follow that I connected with the most was the one where it said "show me how you did that." I was like wow that's me! I like to show people what I did because as I mentioned my lack of understanding of the machinery limits my explanation. However, in the past most people are like "ok mmhmm alright" and then take over and try and fix it. They never show me HOW or what their doing and it's annoying because I would've liked to show them what I did just in case I missed a crucial point. It was really helpful to know that I wasn't the only one who felt that way.

   I really feel like this comes in handy when thinking about how I will be teaching the class about "our" technology because I will know to go slow and not to just speak in acronyms but rather to explain the terminology that I may be using and to be very patient with people's various levels of understanding. Reflecting back on how I learn before doing this project seems like the most helpful thing a teacher could do because it will really help the students produce a better presentation.

How to help someone use a computer
(http://polaris.gseis.ucla.edu/pagre/how-to-help.html)