I Want To Use My Computer But Where Do I Start? -- www.OnlineOrganizing.com

You Are Here: Home - Newsletters - "Organized For A Living" - Article

	I Want To Use My Computer But Where Do I Start?

	by Beth Sunny

So you want to learn to use a computer but where do you BEGIN? That is a great question. There are so many things to learn and so many different ways to learn it is often hard to know where to begin. Let's start by determining what category you fit into.

I'VE NEVER TOUCHED A COMPUTER

Don't be too hard or yourself. Computers are made pretty "newbie" tough. If you are truly a beginner, I recommend you spend some time with a friend, relative or in a classroom situation for the BASICS. You need to understand basic terms, such as monitor, keyboard, hard drive, etc. You will also want to begin to feel comfortable using something called a MOUSE. One of the best ways to get comfortable with the mouse is to play a game on the computer. Make sure you have all the basics down before you try to begin learning programs.

I HAVE BEEN SELF-TAUGHT BY TRIAL AND ERROR

Great –- you know the basics of moving around using the computer. You now want to get down to making the computer USEFUL. The first thing you need to do is find out what you want to accomplish with your computer. For example, do you want to use the computer to create cards or write letters? Maybe you want to use it to track your monthly budget. Maybe you need to know particular software programs to get where you want to go in your business. Write a list of the PROGRAMS you want to learn.

I HAVE WORKED WITH COMPUTERS FOR A WHILE NOW

Maybe you need to learn programs to ADVANCE in your current career. First I recommend having a clear cut goal in mind. Don't just take computer classes to learn all that you can. Sit down and make a list of your goals: 1 year, 5 years, and possibly 10 years. From that list, write down what you must do to accomplish that goal. Do you need to learn the software products or do you need to also go for a CERTIFICATION in that area?

YOUR LEARNING STYLE

We all learn a little differently. This is why the training industry offers so many OPTIONS for learning -- and it's crucial to know what MEDIA would help you to best learn. One style does not fit everyone. Also one style may not fit a single person. For example, when starting with computers you may need to take an instructor-led class to learn the basics to get you going. Once you have that under your belt you may be just fine learning on your own. "What are my options?" you may be asking. Below is a brief listing of your choices:

INSTRUCTOR-LED CLASSROOM TRAINING

This is what we have been used to all of our lives in school. There is a real PERSON teaching the class, often with other students in a "classroom" situation.

ONE-ON-ONE TRAINING

Like personal ATTENTION? There are many companies and individuals that you can hire to sit down one-on-one with you and help you learn to use the computer. They will often come to your home or office, whichever is convenient for you.

CD-ROM SELF-STUDY

You put a disc in your computer and a PROGRAM runs that teaches the software or products you want to learn. There are many types of products on disc. This can be referred to as CBT (Computer Based Training). The most basic training is very TEXT based -- meaning that they only have words that you read with some pictures, usually no sound. They often come with some interactive exercises although not all do.

INTERACTIVE TRAINING

This also comes from a program you run on your computer, but usually comes with sound (so you need to have speakers attached to your computer), often includes a SIMULATION of the software being learned (so it looks like you are in the program, such as Word). You listen to the "instructor" (and often read the same words on the screen) introduce the features of the products and watch as the tasks are performed. The program will then ask you to try and PERFORM the tasks you just learned. Your program may also include multimedia. You will usually see a small video of the instructor as part of the training. This gives you the feeling of being in a classroom where you can see a person.

WEB-BASED SELF-STUDY

This is similar to the training discussed above. However, instead of receiving a disc, you connect to the INTERNET and all of the training and information is on the web. This type of training media is becoming very popular. It offers ACCESS to training no matter where you are 24 hours, 7 days a week! You can be in the office, at your home or at a friend's house and you can access your training. It does require access to the internet for long periods of time.

VIRTUAL INSTRUCTOR-LED TRAINING

With virtual instructor-led classes, there is a begin date and an end date to the class. You work with an instructor via email. The class usually goes through a workbook or training MANUAL. The instructor sends you the lesson and assignments to complete. You have access to the instructor and often the other students in the class. DISCUSSION boards are often part of the class to enhance the learning. It is self-study but with access to an instructor (real person)!

ONLINE LIVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

This is known as SYNCHRONOUS training. It is still on the Internet, through the computer. There is a scheduled date and time that the class is offered. You log into a web site and connect to the class being offered. You will see a live picture of the instructor in "real-time". You are able to see the software the instructor is teaching along with a "white-board". You will be able to CHAT with the instructor. Usually the instructor is the only voice you hear and you communicate via a "chat mode" by typing your questions and information into the computer. This is the closest thing to physical classroom training as you can get and still be at your home or office! Realize that with this training that your computer must meet certain requirements. The requirements are very minimal, such as needing basic sound system, but you want to verify that your computer meets these requirements before signing up for one of these classes.

BOOKS

Yes, this is still a wonderful way to learn. There are many self-study tutorials and training manuals available. The key to having books work for you is to know your learning style. Do you prefer to start at the BEGINNING and go page by page (I refer to this as a workbook), or do you prefer to quickly look up what you need to know and have step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS that you can use with your own work (I refer to this as a quick reference guide)? Knowing your preferred style will help you find the book that is best for you.

BEGIN LEARNING

Now you are READY to learn! You've determined what you want to learn, how you best learn and what media fits your learning style (books, disc, online, etc). You can now begin your wonderful adventure of learning to use the computer to better yourself, personally and professionally.

Beth Sunny is a writer, publisher, and computer trainer. She owns Software Training Resources (STR), a courseware company known for their "QuickSteps to Learning" training manuals. She may be contacted at www.sharpertraining.com or .

Want to receive these kind of articles via e-mail each month? Sign up for a free subscription.

Click here to return to "Organized For A Living" -- November 2005...