teaching beginners

Be prepaired. Have TONS of hard copy step by step screen shots of basic tasks, Start bar, Opening programs, Windows Explorer, Logon & password changes, etc.
Make it FUN, lots of first time users are scared stiff. Point out the "Default Look & Feel"of every window. ie: every window will have the word "File" on the top left corner followed by other drop down menu's with "Help" being the last one.
Open several apps and show them that this "FEEL" is What they will see on EVERY App.
Use generalities without getting too heavy. Just the basics!!!
A good supply of Coffee and Sugar (Doughnuts, Cookies etc.) will help you keep their attention, 2 hours max between breaks so the smokers dont start pushing equipment on to the floor.
The "One fullday of intensive training" thing is always a challenge for the trainer and expectations are usually too high by management.

Good Luck!!!

Start simple, give them an orientation to basic mobility. Point and click, then show them the major components that will benefit. Also teach them the right click. Sound simple, but they have to master this to master 98. Also, the answer with the screenshots is right, people(most) learn better by picctures that by words. Give them a lot of simple association pics.

Teaching them Win9x, but not productivity applications (Word, etc.), is not going to get them very far. Of course, if they don't know how to move around and operate Windows, they will likely not be able to function in the application - kind of a "Catch-22". When I've been stuck with this kind of assignment, I start with proper startup/shutdown procedures, and mousing techniques in the morning; then move on to basic application usage in the afternoon. It's an almost impossible task, and I don't envy you at all. Good Luck!!

Use Print Screen to capture the screen then run MS Paint or another tool and "paste" the shot making it easy to modify or print your "manuals". Use "Alt-PrintScreen" for prompt/action alerts. Use the "Games" in Windows 98 to teach your users mouseskills...that's why Microsoft put them there (believe it or not!) and all the above sound good too.

I know I'm going to catch hell for this, but I have one more suggestion (in jest). LEAVE THE AK-47 AT HOME!!!!

In a past life, I taught both intro MS-DOS and intro Windows 3.1 classes. I concur with many of the other suggestions, but will add a couple of other very important points:

- Be very patient. If the user gets frustrated early, the rest of the day is shot.

- Emphasize the correct terminology as you teach each point, and then make sure you use the correct terms during the rest of the class.

- Make sure all of the client machine are set up alike. Ghost or PKZIP a master machine and then restore every machine the same. It sounds simple, but it will save you on Rolaids!

- Make sure they have mastered basic navigation before you move on. Solitare makes a good drill for Click, ddouble-click, and Click-and-drag.

Good Luck
Rich

Lesson plans have been covered above, but here's a handy tip (especially for those who are not used to using the mouse).

Teach them how to play Minesweeper and then let them play for 30 minutes. It helps the user get used to the idea of using two mouse buttons. TRUST ME. It works. You can use Solitaire to teach them how to click and drag.

Most of the problems I've had trying to teach users new to Windows stem from their inability to navigate Windows properly. Also, try to avoid showing them keyboard shortcuts until you're certain they've master the mouse (they'll just lapse back into keyboard mode and get even more confused).

I highly recommend you visit www.course.com. They have excellant books for teaching all levels of computer users. Our local adult education/business education instructors use books from these folks for virtually all computer based training. They have excellent step by step instruction and good graphics. In adddition they have sample files to use in conjunction with the books and a separate instructor copy.

All the above are wonderful ideas, but before you do ANYTHING, especially right before the class starts, take a minute or two and think back to when you first started working with computers, and how difficult is was for you. Then keep part of those memories at the front of your thoughts, through the rest of the day. You will then have a better understanding of the questions they ask you and the way they ask them and it will also be alot easier for them to learn what you are teaching because they will understand what you are saying.

I have done your job for many of those short term classes.

Here are a few thoughts/hints:
I like to use word pad and paint brush to get them to understand a few basic windows things.

I also use a nice collection of screen shots and have a handout for each student. I make sure there is lots of blank area for them to write on it. Give the handout to a basic user around you and have them check it out to see if they understand it.

I use a program called "snag-it" REALLY super program that allows you to capture screens and save them as graphic files and then you can pull them into a WP for creating help sheets.

Best of luck - I will be happy to send along a URL for the site with snag-it.
Take care- Mitch

Use a arrows and otherthings to point out things on the sheets.

Be Sure
Be Brave
And most of all BE PREPARED for those questions that you think are the to silly to even be asked because they are coming.
Start with the How To Turn The Computer On and what they will see when it comes on. Then go to How To Use The Mouse and move slowly to the next step and make the class fun and interesting.

Nalani,

Not as tough as you may expect, let them know that the computer is only going to do what they ask it to, lots of people are afraid of computers...this need not be the case. You will want to take them through the basics of the computer...whats a mouse, how do I turn on and off the computer, let them get comfortable with there new tool. I understand you have but a day, however; if you move too fast you will load them with too much to retain. Walk them around see the sites and let them know if they need to see more that you are available(for a price always) to continue there learning if the need arises. Show them enough that they can move around, create c couple of shorcuts to the desktop, have them create a folder and save something, show them that it can be a useful little tool and the more they learn the better they can be, also that no one knows it all and everyone has to keep learning as technology will not stop for anyone. Let them move you beyond the basics so you can learn what they need t

Hi Nalani,

I know exactly how you are feeling. I would suggest that you read some of the articles right here at TechRepublic. Two articles in a particular are "TechRepublic readers recommend training users in mouse calisthenics" and "Three essential lessons for teaching beginning computer users." These are excellent articles and they also have several others that you would benefit from reading. Another problem with a class such as this is sometimes people feel that they didn't learn muchwhen in actuality they learned a great deal of helpful information. I would suggest downloading one of those make a quiz programs and have them sort of debrief what they learned halfway through training and at the end by "testing their knowledge" so to speak. Good luck!

First of all, point out to them that this is for beginners and that they will only be able to do so much in a day. Find out exactly how much experience they have - they may not have used them at work but might have a pc at home. Show how to start machine, login. Start with the mouse and MS Paint - show them how to print, save a document, re-open a document. No use of keyboard necessary. Explain how files are stored and what the C and network (if you have one) drives are. That will probably be it for a day!!! If you have anyone who is a typist, Word is good or just Notepad. Email will also keep them happy as most beginners are very motivated to use how to learn that if nothing else! Games are handy but some people think it's a waste of timeespecially users!
Good luck - don't assume anything!

I would suggest also to teach them the proper shutdown. Something else to emphasis is to pay attention to error messages (write them down) because if they call a technical support they will need to know that. I would also show them how to use help, lots of good information right there.

Find there common language. You and I know what we are saying but to them it is just geekize. If this is a military unit, use jargon. If nurses then ER terms. This will also let some of the faster learners help teach you the class.
Also rember thatthere will be that 10% that there is nothing you can do about. So dont get frustrated.

Good luck.

Think about the words you use. Don't use any jargon. Don't use the phrase "right click" because some of them will WRITE "click"

There are a few things you can do to improve your calsses as you go along. If you can have them submit questions at the beginning and write them down. Them attempt in include answers to these questions as you teach your class. Have them fill out an evaluation at the end and see what they didn't understand and what they might like to see next time. If you can float around or have someone else float and give assistance to those that struggle. The suggestions for making it simple are good, but don't talk down to them. Each group will be interested in learning something else be flexible. Offer to let them come again if possible after they have gone back and practiced. Teach them about viruses and proper backup and recovery. I would be interested in your results and would be willing to try and field questions as I have time. PATIENCE

One thing that I have known ever since beginning computer training and tech support is that us techies sometimes take things about users for granted. Something as simple as "right-click" may be completely foreign to a beginner without any mousing experiences. Terminology is really important. Make things simple but don't talk down to your trainees.

About four years ago I had two challenges to cope with. The first was and inter-branch transfer which entailed getting to know my users, most of which were auditors and their habits. The second challenge was the integration of Windows 95 into the day-by-day world of auditors which had previous experience with Windows 3.11, a definite plus for the migration to Windows 98, but had little idea of the new innovations in Windows 95. I decided to take the "comparison approach" to teaching Windows 95.

I developed a "Beginners Guide to Windows 95" which covered many of the basics previously discussed by other responders to your inquiry. As part of this guide I i

File management is VERY important. If I had a dollar for every time a user called me with a "lost" file, I would be a very rich woman.
When you get 1500+ users going from Windows 3.11 and WordPerfect to Windows 95 and Office 97 with only ONE DAY oftraining, then send them back to their new PCs and software... being a help desk tech is a very interesting job! I still get calls from users wanting to know how to do the simplest of tasks (well, at least to me) a year after the upgrade.
Proper training is imperative, especially when this training is necessary for the users to perform their job functions.

These people will probably be a bit apprehensive about thier training and won't have slept well the night before. They will tire easily. A whole day may be too much for them, if possible give them two or three shorter sessions. This will give them time to go away and practice in between times and come back and ask you questions. If this isn't possible have them work in pairs. This will make your job easier (less workstations to get around) and give them someone to giggle nervously with to relieve their tension. Give them lots of short demos and remember it is quality not quantity taht is important.

Good Luck
Jeannette

You've got a lot of answers here and I haven't waded through all of them. So I may be repeating something with my thoughts:
1. Keep your "geekspeak" at a basic level.
2. Use a lot of examples of concept first, then go into the step-by-step mechanics.
3. Use a lot of humor: "click-and-drag" does not refer to that new club in downtown Seattle; Win98 has two types of cursors - the little thing blinking at you and the guy that hits his thumb with a hammer; etc.
4. Patience, patience, patience.
And have fun.

One lesson that I have learned is to never have anything that relies on previous steps being completed correctly. Someone may make a mistake or try to anticipate what you will do next. This will result in many users having many different configurations and you spending most of your time getting everyone back on the same page. Careful planning on your part can minimize this problem.

I like the answers so far. One of the only beginner items I would add the list is teach your students basic Cut, Copy, and Paste usage. Show them how these functions can be used across multiple programs. Show them that if they become familar and proficient with one program, the skills they learn will transfer to most other programs.

GET A TEXT BOOK. If at all possible get them a beginners book and teach from it. I used Windows98 for Dummies. I used the structure of the book to help create a lesson plan, and then taught from that. Also they will have the text in front them.

Do your normal work on Win98 and note every action you take--every mouse click, everything you type. Assume you must teach the students everything. Go from the on/off switches, to the way the monitor, keyboard, mouse, cpu, printer, and network areconnected. After you have shown them how these elements work, and they can manage windows with the mouse, go through the 10 most common tasks and the 10 most common problems. That should finish up your day.

I like to demystify the computer a bit by having an old 386 open so that I can show students the different parts (RAM, CPU, video card, mother board, expansion slots, etc.). In addition, I have an old defective hard drive that I have opened up, as well as a floppy diskette, so that they can see the difference. Most people are both surprised and appreciative to be able to see what make a computer work.

I would just like one more icebreaker that I found quite helpful with absolute beginners and people who are afraid of the mouse: Let them play Solitaire for a while, a fun way to learn to use the mouse.

Good luck.

You have some good answers posted here already. I am also in charge of training in my company. We use digital projectors and powerpoint presentations to facilitate training, in addition each person in attendence gets a little lesson booklet to help them follow along the lecture and powerpoint presentation. I start on focusing on explaining what an OS is and then I'll start with "ok, so now let's look at what kind of things we can do with this thing..." I keep my lecture very laid-back and casual, answering any question the moment it is asked (don't do the "I'll talk to you after class" thing). Break up the class in sections. "Managing files with Windows Explorer", "Navigating around Windows", "How to add a printer"...and so on..put breaks in between and follow each section with a class participation oral test.

All of these solutions sound great. Please remember one thing though...Let your new users know it is very difficult to break a computer unless you push it on the floor. Also let them know that if they are going to delete something try to make sureit is something THEY created! I worked in a college while I was going to school and people would delete things from home computers constantly and most said this was sage advice until they learned more about what can go and what can stay. One more thing always try to be positive, even if the user is completely off base with something tell them they are close but there is a little more to the answer. Building confidence in the user and their abilities are two of the most important ingredientsto teaching any level user!

I will say that you start with the basics...
All the computer parts (mouse, monitor, keyboard etc.)
then how a computer work's. (turn the computer on and off).

I have been successfully teaching workshops and classes on a number of computer topics at both the undergraduate, graduate and adult ed levels for many years. Many of the responses already posted have valuable information. There are many, many factors that contribute to a successful class. Here are just a couple that might be useful to you:

1) Plan, plan, plan. One of the key factors in the success of teaching any technical subject is the careful planning of the material being presented. Carefully plot a course for each topic to be covered, using self-discovery experiences to motivate and cognitively link each of the components of the subject or skill you are imparting.

2) Always have a helper. When I taught any undergraduate class larger than 4 people I had a teaching assistant always present (more than 1 if there were more than say 10-12 students). They are most helpful in assisting students when they are "stuck" or do not completely understand the current subtask at hand. This frees you

Teach basic mouse skills skills by playing solitaire. Then go into the basics of Windows '98.

Agenda:
1. The Computer 101
2. Learning to use the mouse
3. The Help Menu
4. The Desktop

b) What it is, what it contains
c) Moving around
4. The Start Menu
a) What it is & contains
b) Moving around

5. Moving around the desktop

Teach basic mouse skills skills by playing solitaire. Then go into the basics of Windows '98.

Agenda:
1. The Computer 101
2. Learning to use the mouse
3. The Help Menu
4. The Desktop

b) What it is, what it contains
c) Moving around
4. The Start Menu
a) What it is & contains
b) Moving around

5. Moving around the desktop

I had to do something very similar. I used Solitaire to teach mouse skills. Then went into the basics of Windows '98 - relying heavily on the help menu. If the beginner learns to rely on help, they can teach themselves alot after the one day training. Below is the basic agenda I used.

Agenda:
1. The Computer 101
2. Learning to use the mouse
3. The Help Menu
4. The Desktop
a) The desktop per the help menu
b) What it is, what it contains
c) Moving around
4. The Start Menu
a) The desktop per th ehelp menu
b) What it is & contains
c) Moving around

You have gotten a lot of good suggestions. I have been training new user for the past two years.

1. Develop a good handout by starting with an outline. Develop the handout from your outline, step-by-step instruction for the things they will beusing the most with screen shots and graphics. Format with plenty of white space for notes. Use this outline to teach your class and allow plenty of time for Q&A's.

2. Keep your class size small and hands-on if you have the resources. Get a trained staff member to help. They can offer a quick one-on-one with the students who lag behind.

3. Make it fun, jokes, humorous examples, etc., games and don't forget the snacks and drinks. Time your breaks so they break between topics and allow at an hour to hour and half for lunch. (You will need the break too!)

4. I find it helpful to ask the class upfront "how many have used a PC or have a PC at home". This will help you gear the pace of the class.

5. For users who have never used a mouse, allow s

The list is huge but this can help:

When you first get into winx, bang on the keyboard with flat hands and make the computer beep and squeal. Some users are afraid to press the wrong key and this should help resolve that (it won't hurt the keyboard either).

One factor to consider is that some people will want to get ahead of the class and show-off their 'skills'. Don't let them ask any questions that aren't related to the current topic. Refer them to break time or after class for those questions. ** You can encourage the advanced students to walk around and help those who might be strugling - It's an ego boost for them and a huge help for you.

Remember: You are in control. They expect that from you. You're class will reflect whatever mood you are displaying.

If you don't know an answer to a legitimate question, you can ask them what they might do outside of class to find out. Suggest the F1 key (if they haven't) and you can guide them thru to the answer and you can learn for yourself - all th

Great ideas here worth reviewing.

Plan on Hand-Outs for the students which follow along with your presentation materials, so when you are demonstrating something, they have the steps spelled out 1 2 3 in the handout, so they can see that those steps work, then when they are back at their work station trying to do what you taught them, they have your instructions in black & white to follow along.

Structure the hand-outs with standard arrangement, such as your step by step instructions on top 1/3 to 2/3 with bottom 1/3 to 1/2 for their notes.

Include a short lesson on finding help on-line, how to get to the on-line information & navigating it, just so they do not forget that help is only a mouse click away.

Have some introductorybooks at the class, to point out which are worth getting for various objectives & perhaps at the end of the handout have reccommended reading & list of local book stores & libraries with good collections.

Provide then with something to cut & paste, such as URLs on a

Wow! Quite a response. I only see one thing missing.

Relate stories from other beginners (this let's them know they are not alone). Here are a few I've had:

1. One gentleman was holding the mouse as a remote and clicking.
2. Another lady had the mouse on the floor trying to use it as she does her sewing machine.
3. Their 5-year-olds will ALWAYS know more about the computer than they do.
4. One woman turned her monitor on for the first time after weeks of worry and the button fell off!

You get the idea.

Hi:
One day teaching is difficult for first time students. You already have some good pointers that have been provided.

The first item of business is expectations by management; what are the specific objectives management expects to be accomplished. Second, what will the students be expected to know.

Before your class starts, ensure you are ready and "do" not assume they know. Ask your students what it is they are expecting to learn and set the stage on mistakes, it is OK to make them.

After you have the mouse excercises down, use the Win98 tutoral for an overview and let them explore the system.

Students learn best through hands on, breakup your lecture and hands on. Make it fun. Who can win at solitare in 10 minutes, this will give you time to move around the room and see how each of the students have learned theier skills.

Look at these types of classes as challanges and not a curse, your creative side will thrive.

Best,
Ernie Gines

As having been tasked with somewhat the same scenario, I decided to address just basics. 1. How to logon on to the network
2. How to use a mouse -- when to use one click, double-click, and right click
3. How to open, minimize and close software applications
3. How to properly shut down the computer.

If you are working with individuals that have never used a computer, you would also need to explain "word-wrap" and that the "enter", "backspace" and "space bar" keys _are_ characters.Training exercises should be designed to emulate the type of work these individuals will be performing. However, training on anything much beyond very rudimentary data entry would most likely be a waste of time for both yourself and the students. The retention of the information presented is compromised when individuals that are not familiar with this technology are then expected to perform job-related duties with it!

Good luck!

FUN FUN FUN FUN....
I used to teach at a college occaisionally. We used to get very un-confident ladies attending a "Return to Work" course and part of this was IT skills. some of them very quick, others could not get the hang of it, no matter what I did. To overcome this and to kep the class together I used to do role playing sessions, to show how certain pieces of hardware worked. I would appoint someone to be the CPU, someone with a notebook to be the Hard drive, some people to be the memory and someone with a whiteboard and dry wipe marker to be the screen. it was a little childish but we all enjoyed it and had a great laugh doing it. the day we did modems I went home with my sides aching, as did many of the students! To see a middle aged woman standing on one side of the room squeeking at a fellow student who then used the ascii character set to translate her tones was a sight to behold, and I guarantee that none of them will ever forget it.
You must ensure that all participants are volunteers.
The greatest compliment was the lady who wrote to me after her course to say how she had dreaded the computer part of the course and how I had made it fun. She nows works in a support helpdesk and sends me a Christmas card every year!
You can't buy job satisfaction like that..

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