Always Remember
Think back to the first time you sat down in front of a computer.
Think back to how it felt to run your hand across the keys and feel the
unfamiliar row above the numbers and the extra keys next to the
spacebar. Remember how you wondered at the numeric keypad and imagined
the possibilities. Remember how freely some bantered about words like
Internet, World Wide Web, ISP, email. Remember the sound of the
computer as it hummed to life and then played the Windows sound for the
first time and then, if you can, think back and remember the sense of
helplessness you felt. The keys to the future were placed in your hands
but you had no clue how to use them.
Every time you sit down with a student, I want you to remember those
moments when you felt the most confused, the most lost, the most
vulnerable and the most frightened of the technology that had been
placed in your hands, the expectations placed on your shoulders, all
mixed together with anticipation of what lay ahead. I want you to let
that humility guide each word, each interaction with your students.
Remember where you came from and remember that they are traveling the
same road. At one time in your past, there was someone who inspired you;
someone you wished to emulate. Think back on that individual and how
they supported and encouraged when you felt there was no hope of
success.
When you are sitting with a student who is failing to comprehend a
concept despite your best efforts and you are ready to give up - think
back to that day when you struggled to understand a basic skill and a
friend, mailing list participant, or trainer took the time to show you
the way with patience and kindness. Pass that gentle guidance on to your
students. No matter how difficult or exasperating a training session can
be, it is important that you, as a trainer, always maintain an air of
cheerful professionalism. Everyone learns at their own pace and it is up
to you to adjust your training style to the needs of the student rather
than asking the student to adjust to you.
You cannot place every blind consumer into a cookie cutter frame and
expect the fit to be perfect. You may be dealing with someone who is
terrified of technology; has a limited capacity to absorb information;
has never before learned to type; or any number of other possibilities.
What might take you a matter of seconds could take a student half an
hour if they are still growing accustomed to a new operating system, a
computer keyboard, synthesized speech and a whole new world of
communication opportunities. Some lessons may go quite quickly and
others may seem like an exercise in futility. There may be days you
arrive home exhausted from the effort and wonder why you even attempt to
teach students to use computers. All of us have days like that; it is
perfectly normal.
The solution is to have a variety of ways in which you can explain
any one concept or skill to students. Think of everyday items in life
that might correlate to a concept or skill within your coursework.
Teaching students a "pulldown menu," for example could open up any
number of different "tactile" examples: A window shade that can be
pulled down to reveal options, a proud father's wallet as the pictures
cascade down to show off pictures of his newborn baby; an accordion
unfolding with a new option on each of the folds; and so many more. If
you have tried all the examples available, all is not lost. Turn to the
other students in the class and ask them how they perceive the concept
or skill.
You may find the student suddenly "gets it" when a fresh perspective
is offered by a classmate. You may also find something new to add to
your own notes on the topic, a new example to use that can help future
students "get it" as well. There is nothing quite so rewarding as those
moments when a student understands and anticipates the next lesson, the
next skill, the next moment when he "gets it" again. Those are the
nights a trainer goes home and understand exactly why the other days are
worth the bother. There is nothing more rewarding in a trainers
professional life than lighting the spark that sets a student on the
path to understanding and wanting more.
By remembering the path you walked so long ago to arrive in your
current position, you will gain a deeper understanding of your students
experiences, connect with them on a fundamental level and let them know
that they are not alone on their path to technological proficiency. They
will look at you as their teacher, mentor, and friend.. Your students
have given you a special gift. They have entrusted you with a
significant portion of their future. Never take that trust for granted.
Each time the stress level rises and you are sure you cannot go on for
one more moment... remember the first moment you sat down in front of a
computer...
