Navigating new technology isn’t always easy – especially during the extra stress of the current pandemic situation.
But with many brick-and-mortar shops shutting down – and people aged over 70 asked by the Government to stay at home – people need to learn how to access services online – often helped by a family member who may only be available via phone thanks to social distancing rules.
So, how can you teach older relatives to use new technology – without causing a communication breakdown?
Richard Buckland, Professor in computer engineering and education researcher at UNSW Sydney, has come up with these tips:
1. Find the motivation
Before you start to teach someone a new skill, Prof Buckland suggests making sure that they have a good reason to learn.
“If they don’t seem that eager, give them a tangible reason to be,” he says. “The motivation needs to be something positive – something they can get excited about.”
“It’s best if you can plant this in a casual way. For example, if I were teaching my parents how to use video chat, I might say, ‘The kids really want us to have a video dinner together on Friday night – let’s get all that set up, what do you think?’”
2. Get help from others
Ask yourself whether you’re the right person to be teaching them, or the right person to be teaching that part.
“Don’t think you have to teach them the whole thing by yourself,” Prof Buckland says.
“Other people – even those you don’t expect – can be great at explaining things. For example, they might have a friend who already uses the platform.”
Depending on the particular skill, he suggests asking kids to help if they are around.
3. Practise first
While practising a lesson before giving it might seem like a step you can skip, Prof Buckland says it’s a necessity.
“Don’t just think, ‘I know this, I’ve got this.’ You’re looking at it through familiar eyes and might be missing something. Go through it again step-by-step, as though you were a new user.”
He says you can practise on your own, by showing others in your home, or even by recording yourself.
4. Make it fun
Above all else, learning should be a happy experience for whoever you’re teaching.
“If it’s not a good experience, it doesn’t matter how great a teacher you are – because they won’t want to learn anymore,” Prof Buckland says.
“Laugh, smile a lot. Be happy and cheerful. Make sure that teaching isn’t the only thing that happens on the phone call – it should be a fun call otherwise.”
5. Take setbacks in your stride
There will always be problems during a live presentation – this is just part of the gig, says Prof Buckland.
“Keep your cool – don’t sound stressed or frustrated. Assure them that it’s always a bit fiddly but it will work,” he says.
It can help to do any troubleshooting using a device that they feel comfortable with, like a mobile phone to take pictures of their screen.
6. Finish the lesson on a high
Keep lessons short, sharp, and finish on a high – with them being able to do something they couldn’t before.
“Take them directly to that high point,” Prof Buckland recommends. “Don’t go into special setups or any other diversions. These details can be done later, when everything is working.”
Importantly, don’t teach anything new after the high point – save it for the next lesson.
Great advice.
