Yuri (name changed for
privacy) was a coworker of mine when I was working in Philadelphia. She
did a great job at her work with immigrant and migrant families, but struggled
to keep up with the technology that was being utilized to streamline casework
paperwork and maintain electronic records. She was diligent in her
practice, and always had the notes. One day as we were talking about
technology, I realized that she did not know how to select, copy and paste
files and folders on her computer. So I spent the next hour teaching her
just this skill. I appreciated that I could do this in a way that was
patient and kind, and she really appreciated that I took the time to do this
for her. I did not get the chance to do much more with her, but hopefully it
took away a small bit of fear of learning about computers.
I get really excited
when I am asked to help someone with their computer and technology. It is an
opportunity to support them in their lives, or in their work, or in reaching
their potential. I use the story above to illustrate the importance of
patience in the work that I do.
The process of
introducing someone to helpful technology can be a time consuming and
repetitive. However, once they get
the hang of it, its as if they were never without in the first place.
That feeling is so rewarding to me because new skills open new doors to this
person.
I actually really like
it because the person is likely to explore technology, social media and the
internet on their own, and a whole new world is opened up to them.
Here are a few tips if
you are working with someone who might be a tad or more fearful about learning
a new skill on their phone, Facebook page or computer.
- It starts with the person. Always.
Technology is developed everyday to support the humans on earth.
What I love about my new business is that I'm going to get to listen
to many stories and dreams of the people I meet. They want to
achieve something, and oftentimes technology is a way to do it. It
can cut out 20 middlemen, it can get you to the right person the first
time and it can be used in personal advocacy! All at a click's
notice.
- Not everything is common knowledge. There's still a lot of
people who are not digital natives, and they are older as well as younger.
Not everyone has equal access to technology and computers as they
grow up. I never want to be the one to embarrass someone. If
they are asking me a question about their phone, its because they want to
learn.
- Smile and be encouraging... a lot! You can build
their confidence. Confidence is hard to come by. The process
of learning something new is a great big brain workout, and can literally
open up life opportunities.
- It might take repetition. As the hour passed by
with Yuri, it was important for me to just be present with her in the
moment so that she could get as much out of it as possible. Her excitement was contagious!
- They will appreciate you so much. Remember, not everyone they come across is going to be supportive and patient. They might have been made fun of or assumed that they were not very smart. It is no surprise they are weary about computers and technology.
What other tips would you add to this list? How else would you support those who are not digital natives or who have not had the same access to technology growing up?
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