Digital skills are essential in today’s world, but many people still face barriers when learning how to use technology. Whether teaching someone remotely or face-to-face, it’s crucial to break down the learning process into manageable steps. The following 32 tips are designed to guide anyone who is helping others improve their digital skills, ensuring progress is made in a supportive and stress-free way.
Start Slowly and Build Confidence
When helping someone with digital skills, it’s important to go slow. Use simple language and avoid jargon. For example, call the pointer a “pointer” instead of a cursor and refer to the button as a “button,” not a “computer key.” Break tasks into clear, small steps and celebrate progress. This approach allows learners to build confidence as they improve their skills.
Encourage Note-Taking and Practice
Writing things down helps with retention. Encourage your learner to take notes during lessons. These notes can be valuable for referencing later and reinforcing what they’ve learned. Allowing time for the learner to practice will also help them internalize new skills.
Manage the Learning Environment
Ensure both you and your learner are in a quiet, distraction-free environment. Location matters when teaching digital skills, as interruptions can lead to confusion. If you’re teaching remotely, try using the same browser and device as the learner to ensure you both have the same experience.
Use the Right Tools for Remote Teaching
Video calls are an effective way to provide digital skills support remotely. Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype are popular options, but it’s important to experiment and find what works best for the learner. Additionally, some learners may find it helpful to receive instructions via a voice recorder or video demonstration.
Go Beyond Basics with Fun Learning
Digital skills don’t have to be boring. Make learning fun by encouraging your learner to play online games, take virtual tours, or engage in activities like learning a musical instrument. Fun helps reinforce learning and keeps the learner motivated.
Address Concerns and Build Trust
Listen to your learner’s concerns about digital technology. Often, people are hesitant because they fear making mistakes or getting scammed online. Address these concerns by discussing digital safety, sharing tips on recognizing scams, and referring to trusted resources like AbilityNet for further support.
Limitations and Patience
Understand that not all learners will get it right on the first try, or even the tenth. Patience is key. Be supportive and offer encouragement, especially when mistakes happen. Keep reminding your learner that small steps lead to big improvements over time.
Using Screenshots and Video Guides
Take screenshots of key steps to visually guide your learner through tasks. You can send these images via messaging apps or email. For more complex tasks, create your own demo videos or use screen recording features in apps like Windows 10 or macOS. These resources can provide clear, repeatable instructions.
Technical Support and Troubleshooting
If the internet connection is unstable, try sitting closer to the router, or better yet, use an Ethernet cable to ensure a stable connection. Encourage learners to restart their devices if they’re experiencing issues—often, this simple step resolves many common problems.
Keeping Learners Safe Online
It’s important to teach learners about staying safe online. Discuss the risks of scams, phishing, and malicious software. Encourage them to use strong, unique passwords and make use of two-factor authentication when possible. Help them recognize secure websites and understand how to report suspicious activity.
The Power of Encouragement
Lastly, never underestimate the power of encouragement. Even if a learner struggles or gets things wrong repeatedly, reminding them that they are making progress can keep their motivation high. Celebrate their small wins, and be proud of their journey toward digital independence.
