Teaching One to be Web Savvy

Do you know someone who refuses to use computers and the Internet? Then you probably have experienced how frustrating it is to deal with people who absolutely have no idea how to send an email when they have a computer in their own home. These people usually have either had a traumatic experience using the machine, or they just do not see the significance of being connected to the online world. How can you convince them that knowing how to use the World Wide Web is advantageous?

Try to explain to them how helpful it is to stay connected to family members and friends even over long distances through e-mail, video conferences, chat, and etcetera. Show them the extensive amount of information they can access and the conveniences they can enjoy if they use the Web. Make them interested enough to encourage them to learn more.

The next step is to reassure them that learning how to utilise a computer and the Internet is as easy as can be. You must tutor them on how to power up the unit, followed by how to connect to the Web. Patiently explain the procedure to them in the simplest manner possible and avoid using terms that are too technical. Remember that the first reason why they refused to go online was because they thought it was too complicated, so make it simple for them to grasp certain concepts by not overloading their brains with too much jargon at the first instance. Assist them in signing up for an e-mail account and be with them the first few times they use it. If they forget the process, you can write down the steps on a piece of paper and stick it on the side of the computer so they will have a guide.

If you just diligently continue to encourage them, patiently repeat instructions if they forget, and explore the Internet together, they will soon realise the value of being Web savvy.