Teaching Computer Basics

I don't think it's how they expected the class to start.

We started by turning off a computer and unplugging all its cables. I had everyone gather around as I unplugged all the cables and proceeded to put them back together again.

Both power cords. The keyboard and mouse, coded in purple and green. The USB cord. The ethernet cord. The monitor cord. One by one we looked at them and I showed them how easy it is.

If you ever have to do this, you don't need to worry. Take your time. Get a chair. Sit down next to your computer (with your glasses, if you need them), and plug the cables into the matching sockets one by one.

Two hours later, as were were finishing our work with folders and files, after I showed them how to find the folders and the file they had all just created, a woman in the back row looked up. She had been taking notes and smiling wide smiles periodically as we covered something that must have always mystified her. Now she looked up and held her hands above her head.

I feel so empowered! she said.

That's certainly not how I expected the class to end.

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Computer Basics class
Ruiz Branch Library
Austin TX

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