Computer Lessons

I currently provide the following pre-prepared 1 hour lessons. I can present them to an individual on a one-to-one basis, or to a small family group, in your home.

I follow a structured lesson plan and provide a Plain English handout to you by email, so that you can do activities and revise lesson in your own time.

Lesson 1 – Windows 10 Essentials
This lesson covers the main steps to get started, plus an overview of the key features of Windows 10 (now an essential upgrade from Windows 7 & 8). Also covered, are ways of personalising Windows 10, productivty tips to boost work performance, and steps to keep your computer secure. If you are in restricted in using computers, I can also cover accessibility features.

Lesson 2 – Internet and Email
This lesson introduces you to the main features of your Internet browser and web-mail like Gmail, as well as a visit to some general Internet websites to get you started. After the lesson you will be able to exchange emails with family and friends, use the internet to book a holiday, or check out online TV and radio.

Lesson 3 – Calendar, Tasks and Notes
This lesson introduces the basics of Calendar and Task Management as a refresher. I then go through the main features of Google Calendar, which includes calendar views, events and privacy settings. Also covered are, Taskcoach, a leading free task management program, and Evernote, an excellent note taking program. Evernote is also available as a mobile app on Apple iPhone, Android and Windows 10 devices.

Lesson 4 – Manage Your Finances
For anyone who wants to have more control over their personal finances, this lesson introduces 3 methods of budgeting. These include spreadsheets, personal finance programs like AceMoney, and budgeting web apps. It also covers paying bills online, comparison websites for electricity, gas, broadband and landline, and a quick look at useful government services.

Note: With above lesson, it is not necessary to reveal any of your personal finance information, as all data used is for demo purposes only.

Lesson 5 – Social Networking
Facebook remains the social network that has the largest proportion of its members in Ireland i.e 74%, using it daily, with Twitter at 32% and LinkedIn at 27%. It is a great way of keeping in touch with friends and family, and sharing news in your life, music and videos that you like and articles and books that you have read. Google+ and Twitter are also covered to a lesser extent.

Lesson 6 – Google Docs
For this lesson, I use the example of booking a short weekend break to a European City of your choice. The  Google Docs Suite is used to record details that will help you keep track of the following activities that would result in a better organised holiday.

Lesson 7 – Digital Photography Workflow
Digital photography workflow is an end-to-end system of working with digital images, from capture to delivery. This lesson takes you through the highlighted steps below:

Lesson 8 – Backup Solutions
This lesson introduces you to the various options available for backing up your important data files so that you have peace of mind should your computer hard drive fail or your PC be stolen. You will learn how to always have an automatic up-to-date backup available.