I'm appalled by the number of older women who come into the library apologizing because they aren't computer literate or because they aren't library savvy. Not only do I show them how to use the online catalog and the school's databases, but I end up giving them a pep session. You can do it! You can!
Two women in a row came in today, both beginning the ref session with apologies. I've decided to add to my usual beginning spiel a little pep session to reassure these women that using both the online catalog and the databases is easy and not to be feared.
Now if I can get them to believe me before I walk them through using them.
i've experienced the same phenomenon at work - older people apologizing because they don't know how the computer works... it's great for my self-esteem but i let them know that i have no idea how a type writer works (or something else they know well) and then make the inevitable comments on how technology keeps making us all feel old ;)
ReplyDeletegreat feelings when they get 'it' though - whatever 'it' is, whether emailing something, scanning something, understanding the basics of a network, etc. :) makes me understand the draw of being a teacher (not enough to be one though... heh)