“There’s too much to learn!” “Everything changes so quickly!” “I just don’t understand!”
These are all common reactions to the overwhelming challenge of learning to use a personal computer. The volume of information, the pace of change and the intimidating technical language can make learning about computers seem like an unattainable and unrealistic goal.
However, with the right strategy, learning about computers doesn’t have to be impossible. In fact, thanks to numerous opportunities on the Internet, free computer learning courses are available to everyone and, with a structured approach; you can overcome the barriers to learning about computers and find yourself mastering computer skills quickly and painlessly.
The first step on your path to learning about computers is to tune out all of the ridicule from your friends, forget your precocious eight-year-old niece’s computer skills and focus on yourself. You can do this by defining what success means to you. Do this by setting a few compelling and attainable goals that are relevant to you and assigning them realistic timelines. Make sure these goals are observable and measurable so that you know when you’ve achieved them and can celebrate your success.
For example, if you’ve never touched a computer before, you might set a goal of being able to turn the machine on and to launch three of your favorite programs by the end of your first month of learning. Or you might focus on a specific area of learning about computers, such as navigating the Internet, and set a goal of being able to find two free computer learning courses on a program you would like to learn. Your first goal should be challenging, but not overwhelming. If you stay in your comfort zone, you won’t advance, but if you set goals you can’t achieve, you’ll quickly become discouraged. By achieving some success early on, you’ll be more motivated to challenge yourself to learn faster. This will also make learning about computers fun, which will keep your motivation at a high level.
After you’ve met your first goal – and you will! – take a little time out to celebrate your success. Brag to a friend or family member. Treat yourself to a reward for overcoming all the fear, doubt and uncertainty that comes with tackling such a daunting task. Once you’ve tasted a little success and gotten your feet wet, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you want and need to learn. If you’ve learned how to launch your three favorite programs, you might realize that you really want or need to master one of those programs. If your goal was to navigate to some free computer learning courses, you might soon realize that you need to understand the features and functionality of a specific site. While it’s tempting at this point to dive in and learn all there is to know, resist that temptation, or you’ll risk becoming overwhelmed. Remember to read sections of the web site that will teach you how to use the site properly. You can often find these under sections like FAQs, How it Works and Getting Started.
To keep your learning on track, identify your ultimate goal and then break that down into smaller steps and goals to get you there. Once you’ve broken down your end goal into a collection of smaller, bite-size chunks of skills to learn, make sure you assign dates to each of them so that you have a timeline with which to work. Again, it’s important to challenge yourself, but don’t set timelines that are so aggressive that they seem unrealistic. Once you know all the things that you need to learn and by when, it’s simply a matter of finding the resources for learning about computers by exploring the Internet, bookstores, libraries and classroom options, such as local community colleges. There are also several free computer learning courses online that will get you started in the right direction. Most of these courses allow you to learn at your own pace and will give you a great start to learning computers with little or no financial obligation. With a little research, you can find a reputable online computer learning courses, and be on your way to materializing your goals for learning about computers in no time.
Tackling the enormous undertaking of learning how to use your computer can be overwhelming. However, by breaking it down into manageable tasks and setting your own pace for learning, you’ll be a computer guru on your own terms in no time.
2011/02/17
Learn About Computers With Free Computer Learning Courses
2011/02/16
ILA Courses In Scotland
ILA Scotland is a Government initiative providing funding for individuals to undertake skill based courses, inevitably enabling individuals to further learning, while developing expertise. ILA Scotland offer an array of courses that suit a diverse number of needs.
Eligibility for funding is dependent on certain criteria – if the individual earns £22,000 a year or less, or if they are on benefits, they are entitled to apply for funding. For many individuals in such situations there are few opportunities offered that will help further learning, at no extra cost to themselves.
The wide choice of training course ensures individuals gain either skills in areas of interest, or to enhance job prospects. Each course offers knowledge based skills and an aptitude for learning.
Today, such opportunities should not be missed – following on from the recent discussion surrounding Britain's inability to cultivate the skills of its workforce, the relevance and importance of ILA courses is paramount to improving this. What ILA provides is a chance for change, helping to broaden opportunities and skills of Scottish citizens.
Individuals can apply to fund either a course to the of value of £200 or £500, depending on eligibility. Once the funding has been approved, the wealth of courses available ensures there is something for everyone – across Scotland there are an increasing number of learning providers all offering ILA funded courses.
<a rel=nofollow onclick=javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']); href=http://www.flowhospitalitytraining.co.uk/about-flow/ila-scotland-courses>ILA courses</a> available range from worked and skill based learning in areas such as hospitality, catering, computing, counselling, and forklift driver training, among many others.
Language courses have always being a popular choice. However, Britain still lags behind most other countries in language proficiencies. For years, UK businesses have been slow at investing in language training, meaning Britain's workforce now lacks bilingual abilities.
Today, language skills play a vital role in business as it increasingly moves onto an international stage. Failure for individuals to adequately converse with other languages will inevitably be detrimental their business and individuals job prospects. Through choosing an ILA Scotland course, individuals are given the opportunity to enhance skills and develop lifelong learning.