Tuition
Training is carried
out in a friendly atmosphere, in
structured classes, by experienced
trainers and helpers. Many seniors
joining the Club are somewhat
apprehensive of computers, and we have
trainers who are very competent in
overcoming new members' initial
concerns. Depending on the demand
for tuition from our existing members,
we are able to start either 20 or 30 new
members most terms. All our new members
must complete the "Introduction to
Computing" course, regardless of their
previous experience.
Each term we have from about 180 to 200
members taking classes - and we prepare
a Class Schedule with the proposed
courses for the next term well in
advance so that people can think about,
and select their next course. Students
are given the opportunity to select
their preferred Course for each term,
and mostly they are accommodated in
their first preference course.
Sometimes, if a particular course is
very popular, members are asked to take
their second preference for that term,
but they are then guaranteed a place in
their first preference course for the
following term.
We do, however, remain flexible, and are
prepared to make changes to the
published schedule depending on the
demand for a specific course.
Our 11 networked computers have the
programs we teach individually loaded
onto them, and each computer is
connected to the Internet with
Broadband. The server is used for class
demonstrations with our digital
projector. Most students benefit from a
short demonstration on the large screen
before being asked to follow the
instructions set out in their notes.
Return to Top
 |
|
Image
Enhancement Class |
Our Tutors take great care to prepare
enticing and impressive looking Course
Notes to help inspire the students about
what they will be able to do with their
own computer later on; and to be kept
for future reference.
Problem Sharing
Students benefit from
sharing problems, and listening to
questions and answers dealt with during
the lesson. Also students are encouraged
by being in a group of their peers, and
do not feel threatened by being
one-on-one with someone whose knowledge
seems superior.
Return to Top
Helpers
As students progress
to the next level of skills, they are
encouraged to volunteer as helpers for
courses they have already completed.
This experience of helping to teach
others consolidates their own knowledge
and encourages friendships and social
interaction within the club. It has
always been the case that teaching
someone else something is a fantastic
way to reinforce and improve your own
knowledge. Those who are not experts
themselves can often better empathise
with students lacking in confidence.
The role of the helpers and the benefits
of having several helpers in the room
cannot be overstated. The primary Tutor
must, of necessity, remain focused on
keeping the lesson on track and running
smoothly. However, it is extremely
important to be aware of the
comprehension and interest of the
students. By observing their body
language and responding to possible
problems in a vaariety of ways, the
helpers are invaluable.
Return to Top
Friends
...
 |
|
...
Like Us |
We find our structured style
of tuition works well, because as students progress
from course to course they gradually gain skills
that can be built on by the tutors of more advanced
courses.
Another benefit of
this structured program is the way our members meet
and mix with up to nine new people each term, plus
the tutors and helpers.
This also has the advantage of
helping the social aspect of our club.
Return to Top
Additional Activities
At the
Epping Computer Pals Club we also run
several other successful activities.
The
monthly open
HELP
session
is available for all members
and waiting list "members". They are invited to bring
along questions, challenges, their problem
computers, or perhaps hints that might help
others.
Our
Creative Writing
Interest Group
meets each month. A story is written at
home about a topic on which all agree at
the previous meeting. Writers are
invited to share their story with the
group, whose members offer encouragement
and advice.
The
Digital Photography Interest Group
is hosted by Patricia Beal, and
meets on the first Monday of the month
at 1 pm. A great deal of interest in
Photography has been shown for this
group, with many of the members
entering photos in the ASCCA
Photography Competition.
Our
Genealogy Interest Group
meets on the third Monday of each month,
and due to the enthusiasm
created by the 115 or so students who have already
completed our Genealogy Course this "detective"
group has flourished.
The
HELP
Interest Group
meets on the third Monday of each month
at 1 pm. This at times is a general Help
Session, and at others, Special
Presentations are given by various
members of the club.
Another very important activity of the Epping
Computer Club is the
Weekly Trainers' and Helpers'
Meeting, held each Friday afternoon. Usually about
20 people meet to discuss problems with equipment or
classes,
to catch up on any housekeeping issues,
and to have afternoon tea and discuss ways we can
all keep having fun with our computers at the Epping
Creative Centre. This regular meeting has fostered
friendships among the tutors and helpers – and we
can never have too many friends at any age, can we?
Each month, we have a
General Meeting
which is attended by about 100 to 110
members. At these meetings we usually
have a Guest Speaker on a computer
related topic, although sometimes our
speakers are from the local community,
and speak on topics of general interest.
Previous.
TOP OF
PAGE.
HOME.
Next
