The Chronicles
February 2009
Salutations dear readers and fellow Laurentian neighbors,
I'd like to start off the new year by sharing with all of you what is the NUMBER ONE reason most people have problems with their computer. Quite a statement don't you think? Some of you may still be looking at your computer with dismay, others may have just been blessed (though you may not know it yet) with a computer or other gadget as a present, but whatever your situation this tidbit will help you on your way ...
When operating your computer you must learn to READ! A bold statement but there you have it ... If you were to take the time to really READ what is offered to you by the computer, most of your problems would be well on their way to being solved! Of course, most of us know how to read and we do it pretty well, thank you! We do it so well actually that we have learned to skim over most words and are still able to understand the meaning of what we are reading in our book or newspaper. We don't really read EVERY WORD. However, with our computer that is a habit we should correct and relearn to really READ each word (the instructions in a “pop-up” box, for example, or those contained in a window) in order to understand the context, as the information contained within is often very similar. Just remember when you first learned to drive: with both hands firmly clasped on the steering wheel, you were paying attention to everything around you. Being fully aware of the meaning of each word you read is 'paying attention' on a computer.
As you know, I give personalized home courses. Again and again it is obvious to me that, after I leave them, those students who use the notes we have taken together to re-do what we have learned (and do their homework - hihi!) get a quick handle on their computer and gizmos. They are more inclined to use their computer and “all of a sudden” have LOTS of projects in mind which no longer seem unattainable.
So, here's my take on READ ... R is for Reflect - take the time to make sure you understand each word ... E is for Enquire - research if you are unsure of a meaning ... A is for Associate - compare it to something you already know or have done before ... and D is for Determine - determine which is the best course of action (which may be to do nothing so you'll just hit “cancel” and no harm is done or ... to call me when in doubt ;o).
I hope that these few words - which you've taken the time to really READ! - will inspire you to make this New Year's resolution to forget your frustrations with your computer and to persist in your quest to join the computer age. After all, it is soooo fascinating, my Friends ...
Take good care of yourselves,
questions.monamilordi@gmail.com
This article originally appeared in Main Street – The Laurentians' English Language Community Newspaper.
