Who the lessons are for
Cairns Friendly Computer Lessons is for seniors aged 60+ who would like to feel more confident, capable or independent using a desktop or laptop computer.
You might be completely new to computers, or already use one for a few familiar tasks but want to understand more and rely less on other people for help. We start wherever you are now.
Using email with confidence
Browsing and searching the internet
Finding and organising files
Understanding your computer
Building online safety skills
Keeping in touch with family and friends
Using everyday computer programs
Learning useful everyday tasks
Doing more on your own
Cost
Lessons are free.
A contribution toward travel costs is appreciated for travel outside my local area.
Where Lessons Are Held
Lessons can be held in your own home or, if you have a laptop, at a suitable public location such as a library or café.
The location is chosen based on what feels comfortable and practical for you, as well as the kind of learning we will be doing.
If you feel nervous about meeting for the first time, you are very welcome to have a family member or friend sit in on your first few sessions. The aim is for you to feel comfortable while we get to know each other and settle into the learning process.
Your First Session
Your first session is an assessment and consultation. It gives us time to get to know each other, look at how you currently use your computer, and talk about what you would like to feel more confident doing.
The aim is not to test you or see what you “should” already know. It simply gives us a clear starting point for your lessons.
Talk about your goals
We’ll discuss what you would like to be able to do and what matters most to you.
Build on what you already know
We’ll look at the skills you already have and the things you feel comfortable doing.
Use your own computer
I’ll observe how you use your computer so future lessons are practical and suited to your setup.
Create your learning plan
Together we’ll identify useful areas to develop, and I’ll create a personalised learning plan to guide your lessons.
How Lessons Work
Regular lessons are generally held fortnightly, giving you time to practise and become comfortable with new skills between sessions.
Each lesson follows a familiar rhythm, but nothing is rigid. If something needs more time, we stay with it. If you’re ready to move on, we introduce something new.
Review what we learned last time
Learn one or two useful new skills
Practise together with guidance
Practise independently and ask questions
The Companion Method
We learn side-by-side through conversation, demonstration and practice. I show you how something works, we do it together, then you have a go yourself with support if you need it.
Questions are always welcome, and if something feels confusing, we stop and work through it before moving on. Mistakes are part of learning, not something to worry about.
The Stepping Stone Pathway
Large computer tasks are broken into small, manageable steps.
We start with what you want to achieve, identify the skills you need to get there, then break those skills down into the individual actions that make them work.
Nothing is assumed. Even small steps like finding an icon, moving the cursor to the right place and clicking the correct button can be explained and practised until they feel familiar.
Between Lessons
Learning doesn’t stop when the lesson ends.
Within 72 hours of each lesson, I’ll email you a personalised step-by-step guide covering the skills we worked on together. This gives you something familiar to follow when you practise at home.
I encourage students to aim for around six short 20-minute practice sessions over the fortnight. Regular, manageable practice helps new skills become more familiar without making learning feel overwhelming.
As part of your practice time, I may also provide additional learning activities such as games, puzzles or other useful resources. These will be chosen to suit what you are learning and, where possible, your own interests so practice feels useful and enjoyable.
If you get stuck or something in your guide doesn’t make sense, you’re always welcome to email me and ask.
Computer Lessons Only
Cairns Friendly Computer Lessons focuses on desktop and laptop computers, including Windows, Mac and Linux.
Keeping lessons centred on computers means we can spend our time building the skills you want to use regularly and helping you become more confident with your own setup.
Phones and tablets are not part of the formal lesson service, although I’m always happy to answer the occasional quick question if something comes up.
How Long Can You Attend
There is no set number of lessons you need to complete.
Regular fortnightly lessons continue until you have reached your learning goal, or until you feel confident and independent enough to keep progressing with lighter support.
Some students may reach that point quite quickly, while others may want more time. We’ll review your progress as we go and decide together when regular lessons are no longer needed.
Finishing regular lessons does not mean the support disappears. You are still welcome to contact me for ongoing learning support and general computer advice, and monthly catch-ups can be used if you would like occasional in-person help with questions, new skills or anything you have found difficult on your own.
Teaching and Technical Support
Cairns Friendly Computer Lessons is primarily a teaching service.
Lessons, learning support and general computer guidance are provided free of charge. The purpose of the service is to help you understand your computer, develop practical skills and become more confident using it independently.
Technical services are separate from the free lesson service.
This includes computer repairs, fault diagnosis and troubleshooting, device setup, software installation or configuration, and other technical work.
If a technical issue is identified during a lesson, I will explain what I believe is happening and discuss the available options with you.
No paid technical work will be carried out without discussing it with you first and receiving your agreement.
Any paid work is treated separately from your free lessons.
You are never required to use my technical services in order to continue receiving free computer lessons.
