Re: [plug] Re: Computer Bank - please dont give them away.

["Chris Johnson" <chrisj@shp.iinet.net.au>]

I would caution you all against trying to provide computer training.
You will find that people simply devour your time without learning a
damn thing.

You have to decide if you're giving people a vehicle through which
they can be a "Internet-Have", or if you're giving them a learning
device for them to explore and become computer literate.

I would tend to think that the real answer lies somewhere in the
middle and probably can be serviced simply by providing reliable PCs
and a library of easily accessible manuals.  Decent manuals do provide
a wealth of information for people who are really interested in
putting the time in - that's how I learnt how to use a PC.

Possibly the only other things you might need are a good supply of
spare parts and the ability to instil a sense of confidence and
adventure in the recipients.

Yours,

Chris J.

.-=[ Chris Johnson ]=-- -
: IT Administrator, Stanton Hillier Parker
: http://www.shp.iinet.net.au
: Chris.Johnson@shp.com.au
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. Fax: ++618 9280 0156

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-----Original Message-----
From:	owner-computerbank@linux.org.au
[mailto:owner-computerbank@linux.org.au] On Behalf Of Ken Yap
Sent:	Wednesday, 6 January 1999 12:59
To:	computerbank@linux.org.au
Cc:	plug@linux.org.au
Subject:	Re: [plug] Re: Computer Bank - please dont give them away.

> 1. We obtain and build computers ready to go with Linux.
> 2. Put with Computers, some basic instructional material to allow
> new-user to get started.
> 3. Put contact details on instructional material (for more help,
contact
> XYZ?)
> 4. Give computers to various organisations to distribute to various
> persons/families in need.

I have serious reservations about this approach. As techies we tend to
think here's your computer, here's your GNU/Linux/OSS bible and you
are
saved, hallelujah.

<broken record mode> There has to be a lot of user training and
handholding to go along with the computer. </broken record mode>.
And when we build a relationship with these people maybe they'd be
less
likely to flog the gift at the nearest op shop, hmm?

I think the approach will vary according to user group. Maybe in some
cases, like recent migrants, it will be a home PC and visits by a home
tutor. For dysfunctional youth, maybe a computer room in the local
club
and supervision. It all depends. Installing and documenting the
software
is just one of the things in a chain of things that have to be done. I
don't think we can say what the approach should be until we have gone
out and got our customers.