Computer Tutors & Training

I have provided computer training for over 9 years.  I also give Certified Training in Assistive Technology such as ClaroRead, Dragon NaturallySpeaking & textHELP Read&Write Software.  I help people send and receive emails, use the Internet, produce documents in Microsoft Word & more…

Where I Cover: Essex - Colchester, Tiptree, Layer, Sudbury, Hedingham and surrounding areas.

Availability

Most weekdays and occasional Saturday mornings; dates are always mutually agreed between client and tutor.

What I Teach

• The Internet, Emails and most Microsoft Office Programs
• Ways to reduce keyboard and mouse use - i.e. Keyboard Shortcuts, AutoCorrect, StickyKeys etc for people with hand difficulties such as Arthritis
• Software and Training in Dragon Naturally Speaking® speech recognition software, for people who can’t, or who don’t want to type **
• Texthelp Read&Write and ClaroRead Software Training for people with reading and writing problems i.e. Dyslexia **
• Inspiration and other Mind Mapping Software for producing diagrams **
• How to use Digital Voice Recorders such as the DS-40 Olympus to record, play and transcribe text **

** NB Rates for this training would be negotiated on an individual basis

About me

I reluctantly began using computers due to an enforced career change and the need to find an alternative to writing or typing. I learnt to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software and followed this with an IT Teachers’ Certificate, NVQ Assessors Awards and Pitman Microsoft Office Qualifications. By then I loved IT!

There had been lots of difficulties during my re-training, which led me from 1999, to start training others in IT, initially those with hand, arm and back difficulties, on how to use Dragon NaturallySpeaking speech recognition software. I then became involved with many areas around assistive technology - and I started general IT training too.

Before any IT training is conducted I discuss what YOU want to learn. Training is then customised to meet YOUR NEEDS. Whether it is starting to use computers, composing letters, envelopes and labels in Microsoft Word, sending and receiving Emails, Browsing the Internet safely and efficiently, or using other Microsoft Office programs; you just say and I will deliver the training!

Help and assistance on alternatives to the conventional mouse, keyboard shortcuts, making changes to Windows display features can also be given. My goal is to widen computer use to anyone who is interested in learning, regardless of age, knowledge, confidence, or impairment (disability).

Training is delivered where you want it to be delivered, with a sense of humour, in a relaxed manner and is always supported by training materials and prompt sheets for you to practice with, to reinforce the techniques learnt during the training sessions.

My company 1st Voice Solutions Ltd also advises individuals and groups on issues around disability equality and discrimination specialising in RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury and I have been providing training as above since June 2000.

I don’t cover the technical aspects of IT - building computers, installing wireless networked Broadband, extra memory etc., but I know a man who does!  I do not offer tuition in digital photography, web cams, or on how to build web pages.

I completed my ECDL - European Computer Driving Licence IT Qualification at the age of 46; proving that you are ‘never too old to learn’!

Why did I join Digital Unite?

I was looking for a Digital Unite Trainer for my friend’s mother-in-law, saw the application form on the Website to become a trainer, felt this sounded like me, and as they say, ‘the rest is history’!

March 2nd, 2009 bobholmes |

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