Where I cover: South East London: SE4, SE6, SE8, SE14, SE15, SE21, SE22, SE23, SE24, SE25 and SE26, Croydon and Thornton Heath

To contact Andene, click here

Availability: I am flexible regarding times please contact me to discuss

What I teach:

• Compiling a CV to present your career history in the best light
• Job-searching on-line
• Applying for Jobs on-line
• Computing basics for complete beginners
• Use of the Internet.
• Setting up and using E-mail.
• Microsoft Office 2003, 2007 and 2010.
• Word processing.
• Spreadsheets.
• Presentations – slide shows.
• Publications – posters, newsletters, etc.

If there is anything else not listed that you want to learn about I will help if I can or try to point you in the direction of someone who can.

About me:
The core of my experience has been in the fields of human resources and training. I worked in Local Government for over 12 before starting my own HR Consultancy and Training business.  I deliver corporate training in management and leadership, also training in the community on getting back to work, business start-up and personal development.  I recently set up a social enterprise in my local community to deliver free training to the unemployed and hard to reach.

Where I cover: Devon – Plymouth, Dartmoor, Tavistock, Torquay, Exeter, Tiverton, Honiton

To contact Martin, click here

Availability: I work flexible hours including evenings and can usually find a mutually convenient time.

What I teach:

• Email
• Sending and receiving photos
• Skype phone calls and video calls
• Internet browsing
• Music files
• Watching TV and video online
• Talking books
• iBooks
• Newspapers online
• Shopping online

If there is anything you wish to learn which is not listed please ask. I can probably help.

About me

I have taught a wide variety of skills to a wide variety of people. I combine my Digital Unite tutoring with lecturing at a University Arts College. I have taught furniture making to unemployed youth, sailing to children, massage to carers and I have trained counsellors. I am passionate about giving everyone access to the full range of abundant living possibilities that are available now.
More information on my services at http://www.keepincontact.co.uk

Helping people learn new IT skills has been the focus of my career for many years. I work part-time as an ICT school teacher and have taught primary, college and retirement-aged students. Having worked extensively in community education as well as one-to-one, I really enjoy teaching adults who are taking up computing later in life.

Where I cover: East Kent: Birchington, Margate, Cliftonville, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and all Thanet villages.

To contact Jim, click here.

Availability: Most evenings, daytime Tuesday or Wednesday (all week during school holidays) and weekends.

What I teach:

• Absolute beginners: starting from scratch, turning-on, mouse operation, key words and phrases, safeguards and shortcuts
• Internet and Email applications including all main browsers, Boolean searching, e-commerce and eBay, Skype, online dating and other popular peripheral applications
• Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Front Page) or Open Office equivalents
• Digital Photography, beginners level to semi-pro including camera techniques, image transfer, Photoshop and/or free equivalent software, advanced techniques, filters, layers and effects, HDR photography, stitching, image restoration etc.
• Digital art, drawing, vector graphics etc. using Paint, PowerPoint, Fireworks or similar
• Desktop Publishing using Publisher or similar
• Digital recording using Audacity
• Web design; all aspects including site design (Front Page, Dreamweaver, Serif WebPlus or Nvu, name registration, FTP and basic search-engine optimization
• Presentation techniques including aspects of public speaking
• Animation using PowerPoint, Fireworks, Pivot or basic Flash
• Video transfer and editing including camera techniques, file transfer, Movie Maker or equivalent software
• Basic game design using PowerPoint or Scratch
• Help with purchasing and setting-up new systems, laptops and accessories.

About me:

I’ve always lived by the sea and love this part of the world (Thanet) with its fantastic coastline. Having worked in community education and private tuition for many years I’ve loads of experience teaching absolute beginners as well as more experienced learners. My students tell me that I’m patient, friendly and knowledgeable and I try to help people find the logic in what they are doing, not just remember a list of commands.

When I’m not working, my hobbies are photography, cycling and land-yachting, a sport in which I am a National Instructor. I have taught digital photography for my local college and I sell a few pictures through local galleries.

We live in an exciting age with information and entertainment at our fingertips on demand … if you know how to access it. I am happy to discuss your individual or group requirements and then work with you to plan your future enjoyment of exciting technologies.

I am an Accredited Digital Champion and a tutor-assessor for the Digital Unite Academy.

Where I cover: Malmesbury is the centre of my ‘patch’. I cover as far as Stroud (North), Chippenham & Calne (South), Wootton Bassett (East) & Chipping Sodbury (West) and all districts within the Postcodes of  BS37, GL10, GL11, GL12, GL13, GL2, GL5, GL6, GL8, GL9, SN11, SN14, SN15 and SN16.

To contact Chris, click here.

Availability: I can offer a range of flexible lessons – most days and some evenings

What I teach:

• Computer (PC or laptop), printer & scanner essentials for beginners
• Introduction to Windows (Various versions latest Windows 7)
• Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
• Email, Microsoft Outlook and Webmail
• Web browsing & social networking (Facebook, Twitter)
• Top tips on saving time & money online – Shopping, Banking, Holidays, etc.
• ‘Video-phone’ friends & family all over the world for ‘free’ (Skype)
• Enjoy music, video, digital photography, TV & radio on computers
• Computer security and safety – antivirus, antispyware
• ‘Housekeeping computers’ including backups and data storage
• Advice on purchasing a computer, assistance with setting it up
• Optimising, upgrading existing equipment for minimal cost
• How to make computers more accessible for people with disabilities or limiting conditions

About me:

I live with my wife in North Wilts, although I originally come from Hampshire. My working life has been both exciting and varied, giving me a range of life skills and experiences. On leaving school at 15yrs I joined the Royal Navy, served 8 yrs, and then became a Police Officer with Surrey Police, left after 5yrs, then worked the next 30yrs with Surrey Social Services – Learning Disability Residential Provision.  I retired in January 2008.

Since July 2008 I have worked part-time as an IT Learning co-ordinator for a local Housing Association, teaching Computer/IT Skills to a range of individuals and groups in the Chippenham area.

I am also experienced in making computers more accessible using the options already built in to applications such as Microsoft Windows and Office and by using specialist software such as voice recognition and InPrint2 for those who have physical and/or learning disabilities.

However, I’m very aware that many people who didn’t have the chance to ‘grow up’ with IT can imagine that it’s ‘too difficult’ or ‘too scary’ and are now unwilling or unable to take advantage of the wonders of digital technology.

If that sounds like you, I’d like to show you otherwise! At a pace that is suitable to your needs, on what interests you and the things that will be useful to you. I’ll help you to gain new skills, widen your horizons and maybe gain a whole new lease of life!!!

Where I Cover: Based around Camberley and Farnborough I also cover – Aldershot, Church Crookham, Deepcut, Fleet, Frimley, Hawley, Mytchett and Yateley

Post Codes: GU11; GU12; GU14; GU15; GU16; GU17; GU46; GU51; GU52

To contact Michael click here

Availability: Flexible – I am able to make most days and evenings and occasional weekends.

What I Teach

• PCs (Windows) and Apple (Mac) computers
• Introduction to Windows 7 and Snow Leopard
• MS Office 2010, Google Docs and iWork 09
• Email
• Web browsing & social networking (Skype, Facebook, Twitter, Blogs)
• Using the Internet safely (firewalls etc.) and basic security (blocking viruses and spyware)
• Enjoying music and TV on-line
• Basic digital photography and sharing images on-line
• Mobile Computing

About Me

I am married with two lovely daughters and have lived in Farnborough for over 20 years. After working in the City I have spent the last 12 years or so working in education, developing and delivering training courses based on IT and technology for people of all ages and abilities. When I am not running along the Basingstoke Canal trying to keep fit I can be found watching a local game of rugby or being a bit of a geek by looking to see what’s new in the world of technology. I try and keep a blog up to date and will admit to the occasional ‘tweet’. I try to bring a sense of humour to everything I do (including using computers) and avoid taking myself too seriously.

I have seen at first hand how computers can make people’s lives more enjoyable and fulfilling through sharing photos and news and keeping in touch using software like Facebook and Skype.

I am an Accredited Digital Champion and a tutor-assessor for the Digital Unite Academy.

Where I cover: I cover towns and villages in North Cornwall including Bodmin, Camelford, Delabole, Newquay, St. Austell, St. Day, Truro, Wadebridge, Camborne and also the Isles of Scilly.

Postcodes: PL22, PL23, PL24, PL25, PL26, PL27, PL28, PL29, PL30, PL31, PL32, PL33, PL34, PL35, TR1, TR2,  TR3, TR4, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR9, TR14, TR15, TR21, TR22, TR23, TR24, TR25.

To contact Jacklyn click here

Availability: I work flexibly so that I am available on days and at times to suit you.

What I teach: Below are some of the things I teach. If you want to do something that doesn’t appear here, please ask and I’ll do what I can to help.

• Computer basics including turning your computer on, shutting it down safety, and developing mouse and keyboard skills;
• File management including the use of memory sticks and other storage media;
• Using peripherals such as a printer, scanner or digital camera;
• Setting up and using email;
• Using the Internet for networking and socialising including Facebook, Skype, LinkedIn;
• Using the Internet to find information for study, work, or hobbies and interests;
• Using the Internet for buying and selling items, online banking, etc.;
• Internet safety and security including keeping children safe online;
• Word processing – letters, minutes, reports, theses, labels, etc.;
• Spreadsheets – accounts, planning, calculations etc.;
• Effective presentations – bring something more to using PowerPoint and other presentation software;
• Using a digital camera and transferring photographs to your computer or other storage;
• Publishing including posters, notices, greeting cards etc.;
• Databases and Project Management;
• Using ICT for teaching and learning.

About me:

I have used computers for work and pleasure for many years. During this time I have also taught many others how to use them with confidence and how to get the most out of them to suit their particular needs. A qualified teacher and trainer, you will find me professional, friendly, patient, encouraging and committed to helping you meet your computer learning needs, whether for business or for pleasure.

I am an Accredited Digital Champion and a tutor-assessor for the Digital Unite Academy.

Where I cover: I live in Witley in Surrey and cover an area that includes Godalming, Haslemere, Liphook, Cranleigh, Midhurst, Petersfield and Petworth.

Postcodes: GU2, GU3, GU5 – 8, GU26 – 33

To contact Gillian click here

Availability: My time is flexible and I can usually arrange times to suit you daytime or evening, weekdays or weekends.

What I teach:

• Basic computer skills – using the mouse, keyboard, file management
• Setting up and using email
• Using a search engine like Google to find information
• Using the Internet for shopping, banking, research
• Socialising online with Facebook
• Internet safety and security
• Word processing – letters, documents, address labels – using Microsoft Word
• Spreadsheets – accounts, planning, record keeping – using Microsoft Excel
• Basic photo manipulation and using images
• And more! Please ask if there is something specific you need that I haven’t mentioned here.

About me:

Computers have been part of my life for many years, initially as a programmer, then as a teacher and now working in adult learning. I use computers for work, socialising, shopping, research, entertainment … and so much more.

I am a retired secondary school teacher and have found that the skills I developed in the classroom to facilitate students’ learning are equally applicable to adult learners. I believe in active learning so you won’t get any lectures from me, just lots of hands-on experience until you are confident in your own ability.

I am professional, friendly and endlessly patient. You set the pace – we can take things as slowly or as fast as you like.

I am a local Parish Councilor and enjoy walking in this lovely part of the world. My husband, Bob, and I recently moved into a house with a very neglected garden which we are slowly restoring to its former glory.

Where I cover: The East Lancashire area including Blackburn, Clitheroe, all the Ribble Valley area, Great Harwood, Accrington, Burnley, Nelson and Colne.

Postcodes: BB1, BB2, BB5, BB6, BB7 and BB12

To contact Chris click here

Availability: I am available Monday to Friday from 9am till 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am till 4pm.

What I teach:

• Switching on and logging onto your computer/laptop
• Safely closing down your computer/laptop
• Basic mouse skills
• Keyboard: how to use efficiently and productively
• Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 operating systems
• Windows File and Folder management/Control Panel/Printers
• Internet: browsing, simple  search techniques, research, accessing government services online, safe surfing and shopping online (including banking)
• Outlook: email, calendar, contacts and tasks
• Web based email: Hotmail/Yahoomail/Googlemail and others
• Microsoft Office 2003,2007 and 2010
• Word processing (including labels and mail merge)
• Excel Spreadsheets: create and edit (including formulae)
• Access: create databases for address lists, societies and business
• Publisher: producing cards, posters and newsletters
• PowerPoint: creating presentations
• Digital photography: transferring images to your computer and basic editing/resizing and cropping
• Adobe Professional and PDF Xchange Viewer software: to edit and annotate PDF documents

About me:

I have been an IT Trainer for the last 11 years, working in libraries for 9 years tutoring courses for the general public, and the last 2 years at County Hall in Preston as the IT Training Officer for the county’s 84 County Councillors. I am fully conversant with all aspects of Microsoft Office, Internet and email and various desktop publishing packages.

In the past I have worked with various different organisations: Age Concern, Help the Aged, Older People’s Forum, East Lancs Advocacy Service, Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service, Sheltered Housing Associations and numerous community and neighbourhood groups. I was also heavily involved with the initial pilot and implementation of MyGuide whilst at the Library Service.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping trim, swimming, playing badminton or attending the gym. I enjoy socialising with friends; love to travel and visit places of historical interest (member of the National trust). l love reading or listening to audio books, going to live music concerts and watching plays and musicals at the local theatres. I enjoy crosswords, quizzes and puzzles of any kind; also love to play card and board games to keep my brain active and alert.

I have worked as a volunteer advocate on and off for East Lancs Advocacy Service for the last twelve years, working with a range of people with learning difficulties or mental and physical health problems.

Where I cover:  East Norfolk – from Bacton to Hopton, North Walsham down to Mulbarton, Wymondham, Dereham and Thetford.

To contact Geraldine click here

Availability:  I can work weekdays, evenings and Saturdays to fit in with you.

What I teach:

• The basics
• Emails – set up an email address, send and receive emails
• Security – firewalls and anti-virus software
• Surf the web – using Google, etc to find your way around
• Trace your family history
• Manage digital photos
• Setting up a website
• Online shopping and banking
• Online selling – Ebay and Amazon
• Word processing and desktop publishing
• The list is endless – just ask if what you require is not listed here

About Me:

I have lived in Norfolk for over 25 years and am originally from London.  I live with my husband and we have a son and daughter and two gorgeous grandchildren.  I enjoy family history research and my family tree has grown many new branches as new sources become available online and new contacts are made.

I started work as a secretary and used an old manual typewriter.  I don’t think I would have the strength now to bang those keys down – it is surprising how much effort it took to use one.  It is so much easier just to glide your fingers across today’s computer keyboard. 

I trained to teach shorthand and typing and it was a natural progression to move on to teaching computer skills.   I have also been an assistant examiner for GCSE and NVQ in both Business Studies and ICT. 

I work part time in my husband’s business and work involves graphics of all kinds, producing interactive multimedia, video and DVD production.  I am also the one who upgrades, repairs and rebuilds all our computers.

I enjoy meeting people and helping to introduce them to the benefits computers can bring.  It is not scary and you will wonder why you did not do it a long time ago.

During my lengthy computing career, which has included numerous technical, managerial and consultancy roles, I have introduced new computer skills and systems to novices, improvers and experts alike. Since 2003 I have been focused on working with home users and very small businesses.

I firmly believe that computers can be for everyone; all you need is access to a basic computer (desktop or laptop) with an internet connection and, with an open mind and good guidance; there need be no end as to where your imagination can take you.

Where I cover:  Wirral Merseyside

To contact Liam, click here.

Availability: Monday to Friday – anytime from 8am to 9pm. Also Weekends 8am to 5pm.

What I teach:

• How to eat an elephant – one byte at a time – starting wherever you choose!
• The basics of computers and the associated technology gadgets
• Making sense of the jargon and removing the mystique
• What to do if something unexpected happens – and it will!
• How to organize and customise it all to suit your needs
• Introduction to managing your information, music & pictures
• How to find your way around your computer quickly and easily
• How to protect yourself – safe, secure and simple set up and an overview of the potential threats
• Exploring the internet and how to search for items of interest and curiosity
• Using software tools to administer, manage and share your hobbies and communications
• Email – setting up and using electronic mail to keep in touch
• Word processing – to enable you to create and use written documents
• Spreadsheets to record and manage financial and factual information
• Presentation – to enable you to share and display your information
• Free worldwide telephony using Skype
• Getting the best from your digital camera and photographs (editing and sharing on the internet)
• Capturing and playing your music collection
• Selecting and using a webcam, printer, scanner and/or photocopier
• Shopping safely and securely – buying and selling using the internet (eBay, Amazon, John Lewis and many more)
• Introduction to Facebook, Twitter and other “Social Networks”
• Basic routine maintenance to keep your computer performing at its best and to protect your information.

About me:

I am comfortably into my 50’s and now semi-retired from my professional business career after ill health encouraged me to leave the rat race in October 2009. There was always another rat!

I am married to Sam and we share our home with three teenage boys and two German Shepherd dogs. Life is very hectic but we always make time to do as much as possible to work, play and eat together as a family. There is always music playing, often too loud – but who am I to complain – I took no notice of my parent’s instructions to “turn it down” either!

I have many interests but my particular passions are music, football, cycling, photography, Argentine Tango and cooking.

Over the last three years I have gained numerous qualifications and considerable experience in teaching, mentoring, personal coaching and therapeutic counselling. Now that I am doing this more or less fulltime I find that my life is much more satisfying and (fairly) stress free!

This because, despite my long association with technology; I like people more than I like computers. I have always been more interested in the impact of them on people’s lives rather than how sophisticated or how many bells and whistles the technology has. I very much enjoy seeing my students develop their skills so that they can be self-sufficient, enthused and excited about being able to maintain and develop their hobbies and interests through the use of a computer and the internet.

Whilst I like to use analogies to reinforce my tutorials I also try to ensure that as much computing terminology as possible is explained in plain English, and if a piece of jargon has made its way into everyday use and needs to be used, I’ll explain fully what it means.

I like my training sessions to be fun and focused but also open and honest so that any fears or reservations can be dealt with as soon as possible. I always endeavour to keep my students enthused and amused but I understand that, like cars, computers are not for everyone. I’ll always understand that a person’s interest may wain and that they may want to give up. That’s OK; I’ll never take it personally!

I can help you learn at your own pace and in the place you choose and on your own computer. I always adopt a calm, patient and clear approach to teaching computer skills; so whatever you want to achieve I’m sure I can get you enthused and on your way – right from your first click. Experience has taught me that if you learn to relax with your computer; it will expand your horizons far beyond your desktop!