Where I cover: NE Herts, West Essex, South Cambs, SW Suffolk, North, East and Central London.

Towns/Cities: Bishops Stortford, Stansted Mountfitchet, Saffron Walden, Gt Dunmow, Chelmsford, (and Harlow, Ware, Royston, Cambridge, and St Neots if convenient)

To contact Katie, click here.

Availability:

I am available to teach most weekdays, from 8.30am until early evening, though I do have short-term commitments which have to be worked around. I will also consider occasional week-end work.

What I teach:

• Buying and setting up a computer/laptop, including Internet set up
• Beginners basic skills – the keyboard and the mouse, files and folders
• Internet searching -  Internet Explorer or Firefox
• Email – Outlook Express, Windows Mail, Outlook etc or Web-based email
• Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Access (Databases), PowerPoint, Publisher
• Address label/personalised letter creation for xmas cards/party invites (mail-merge)
• Intermediate and advanced skills if required
• Databases – set up and use
• Pictures and Sounds – Picassa, Webcams, Music Applications
• Computer and Internet Safety and Security and General Housekeeping

About me:

I live in a small village a few miles from Bishop’s Stortford on the Herts/Essex border. I have been teaching IT for many years, and, though it is hard work, I’m really pleased I made the switch from techie to teacher.

I started my IT career as a Computer Operator for what was then Midland Bank (now HSBC). The computers were in a purpose-built room about the size of Wembley Arena – and not too far away from it, either. They – the computers – and the printers were huge, noisy beasts and, by today’s standards, very slow.

Over the years, I have worked in many roles within the industry, as a Programmer, Systems Analyst, Technician, Network Manager and also in preparing, setting-up and manning stands at IT Exhibitions.

It was after taking a Returning to Work course that I had my first chance to train students. On this course, we had a day with an IT ‘expert’ who went through elementary computer basics with the class. He was, however, on the point of leaving, so I volunteered my services, and took a number of these one-day classes over the next year or so. I loved it. The feeling of pride when a student lost her fear – they were all ‘hers’ – and produced some work from a WP Application sometimes brought a lump to my throat. They were all so grateful. I was hooked.

I have since taken Stage 1 of the City & Guilds 7307 Further and Adult Education Teachers Certificate, and have taught courses from ‘A’ level and GNVQ Advanced right through to ‘Computing For The Terrified’. I am also qualified to teach and test ECDL. However, 1 to 1 training in your own home (or workplace), on your own computer is my preferred style.

Some few years ago, I read about Digital Unite in Country Living magazine and immediately thought ‘That’s it; that’s what I want to do!’ I logged on to the site, downloaded the application form and have never looked back.

Most of the college classes I used to take were a little frustrating because I had to teach a set syllabus, which was not necessarily what the students wanted, and, inevitably, there are students who did not get the attention they needed – a 2hr (120min) session with 12 students, after taking off time for admin and queries, means an average of less than 8 minutes per student.

Digital Unite gives me the opportunity to do something I love, with people who have a desire to learn. And, because I teach what students want to learn, one-to-one, it is a highly satisfying and rewarding process for both my students and myself. And I still get a lump in my throat sometimes!

The friendly, helpful people at Digital Unite give great support and encouragement to new and experienced Digital Unite Trainers alike. I consider myself very lucky to have found them.

Where I cover: Northwest London and Southwest Hertfordshire.

Harrow, Watford, Ruislip, Eastcote, Rayners Lane, West Harrow, Harrow on the Hill, Kingsbury, Edgware, Stanmore, Borehamwood, Elstree and Radlett.

To contact Brian, click here.

Availability: Weekdays between 09.00 and 17.00, ending a little earlier on Fridays. Evenings by special arrangement..

What I teach

Anything allowing people to use a Computer as a productivity tool and take the mystery out of this technology. This ranges from:

• Word processing (writing letters, documents, reports, address labels for special occasions, etc)
• Spreadsheets for those interested in some aspects of financial accounts control (from easy to more challenging) and maintaining some type of records-base
• Presentation software (such as PowerPoint)
• Embracing the INTERNET; setting up for, and using, email; browsing (surfing) the ‘world-wide-web’ and using the Internet for research and shopping
• Diary management, using the computer to maintain a calendar of events
• Photo manipulation, managing digital photos and creating albums, etc
• Assisting with computer set-up, explaining the parts, installing software and general system maintenance tasks

About me

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, qualified as an Electrical Engineer and after working for a few years in Johannesburg moved firstly to the UK, then to the USA and Canada for almost 20 years before being transferred back to Europe 15 years ago. My career has always been centred on Computers, and for more than 30 years I have grown with all the technology witnessing, and being involved with, many of the changes.

A large part of my work over the years has been training people, in the use of Computers at all levels, and it is this experience as well as my extra-curricular activities working with charitable organisations which I bring to the Digital Unite group of specialists.

My many years of experience in the IT industry is currently valuable to me as I consult and advise Boards of companies on strategic matters which includes working with a number of North American companies who want to enter the European market.

Why did I join Digital Unite?

In these days when IT impinges on all aspects of our lives, I am very aware of how many members of the older generation are disadvantaged as a result of either not being familiar, or comfortable, with Computers. Having heard about Digital Unite through a friend and researching what they do, I realised how suitable my skills and business experience would be to addressing the challenge of training and educating the older generation. It is natural that as technology progresses, particularly at the pace of recent years, the younger generation embraces it with ease, whilst the more mature amongst us are more resistive and fearful; I look forward to the opportunity to help people overcome this hurdle, which is more perception than reality.