Understanding learner needs, interests and barriers is a key part of being a TechMate volunteer.
How TechMates can support learners
- Identifying barriers and addressing them to build learner confidence. For example, checking accessibility settings on a tablet device, changing font size and colour
- Planning an approach that works for both TechMate and Learner, or if you’re supporting a TechMate Tea Party, ask your TechMate Coordinator how you can help
- Ask your learner about hobbies and interests, this will help to motivate learning
- Planning how you could encourage learning between sessions
- Avoiding using jargon, technical words and acronyms (letters used instead of the full word)
- Using descriptive visual language to guide your learners. For example, 'can you find the cross in the top right-hand corner of the screen?' Or 'can you see a circle icon with red, green, yellow shapes and a blue circle in the middle? Tap your finger on this icon and that will open the Google Chrome app.'
Colin's story
Watch Colin’s story and think about what tasks Colin has been able to complete since receiving digital support.
"When I first spoke to Colin, he had low digital confidence and skills, limited access to an internet connection and couldn’t do the things he wanted to online. Our TechMate appointments helped Colin to problem solve and build confidence. I even set him homework between appointments. For example, I asked Colin to send me an email with an attachment. Colin has gone on to apply for college courses online and even downloaded the DuoLingo app so he can learn Spanish. Colin is a prime example of what happens when you give someone access and skills. He’s already accomplished so much in a short space of time, he’s even helping to run a virtual support group." Liz Chapman, Online Services and Inclusion Officer, TechMates volunteer, February 2022.
Learner profiles
Take a look at the learner profiles below, how would you support these individuals? You will be asked about this during the test, you may find it easier to make notes on how you would help each learner.
Learner profile 1
Alan is 75 and has owned an iPad since last Christmas that has barely been touched. Alan has only used the internet a couple of times and does not have an email address. Alan says, "I think it’s all a little too complicated for me. My son tried to show me, but he lost patience very quickly". Alan is an avid reader and loves to cook. He is interested in learning how to shop online as his vegan diet means he struggles to find food that meets his dietary requirements. Alan experiences sight loss and struggles to read printed text.
Learner profile 2
Edith is 66 years of age and has owned a laptop computer for three years but has limited experience of the internet and email. Edith has expressed an interest in online banking and has also heard you can save a lot of money through the internet. Edith is however frightened of giving out her personal details online. Edith says she does not understand technical words used and often struggles to learn new things. In her spare time Edith loves writing poetry and gardening.
Learner profile 3
Sally is 29 and has never been able to afford an internet connection at home. Due to low income, she has qualified to receive a free 4G Android device through a tablet gifting scheme. Sally has recently lost her job in working in telesales, which has resulted in a significant loss of confidence and personal hardship. Sally is also a carer, looking after her father (Paul) who requires a high level of personal care - he is in the early stages of dementia. Sally is excited to now have a device and hopes it will help her connect with her friends and make her life less chaotic.
Test your Knowledge...
- What was Colin able to do after receiving support from a TechMate?
- How would you help Alan?
- What are Edith's barrier to learning?
- How would you help Sally?
Move on to the next section: How to help your learners