Anyone here ever teach computer classes?

[Arkitech]

I'm thinking of going this route. If I could get about 10 people willing to pay 30-40 bucks a piece then I could maybe get the library to let me hold a class a couple of times per week. I just need to write out a lesson plan and determine the length of the class (maybe an hour or more).

So anyone here done this before? How did it turn out?

 

[slayer202]

don't be too optimistic

 

[Arkitech]

don't be too optimistic

why not?

gotta be optimistic if you ever wanna get a project off the ground

 

[wheresmybacon]

For work, I traveled the state and did a 2 hour class to train our field service techs on a new product. It’s pretty demanding. And that was only 2 hours.

I’ve thought about doing something like this to supplement my salary, but the main roadblock for me is where would I hold the class and where would I get the hardware.

 

[techs]

Years ago when I first opened my computer shop I tried to offer classes.
The problem was people didn't want to pay up front. And without up front money, no matter how many registered, often none actually showed.

 

[D1gger]

I used to do some training for IBM way back in the day. My only advice would be make sure you are very prepared. Someone will always ask a question that you don't know the answer to.

 

[dfuze]

For the route you seem to be going, why not try some local senior centers, there's bound to be plenty of customers for you there.

 

[DougK62]

Call the nearby colleges and see if they have community or continuing education classes that you can teach. You'll get a lot more students that way and it's a fair wage.

 

[nanette1985]

I've done this. For me, 10 people is way too many - they'll all be at different stages, learn at different rates, need to have the most basic stuff explained, ask stupid unrelated questions. Even if you put out a synopsis, a detailed list of what you'll go over in every class, they'll either be bored or bewildered. And you always get a know-it-all who wastes time explaining everything his way.

One thing to think about is making a video of each of your segments, running the video, and then answering questions. You can at least get the basic information across without interruptions.

For your lesson plan, you need to make it flexible - sometimes you spend the entire time on point number one, sometimes you zip through the entire thing and need to fill in with additional material. You never know. Be prepared.

Always bring an assistant, and never close the door. Never be alone in a room with one person - you'd be amazed at what people can accuse you of. Abuse, stealing, who knows what else. There are some crazy people out there. Of course, there are a lot of wonderful people out there too.

It works best if you offer a "course" rate (no refunds), for all however-many weeks you are teaching, because people will drop out.

Good luck.

 

[Uhtrinity]

I just started my 5th year teaching computer lab in a grade school / middle school environment. Before that I did training with small businesses and home users, mostly using Windows and MS Office. It can be challenging, but also rewarding. I teach my kids (about 250 total) the entire gambit ranging from baic Windows skills, to Office, computer history & terminology, to keyboarding. The education at the 5th - 8th grade level is what I saw in Intro to computer college classes. This is in a public Charter School so we have that flexibility. Btw, class sizes are 30 - 34.

I'm currently working on a Technical program for the High School level when we expand next year which should include IT and Electronics courses.

I second the idea of teaching at something like a tech college or adult education center as it can be hard to find your own clientele.

 

[0roo0roo]

the people that need it, are too cheap, and can't be bothered to learn.

 

[theflyingpig]

I don't have the time to deal with stupid people. I just don't have the time.

 

[Schfifty Five]

What kind of stuff would you teach? Like basic Windows software? How to build a system?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Too late, your local community college probably already offers a bunch of classes on Excel, Word and the Any key.

 

[Wyndru]

We have a basic computer skills class in our high school's continuing education program that currently needs a teacher. The last one left after he had a class of unteachable elderly people. It was sad, one of them had alzheimers and would wander the halls at 6 in the morning before the kids got there looking for the class, (6pm class).

Hopefully you get younger people.