The technology gap between older generations

[Qacer]

I told my dad that he can use Picasa Albums to share his reunion photos with his former high school classmates. I thought he could simply figure out that all he needs to do is give them his Picasa Album web address, so they can view the photos.

Wanna know what he did?

He gave his classmates his Google login info. Then, he complained about how his classmates can read his email.

*Sigh*. I wish Google had a big info pop up that shows up when you're managing your Picasa Album: "Hi, Google User! This is the web address to use to share your photos with friends: http://picasaweb.google.com/google.user"

 

[AlienCraft]

The fault is the communication gap and failure of some to adequately explain HOW to do something.

You failed to think at his level, not that he failed to think at yours.
Whenever a student fails at a task, part of the blame is on the teacher.

Now, you'll have to fix the email PW issue AND teach him how to link properly.

good job

 

[Qacer]

True that. But I can't be his teacher all the time. He has to figure things out on his own. Also, on the phone instructions does not work well with him. I've given up teaching him how to manage his high school website and just took over the managing part.

 

[AlienCraft]

First thing I taught the mom was to cut and paste stuff. Saves me a lot of grief.
how hard would it have been to send an email saying " cut and paste XYZ then send an email with that in it to everyone..." ?

But I can't be his teacher all the time. He has to figure things out on his own.

AHH , I wonder when he last said that about you?

 

[Leros]

When my dad searches google, he thinks the ads are search results.

 

[Qacer]

Unfortunately, my dad is not the only one part of the technology gap. I replaced his guestbook into a full blown message board, so he and his classmates can communicate properly. I figured I'd use Simple Forums and utilized the simplest looking theme. Well, everyone complained because they could not figure out how to setup their accounts. Even telling them to click on Register to create an account and then use their username and password to login after the account creation.

I had to switch the message boards to this one: http://www.gerd-tentler.de/tools/forum/demo/forum.php
... and it still took them days to figure out how to post properly even after given the simplest instructions. Next time, I'm using screen captured images to show them.

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: Leros
When my dad searches google, he thinks the ads are search results.

Proving that without appropriate instruction and definitions by someone who knows, the unknowing can be led astray trying to "figure it out on their own." Which is precisely what generates fear in most people.

That was the same for both of my parents.
Dad at least had an understanding of BOOLEAN logic, mom understood the concept of "keywords" (after a brief explanation) and then it was simple to show them how ads were separated from the search results.

They both understood "click- through" revenue generation fairly quickly, though. Gotta give them props for that.

BTW, they are probably both old enough to be most people's (who are here) grandparents. So age is not the issue, it's clarity of instruction.

 

[Gunslinger08]

I find that most older folks don't like/understand technology for one of three reasons:
1. They don't think it applies to them, and therefore they have no benefits from learning it.
2. They are scared to learn and try on their own, believing that they will break something beyond repair.
3. They have been misinformed.

 

[nutxo]

Originally posted by: Qacer
I told my dad that he can use Picasa Albums to share his reunion photos with his former high school classmates. I thought he could simply figure out that all he needs to do is give them his Picasa Album web address, so they can view the photos.

Wanna know what he did?

He gave his classmates his Google login info. Then, he complained about how his classmates can read his email.

*Sigh*. I wish Google had a big info pop up that shows up when you're managing your Picasa Album: "Hi, Google User! This is the web address to use to share your photos with friends: http://picasaweb.google.com/google.user"

Meh. I think anyone that cant rebuild an engine is either a pussy or a fruit.

 

[phantom309]

After 10 years of IT support for a company mostly composed of middle-aged white males, I've come to believe that past a certain age it is simply impossible for a lot of people to grasp basic computer concepts. They just don't understand where the stuff goes when it's off the screen.

Some of them also don't like computers because they think typing is women's work - something the secretary is supposed to do, not a Seasoned, Silver-Fox Capitan of Industry Executive Mover and Shaker.