tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post8038294749485412987..comments2024-03-21T19:08:05.737-07:00Comments on Genealogy's Star: Raising the BarJames Tannerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02989059644120454647noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-67934193060937819232012-03-30T11:29:10.041-07:002012-03-30T11:29:10.041-07:00I found this quite disturbing. I've been invol...I found this quite disturbing. I've been involved with computers since the early 1960's but still remember how to do research without one (although I wouldn't want to). Our City library system has computer classes for the total technophobe and rank beginner in both English and Spanish. They still require some very rudimentary typing or keyboarding skills and would possibly be too advanced for your patron. These classes, however, focus on email, Word and Excel, all of which are useful for the beginning genealogist but don't give the beginner a sense of accomplishing a little delving into their own family history. The city library system also has classes on Ancestry, FamilySearch, etc but to get anything out of this one must be more familiar with a computer than your patron may possibly be able to manage. Our local genealogy society also has beginner classes (well attended) and some program like this would be helpful for you patron.<br /><br />How to reach someone with the interest and few skills is quite a problem. The library system advertises all of its programs in a monthly newsletter (once again, bilingual) but if someone like your patron doesn't use the library they wouldn't know of these resources.Rosemaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07230436754902585388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-24229431550548782912012-03-29T12:02:48.176-07:002012-03-29T12:02:48.176-07:00When I served as a Family Search missionary on Tem...When I served as a Family Search missionary on Temple Square with my husband,the main focus of my 'training' was to teach me how to use the various computer resources available. Then to teach me how to help other people learn to use them too. I am from a generation that grew up with computers as a required part of life from a very young age. My children already know as much about computers as I likely did when I graduated high school. They are prepared for that entry gate into genealogy, but I worry for the folks like my mom that is a complete technophob! It is quite hard for her to bravely take some beginning steps into the realm of genealogical research. Interesting post (as usual). This is not something I have thought much about, but I think now that I should.KAM Chapmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01023748253239839267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-19021756797170695112012-03-29T11:58:32.447-07:002012-03-29T11:58:32.447-07:00In Allegheny County (Pittsburgh area) the local C...In Allegheny County (Pittsburgh area) the local Community College has lot of computer classes designed for the "older" users. <br /><br />Being retired myself I use the computer, research and do repairs, problem solve and install software. I think they just need some encouragement and basic education.Claudiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714440790407126206noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1527613590529958801.post-35696181674833180772012-03-29T10:39:22.426-07:002012-03-29T10:39:22.426-07:00A very pertinent post James. Technology is fantast...A very pertinent post James. Technology is fantastic for those who can use it but increasingly a barrier for parts of the population, not just genealogists.Cassmob (Pauleen)https://www.blogger.com/profile/18397134336319778519noreply@blogger.com