boarding the digital bus in the new normal world

 Let’s say one of your parents have decided to learn how to use a mobile phone or a tab. Maybe you have decided that its time they learnt some basic tech skills (I am guessing you had your moments). 

Since most things work in line with mobile technology why should these people be left out ? It would help if they knew how to access a text message , whatapp from a mobile phone, reply, send a message on whatsapp, even  snap a photo and send on whatapp. 

When I refer to parent or parents, I have in mind the generation of senior citizens that had zero access to technology or grew up during an era where hand written letters and taking a telephone call meant walking to the post office.

They are probably in the aged range of >65.  They had gotten so used to this laid back style of doing very simple tasks that they think this is the best way. Such mindsets cannot work around the fact that within three fourths of that time spent doing such simple things, a lot more could be accomplished plus also given time to chill with a nice cup of Ginger Tea and Biscuits.

First it helps to understand how this generation of people did simple things and how they made things work for themselves minus technology influenced methods. 

You need to remember this generation is not familiar with terms such as enter, delete, send, forward etc., In this example I have taken. People from this era virtually have no clue to understand how technology influenced systems are easy and hassle free, how it takes just a couple of minutes to sort utility bill payments online without wasting time in queues or spending a lot of time doing stuff which technology can zip it up in just a few minutes. 

The catch is how would you influence them to want to learn how to use these devices in an emergency or simply help them get closer to the new normal world the we have all  stepped into. 

I know many such people are reluctant simply because they fear these devices, feel its too complicated or just think that the old style is the best and the right way. Some of them have already fallen off the bandwagon. 

But the world is increasingly adopting technology driven systems for everyday life. These people often rely on people from generations after them to things done. But it would help if they were able to do some basic things on their own.

You need to understand what a person from this era and social background understands within their own ‘technology free world’ and then step off your own technology filled world to teach them in getting familiar to use these devices. You need to empty out the style of how you guide your friends to do some things on the pc, mobile phone when they ask you for help. 

Your student is one that does not know anything about texting, reading, forwarding or sending. Where do you begin and how will you take them through in adopting to technology based systems ? 

Its going to be an interesting, humorous and painstaking ride (there is no denial to the levels of tolerance) but these are passengers who cannot be left behind, they need to hop on the digital bus but are we thinking of innovative ways to get these passengers on board ?