I treat the session as an informal friendly introduction rather than an instructor/student situation. I regard it as an opportunity to facilitate the learning process especially if the learner is a complete newcomer. I clearly recall my sense of trepidation, not to mention desperation, during my first computer experience.

Initially I find out what the learner already knows. If the answer is nothing, then the Webwise programme is very useful as it provides an opportunity:

During this process I assist by pointing to the buttons to click on, if necessary, while keeping the stress factor as low as possible by conversing in a friendly way about related topics such as:

Why do you want to use a computer or the internet?
Do you have a computer at home?

Generally it is to do with keeping up with younger family members who use a computer so effortlessly but so quickly that adults can't possibly follow their instructions.

Surfing the Net
If the learner has some knowledge and skill I encourage a little, light surfing. This is particularly useful if she/he has expressed a special interest during conversation, such as a particular hobby, or sport e.g. gardening. The use of search engines demonstrates the high number of useless results they can produce and how being very specific about what you want to know dramatically increases the chance of the results at the top of the list being ones worth exploring.

Evaluation
It's easy to judge if the learner has found the session helpful because they will usually express amazement that they have achieved something for themselves. I believe these sessions should be regarded as tasters during which barriers to learning can be broken down. If the session consists only of hard work and just new information then nobody will enjoy it.

Special topics
If I receive advance notice of a request for a special topic I do some homework myself to make sure I can cover a good number of options and choices. As we progress I make some notes for the learner to take away and follow up later at home if they have a computer.
Before handing out the feedback form and information sheets, I direct attention to classes available at the Institute that I think would suit the learner's particular needs or it may be that they need another buddy follow-on session before they are ready for a class.

Postscript to first Euconet meeting
During the Ulm seminar in October I noted that the term "Seniors" does not always apply to 50+ students. I exchanged e-mail addresses with one of the Brno party, Eva Velesikova, who is only 38 and therefore quite young compared to myself at the ripe age of 70. However we have a common interest in sport (I enjoy archery) and she really wants to improve her English. Perhaps I should now concentrate on German! Read Jean's experience of learning online.