Most computer users enjoy lots of other activities away from their computers that play important roles in their sense of wellbeing. Computer Club member Carol, for example, delights in travelling to new places every year. So the thought of devoting days and weeks grappling with the mind-numbing details of computer programmes was not high on her agenda. However through an initial session with a computer buddy Carole started the process of becoming a competent user and is now aware of the value of being able to access the Internet and create documents. In a short time she offered her services as a buddy, sharing her newly acquired skills with beginners as one of volunteer computer buddy team at Strathclyde University. 'Newcomers are often paralyzed by the real fear of using a computer. Will it be like a maths course - need total accuracy, reveal personal shortcomings and take months, if not years, to achieve anything? Computer buddies understand that people often bring these frightening thoughts to their first session", Carole states.

The role of the buddies is to show beginners that they are capable of making a start and that using a computer is something they will enjoy and find valuable. Learning to use a computer is similar to learning to drive a car - it is a practical skill that involves a series of repetitive moves that you assimilate by practice until they become automatic. And crashing your computer has none of the terrifying implications of a car crash! It certainly does not demand extraordinary intellectual powers, but you learn best when you have a real-life reason to learn, someone who is keen to see you succeed and a good teacher to talk to.

This is why that the Computer buddies think they have a powerful start-up system with the 'buddy' way of learning. The one-to-one 'taster', lasting over an hour, helps people begin pleasurably using the BBC Webwise CDROM that takes them through email and the Internet in a hands-on way. Practising using the mouse, typing in an email address or an URL and doing a simple search can all be achieved in this first session inspiring confidence, a sense of amazement and a powerful desire for more. See the BBC website for examples of material - http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/learn/daytrip1/index.shtm Below are some reflections on the process from four buddies who attended the Euconet strategy seminar in Brno.

Overall approach - '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.' Jean Masson - Read Jean's full report at http://groups.msn.com/3lcomputerclub/jean.msnw

Shortcuts: Many people do not use a computer well, e.g. backspace, delete, highlighting, moving in one stroke to the end of a typed line. It is a bit like driving a car without having found out where the heater, de-mister and light controls are. People are delighted to find quicker and better ways of doing things.' Peter Macfarlane - read Peter's full report at http://groups.msn.com/3lcomputerclub/peter1.msnw

Expectations - 'Check out the person's expectations by asking encouragingly what she/he hopes to gain, so the session is tailor-made.Common responses are 'How to' questions: How to find websites of general interest How to find the sites to book Flights or HolidaysHow to send emailsHow to use Search Engines.How to compile and print a letter, and store it in a folder Eric Sutherland - Read Eric's full report at http://groups.msn.com/3lcomputerclub/eric.msnw

Handouts: 'It is so necessary for continuing success for people of any age to be able to review what they have learned after a session at a computer. That is why a clear handout or an easy-to-follow booklet is worth its weight in gold.' John Quigley - read John's's full report at http://groups.msn.com/3lcomputerclub/john.msnw

To summarise, computer buddies do three things really well.

Firstly, they help people learn what they want to know. Secondly they help new learners discover what else they might do. And thirdly, buddies share some of the things they have found useful from their own experience. The prime task is to focus on the student - not on the technology. Yes, computing is littered with cryptic jargon and acronyms but these can be picked up along the way. You can send emails without knowing the technicalities of how it happens just as you can drive a car without knowing how fuel reaches the engine - although, I agree with Peter, it does help sometimes to know where the lights are - but only if you drive in the dark!