Do you think there would be a market for teaching computer skills to others in the community?

I think that there should be classes dedicated to this in high schools. Technology in general is an important topic nowadays. It takes skill and knowledge to master, so schools should definitely add it to their curricula. At my high school, they incorporated some technology into classes. For example, in my senior math class, my teacher had us use excel pretty much as a notebook. We did homework and classwork in it. We even handed in our homework via an online “drop box”. The room, which was actually a room for Graphic Arts in the Fine Arts building, had about 30 computers lined up in rows.

I think there are classes in HS, but for whatever reason, the kids aren’t learning much beyond keyboarding. Don’t know why.

Yes, but not much of a market. My 86-year old father teaches computer classes (such as you have described) to a seniors group at a Community Center outside Columbus, Ohio. They love having him tech the course; he has been doing it since he was 75.

But he doesn’t get paid for it, and the senior center gets County or State funding, so no one is making much money on it.

I can name three kinds computer training off the top of my head.

The park district and libraries have computer classes where I live. My dad took a couple of classes at the YMCA.

I’ve taken a couple of programming classes from New Horizons. They have classes from very basic up to high level security and networking.

I’ve given computer-challenged acquaintances help with the basics, but it drives me bananas (“Save the file” “OK” two minutes later “Now open the file you save” “How?”).

If I had a different kind of patience I could make $20 to $50 an hour helping those people.

There are two types of people;

1) Those who have the curiosity and open-mindedness to learn… and have already done so

2) Those who don’t… and have a mental block to learning, whether it be laziness, technophobia, or just plain stupidity.

One needs no teaching, the other cannot be taught.

There is always insecurity. Some people feel that they look stupid if they say “I don’t know how to do that.” And…there are people who use what they DO know to make others look stupid, thinking it makes them look smart.

Absolutely. There are plenty of Continuing Ed or Adult Ed classes offered in my area. It quickly becomes a social thing. there are so many possible lesson. You can help them get email address, open facebook accounts and get them socializing with each other.

…there are people who use what they DO know to make others look stupid, thinking it makes them look smart…

Cue Saturday Night Live – ‘Nick Burns, Your Company’s Computer Guy’

Yes, for sure. Or even for doing free-lance personalized teaching in people’s homes.

Ya know, I’ve toyed with this idea more than once but I have some weird issues with charging people money for things I find simple. Like I realize some people aren’t as well off with computers as I am(a lot of this has to do with me growing up with computers) but it’s like it’s something that is basic for me, how can I go charging insane prices(which most comp related things do IMO) to do something that is really simple for me.

There are Community corses that are offerred by anyone who can teach.
The Learning Centre decides on which is suitible and IF there is aenough resposes to take the classes.
Usually held part time in the evenings.
Instructors set there own fees etc

@uberbatman I know, right?