communitytechnologycenters
MD Anderson YMCA
voicesfromthelabs
"She really picks up on things quickly."
Consuelo
Consuelo (“Not Consuela,” she stipulates) has just begun her digital education at the computer lab in MD Anderson YMCA. It’s her second class, and she’s already operating the mouse.
“[Technology For All Program Specialist] Durell is very thorough,” she says, “He gives me literature to take home, a little test to take.” Since Consuelo is a first-time computer user, learning every step correctly is essential. And since she visits when the lab is open to the public instead of a class, she learns one-on-one with Durell. “She really picks up on things quickly,” Durell adds. “It’s neat to teach something to someone and have them just get it.”
Perhaps her history with typewriting helps. Consuelo made her living with typewriters as a secretary for Houston Independent School District to support her family when her husband died. She retired in 2000—the year of Y2K—without ever using computer technology.
This didn’t stop her curiosity. “I want to learn as much as I can,” she says. She found other computer classes, but they were expensive and taught in Spanish. “Everything is in English already,” she explains. “I wanted to learn the correct terminology now.” After seeing a flyer for free computer training at her YMCA, she seized her chance. “My son wanted me to learn,” she explains. “He’s pleased I’m finally learning. I’m really pleased too.”
If you'd like to support education that helps everyone catch up in the Information Age, you can help.
The MD Anderson YMCA supports youth development, healthy living and social responsibility through various programs across the United States. For more information, call (713) 697-0648 or visit 705 Cavalcade Street.
The Program Specialist Perspective
Durell-MD Anderson YMCA
At MD Anderson YMCA, Durell works with people of all ages as a Technology For All Program Specialist. But his favorite is the children who learn computer skills as part of the YMCA’s summer and After School programs.
“Ages 8 to 11 were best for me,” he grins. “They seemed so interested. Most of them knew the programs, the Internet, but not much beyond that.” Tasks like enlarging a font in Microsoft Word was a new step for the students; “They were excited about that kind of thing.” The teenaged students listened to his instructions as well, but they had less need for instruction. “Getting them to reach out takes a little more,” he says with the knowledge of most high school teachers.
Durell believes terminology is the biggest key to digital literacy. “If you don’t have that, it’s harder to do the little tasks.”
The experience of teaching extends beyond students with a mouse. “It’s kind of humbling,” Durell says of his time in the computer lab. “I’ve been around computers since college. To be around people who don’t understand them like I do, and help them get there, is rewarding.” His first days were eye-opening, he says. As he assisted a first-time user, he realized she didn’t know how to use the keyboard. Durell realized how far first-time users have to go. “I took the things I know—Word, Excel—for granted.”
But each time his students come to class, they can do a little bit more.
If you’d like to support computer skills for all levels and all ages, you can help.
The MD Anderson YMCA supports youth development, healthy living and social responsibility through various programs across the United States. For more information, call (713) 697-0648 or visit 705 Cavalcade Street.