Catching up with the computer age

John Caulton has taken a host of courses with us to go from being a digital novice to computer confident!

Read about how he got started, what he's learnt and what his experience has meant to him.

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Six years ago John Caulton didn't know how to turn on a computer and the internet was a total mystery.

Fast forward to 2011 and surfing the internet, creating digital art and taking part in social networking is a piece of cake for the veteran learner.

The 82-year-old is inspirational proof that it's never too late to exercise the grey matter and get to grips with a host of new skills.

First steps to computer confidence

John from Newhall near Swadlincote has been busy working his way through a wide range of our courses.

He started his foray into learning in 2005 taking Open College Network IT classes at our Newhall centre.

John, a retired heavy goods driver, said:

"I started off with a basic computer course as I didn't have a clue about computers. To be honest I was a bit afraid they might blow up if I went near one!

"I didn't know how to switch one on or anything so I decided to give it a go. My son works in IT and was always encouraging me to try it out.

"I was a bit frightened to begin with to be truthful - computers are not what I was used to.

"It took me a while to pick up the information and I have retaken a course or two just to make sure I have got it all right."

A taste for learning

Obviously not put off by his first taste of computing he carried on to do computer beginners, tntroduction to email and introduction to the internet.

He has also recently taken part in digital photography imaging classes and created signs and posters in a computer crafts workshop.

John puts his new found knowledge of digital photography to good use in his favourite pastime of fishing. He's been recording some of his best catches - although he absolutely refuses to digitally enhance the size of the fish he has caught as that would be cheating!

Not satisfied with brushing up on his computing knowledge, John is now working on the written word. He is currently attending an English improvers class at our Swadlincote centre.

What learning has meant to John

Not only is John a keen student, he is a champion for adult community education. He has even recruited his younger brother David, aged 70, to join a Skills for Life class to brush up on his English and maths.

As well as learning new skills, John says the social aspect of the courses is important to him.

"You see the same people taking part in different courses and joining in gives me some companionship.

"If anyone is worried about going back into learning I would say just give it a go.

"Take a basic course first to get back into the swing of it - the tutors are all really patient and very good."

Relaxed and informal learning

Tutor Wendy Jones has been teaching John since last September on courses including Christmas computing crafts and digital imaging. This involves getting to grips with adjusting digital photos on a computer, whether it's getting rid of red eye, cropping images or applying effects to pictures.

She says:

"John is very inquisitive and has an enquiring mind. He is a really dedicated and committed student, keen, eager and really interested.

"We have quite a few older students taking part in our courses and plenty of people make friendships that last long after the course has ended."

Wendy has some reassurance for any one who may be cautious about returning to education after a long absence. She says:

"On the first session I ask people to put their hands up if they are feeling nervous - I then tell them that I've got 12 students all looking back at me and expecting to learn - so they have nothing to worry about.

"The non-vocational sessions are really relaxed and informal. Because there are no exams or formal qualifications there is no pressure."