Computers: I instruct on both MACs & PCs. Phones & Devices: I also tutor those with iPhones and iPads (other smart phones on limited basis)
Applications: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, Pages, Excel, Quicken, PowerPoint, Publisher, OpenOffice products, Outlook, Mac Mail, Yahoo, Gmail, AOL, the Internet, digital camera, basic photo editing, desktop publishing, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Dragon Dictate, Apps on the iPhone & iPad, iTunes & more!
I Teach BASIC Skills: How to use the mouse, creating a new folder, renaming a file, moving files and folders to different locations, using cut & paste, using copy & paste, deleting, page set up for printing, backing up on a CD, emailing attachments, downloading attachments, setting up a list in an address book, using google.com to do searches…
I Teach INTERMEDIATE Skills: Editing pictures, setting up tables, creating address labels, emailing pictures, creating a newsletter, merging files, creating a PowerPoint sideshow...
I Teach ADVANCE Skills: On a case-by-case basis, depending on the software application.
My Clients Include: (1) Senior citizens with little or no computer experience that are often intimidated by computers. (2) Entrepreneurs and professionals who want to work more efficiently on their specific projects. (3) Job seekers who want to improve their computer skills, write or edit their resumes and cover letters, and learn the ins & outs of applying for jobs online. (4) Writers, independent publishers, and editors who want to sharpen their word-processing, computer, and business skills to advance their projects. (5) Experienced computer users who just want to become more proficient.
How I Work with My Clients: I adapt my teaching style to each of my clients' learning styles. This works best when my clients are honest with me and let me know if they don't understand an explanation, if I go too fast, or if I go too slow. With feedback I can present the information differently and adjust the speed accordingly.
My Experience: Whether you have a PC or a Mac, I can guide you on how to use your computer most effectively whether for business, personal, or volunteer work. With over 25+ years experience working in office management, desktop publishing, and project management I draw on my expertise to show you various ways of working and creating your documents. There is always more than one way to do something, I will help you find the best way to work and create your projects. I always recommend—I never demand.
MY AVAILABILITYvaries weekly, generally I work these hours:
Mondays-Thursdays: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM (possibly later)
Fridays: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Weekends: on a case-by-case basis (plus additional $15/hr add-on weekend fee to base price)
LOCATION: I come to your home or office. I tutor in Marin County, California: from Novato to central and southern Marin. I also travel to Petaluma and the surrounding areas, and on a limited basis I also will go to San Francisco. Since I live in Novato, when scheduling clients outside of Novato, I have to consider the traffic challenges on Highway 101.
SESSION TIMES: For the first session, I always recommend meeting for 1-1/2 hours to allow time to assess needs, answer questions, establish a teaching-learning style of communication (introducing terminology, verbal instruction style, etc.), and give hands-on instruction. After our first session, I give the client the option of meeting 1 hour, 1-1/2 hours, 2 hours, etc. I can meet with a client every week, every other week, on an "on call" basis, or one time. I'm also flexible: I can also work around your vacation plans and appointments.
FEES: My fees range is $60-$100 per hour. The fee is depended on travel time and the complexity of a project that may require some extra off-site research. Please call to discuss: 415-897-2302.
Services I CANNOT Provide: I can do basic technical troubleshooting; but, I'm not set up to handle problems such as removing viruses or pop-ups on your computers, setting up wireless connections, hardware problems, etc. I can help you assess what "might be" the problem and advise you accordingly. I often call the tech support phone number for my clients when they have basic internet connection, hardware or software problems. Because I understand the "technical language" my clients are often grateful that I can handle these situations for them. If I cannot help resolve the technical problems, I'll refer my clients to technical consultants.
About Technical Consultants: Technical consultants charge anywhere from $75-$125+ per hour. These are the "doctors" with more advanced technical skills than I possess. I'm more of a "nurse" with a great computer-side manners—and sometimes I do know more than the "doctors"! When I'm over my head, I'll advise you to "call the doctor."