Susie’s Success Story
Topics: Computer Basics and Phone Basics
Susie reached out to enTECH@home at the beginning of the pandemic via the phone line. Her request was to learn how to use her smartphone and computer. A volunteer was quickly assigned and was able to contact Susie for the initial assessment. Susie mentioned she had a basic understanding of her phone and computer, enough for her daily usage. However, she wanted to try “texting” and learn about all the other tech lingo she hears about from her friends. Susie enjoyed her initial session and scheduled subsequent weekly meetings to continue her learning. Susie had questions ready every week to ask the volunteer and was assigned “homework” to practice on the things she learned. For example, if the session was about “copy and paste”, Susie was asked to practice the steps in doing so with emails. Susie enjoyed conversing with the volunteer about events and asking for opinions on various topics. At the time of publishing this story, Susie has been with the program for slightly over a year. Her transformation was night and day! She came into the program with minimal knowledge about smartphones and computers, but now her scope of understanding has broadened! She can text, google and navigate around her phone with ease! Her computer has also been configured in a way that best suits her needs and routine.
Here is what Susie had to say about her experience with enTECH:
““What the heck” is “Entech”?
Well have I got a story for you. Let me mention that I have to read the local newspaper , page by page, to my ninety-nine year old mom who has extremely impaired vision. That is when and where I saw an ad for Entech. It seemed to say that I could enter the techie world without fear and trepidation and learn to navigate my way through computer-ese, and learn some skills to become more adept. It sounded good so far. And then I noticed it was free to seniors. Well now, everyone knows seniors rarely pass up a bargain, let alone something offered free of charge. Where do I sign up? From the very first phone call I was hooked. The young gentleman at the other end of the line was so pleasant and cheerful and made me feel very comfortable as he explained the program.(I figured he must have been in sales along the way.) From that point on I was on board and raring to proceed. So let me tell you how my techie world has changed since I have been having my weekly lessons with Mr. Wonderful (He did say I could request another instructor if I wished. But when you have the best-why?) Now I haven’t attained “whiz-kid” status or become a know-it-all but I certainly feel more confident with the skills and knowledge gained and am enjoying new ventures on the computer and cell phone. Yes, he even helped me to buy a new cell phone and I am learning how to use it to my advantage. I no longer throw it across the room when I get exasperated. My instructor is encouraging, upbeat, well-informed and adept at explaining complicated things in a simple understandable way. I’m even helping out some of my friends who still live in their old die-hard ways and comfy caves. I also write in a little memo book the instructions received. So as my story comes to an end I want to say thank you to the University of Waterloo for this excellent program and to my instructor who I’ve now elevated on a pedestal. This program and its benefits have been a bright spot in my technical world. I always look forward with enthusiasm to my weekly Tuesday afternoons.
Respectfully and gratefully submitted,”
Margaret Anne’s Success Story
Topics: Photobook Application and Computer Basics
Margaret: Margaret-Anne contacted enTECH@home during the first lockdown of the pandemic. She was seeking assistance in creating a photobook for her family. Prior to the pandemic, she was going to the Apple store to get help, but that was no longer available. Margaret-Anne’s first session with enTECH@home went smoothly. The volunteer was able to assess her needs and show her the basics of using the photobook application. She was also ecstatic that we were able to use remote tools, such as Teamviewer, when she struggled to perform a certain function on the application. Margaret-Anne scheduled subsequent weekly sessions with the same enTECH@home volunteer to help her with not only photo books, but other minor computer issues or questions! As of publishing this story, Margaret-Anne has successfully completed 2 years of photo books, gained a greater understanding of the photo book application and looks forward to her weekly computer sessions with great enthusiasm!
Here is what Margaret-Anne had to say about her experience with enTECH:
“I have benefited tremendously from the assistance of Trung Tram, a volunteer from the U of W’s enTECH Computer Club. I have also recommended the program to others. Trung is completely reliable and very patient with my questions. With Trung’s assistance I have successfully completed 2 photo books!”