How to think like a Coach
With all the best intentions, many of us can miss the mark when trying to help others, particularly seniors, to improve their digital literacy skills. To encourage them to learn and become confident and independent with their devices, rather than doing it for them, it’s helpful to “Think like a Coach”.
In our training sessions we use a four point “Think like a Coach” framework.
1. Relate new digital concepts and apps to current life examples
To help a learner understand something new, it is helpful to use an analogy to compare it to something they are already familiar with. Using a ‘car’ for example - we can explain that altering the Settings on your smart device is similar to adjusting the mirrors and seat to set it up for your comfort and personal requirements. Or that the Contacts app can be thought of as similar to their hardcopy address book. These analogies make the new tech more relatable and less of a mystery to a new learner.
2. Highlight the benefits of digital technologies and apps with “the why”
Before we start showing “how” the learner can use their new digital technology, we talk about “why” they would want to use it i.e. the benefits they can gain from this technology. Without this explanation tech can seem like an extra chore or something making their life harder, instead of a positive addition to their lifestyle. Using online forms is a great example of this. We share that online forms save you time and visits to the post office, can be completed instantly so there’s no waiting, and save on paper and postage costs. Another example is video calling. Being able to see your friend or relative during a call can help with feeling more connected and assured of their wellbeing.
3. Start with the basics for each new concept or app
When helping someone increase their digital skills, it’s important to recognise that their competency will build more solidly if they are comfortable with the basics of the tech first and progress from there. Bells and whistles are great but if they don’t know how to turn their device on and off, change the volume, manage their apps or navigate around their Browser, then their confidence won’t develop and they’ll continue to be reliant on others. Feeling in control of what you’re doing is a major confidence booster and understanding the basics of any new tech is the first important step.
4. Engage learner’s thinking by “asking” rather than “telling”
One of the most effective teaching techniques is asking questions. This engages the learner’s brain much more actively than simply telling them the information. Once a learner is comfortable with the ‘what’, ‘why’ and ‘basics’, we can switch up their learning by asking simple questions during the ‘how’ sections like “what might you tap on to create a new Contact?”, “what do you think would happen if you tapped on the trash bin?”, “how could you now send this email?”. This moves the learner’s brain into problem solving mode and increases their curiosity for ‘how can I do this?’ and ‘what else can I do?’
Keeping the “Think like a Coach” framework in mind when helping others learn ensures that we are building their confidence alongside their competence. Learners will feel more knowledgeable, in control and curious to see what more they can learn and do with their new digital technology to suit their own needs.
About Dianne:
Dianne Dew is a passionate learning and development professional, who is focused on motivating, coaching and inspiring people of all ages and life stages to reach their potential through the use of technology and personal development. She brings over 20 years experience in learning design, facilitation, coaching, personal and team development across professional services, education, government and IT industries.
