Computers for non-geeks
CNCers
may remember some discussions earlier this year about whether there
might be a better way within the "CNC environment" for non-geeks
to find out about computers.
CNC provides a
unique learning environment. Gloria Robbins initiated and fashioned the
CNC format into its lasting shape in the early 1990s and it has
prospered and grown in size and popularity ever since.
A number of we
CNCers, including John Saxon and I, have talked over how to make the
CNC phenomenon once again better pitched to people not experienced with
computers. I will leave it to John to talk about the excellent
initiative he is taking with the newly re-equipped Holder PCUG centre.
At the last CNC
meeting, I circulated a first draft idea as to how a "CNC for
non-geeks" might get off the ground - as a totally separate meeting
from the current weekly geeklies at Jamison and Weston. If such a
regular meeting were also established specifically for non-geeks, I
would like it to be available to any PCUG member who would feel more
comfortable attending a less high-powered CNC.
But I think our weekly geeklies get a special energy from their excellent attendance at both venues, north and south.
I would like to see the energy of a strong attendance from day one for this proposal for a CNC4nongeeks.
I think it would
really help a "CNC for non-geeks" get off to a flying start if the
invitation to participate were spread more widely than just pcug
membership - which numbers around 1000 souls.
My draft idea is
that a 'CNC for non-geeks' might be opened up to Canberra U3A, which
has 3000 members. Their computer training courses are heavily booked -
apparently there is a lot of demand among U3A members for opportunities
to learn about computers. They publish a print newsletter every 2
months, posted to members. An invitation through U3A news could well
get a strong response for a "CNC for nongeeks" - and it would be off to
a flying start.
I reckon that if
both PCUG and U3A people attend this CNC together, a lot more people
will learn about PCUG - and a number might well join. They will also
learn about TIP and may wish to join that too for the unique advantages
that TIP offers.
I would be
interested to hear from CNCers their reactions to my proposal. The
people I have spoken to in U3A about this proposal like it a lot.
What do you think?
Would
you be prepared to come to one of the early sessions of a "CNC for
nongeeks" in order to share your knowledge and experience - and talk
about how you got up to speed and learned to find out by yourself what
you need to know about computers?
I
think that this proposed CNC for nongeeks initiative would really need
some geeky support, at least for its early meetings, until such a group
gets up its own head of steam - and forges ahead on its own, without
relying on any one person's input - as has been the long standing
pattern for CNC, the PCUG's most successful SIG.
Philip Bell - 3 Aug 2006
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