[Trainer-Talk] Seeking Windows 10 Tutorials for New or Inexperienced Users

[David Goldfield]

Hello. I am working with a couple of friends who are new or at least 
inexperienced in using Windows 10 with a screen reader. One user has not 
used a Windows computer in quite some time and so she would need a 
tutorial to guide her not only with introducing her to a screen reader 
but to the Windows operating system itself. In the early days of Windows 
3.1 and the Windows 95/98 era there were a few such products in 
existence. I am honestly amazed at how few of these tutorials are 
actually available today covering the use of Windows 10 from the 
perspective of a very new visually impaired user. I realize that there 
is no shortage of competent trainers but some users may not be able to 
afford the services of one on one training. However, they might be 
willing to purchase a prepackaged tutorial. I realize that there are 
perhaps many challenges to a one size fits all approach and some might 
very correctly argue that having customized one on one training is 
ultimately better for the user since the trainer can more easily adapt 
to the needs and learning style of the user. This is certainly a valid 
point and one which I would not debate. However, I have fond memories of 
some very good training materials from some very talented trainers. The 
"Speaking Of" series from Krista Earl comes to mind and I had the 
opportunity to meet Krista about four years ago and I wasted no time in 
telling her that this new generation of computer users needs her 
talents. Braille tutorials would also be nice and would be very 
inclusive for those who are deaf-blind. I'd love to produce one myself 
but I not only detest the sound of my own voice but I'm a bit of a 
newcomer myself when it comes to audio production.

I guess that I'll finish up with two questions. First, what tutorials 
are currently available covering Windows 10 from the perspective of a 
total novice? Second, have any of you considered producing one? I can 
almost guarantee that you'd find that many people would gladly purchase 
it. I realize the irony of the catch 22 situation where promoting such a 
product on the Web might not actually reach the very people being 
targeted since many of them aren't savvy when it comes to Web 
navigation. To that objection I offer the following responses for your 
consideration.

First, if your tutorial or tutorials are thorough many people who are 
already online might still purchase them if they feel that they will be 
able to learn even more or to perhaps fill in any missing gaps in their 
knowledge. For that matter I'd likely purchase it myself if I knew it 
would be comprehensive even though I've been using Windows competently 
since the Windows 3.1 days as there are always new things I know I could 
learn or perhaps more efficient methods of performing certain tasks that 
I already perform. I acknowledge that I'm good at what I do but I also 
acknowledge that I don't know everything.

Second, people like me or others in the assistive technology field would 
surely be happy to promote anyone's product if it's good, presented well 
and if it's comprehensive and user friendly.

Third, you could always advertise in periodicals such as the Braille 
Forum or the Braille Monitor which reaches a very wide and diverse 
audience. You could ask an organization like Computers for the Blind to 
mention you as a potential resource by including your information along 
with every computer they sell. In fact, you could create a mini tutorial 
for free and ask if they'd be willing to distribute it with their 
computers and the tutorial could mention a more complete package with 
your company's contact information.

I'd welcome your input on this topic. I think there is a real need for 
good, comprehensive training materials either in Braille, in an audio 
format or, ideally, both. I will likely attempt to do this myself but in 
my case it's likely going to take a bit of time.



-- 
David Goldfield,
Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist
JAWS Certified, 2019

WWW.DavidGoldfield.org