Computer lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What computer lessons is

Computer lessons teach basic skills such as using a mouse, email, files, browsing and safety online, at a patient pace for beginners. Older adults book them to stay connected with family, and parents book them for children who are starting to use computers for school.

Signs you need it

  • You can turn the computer on but do not know how to find files or save a document.
  • You are getting emails you cannot reply to, or you cannot attach a photo.
  • You are worried about scams and want to learn how to spot suspicious messages.
  • Your child is starting to use a computer for school and needs help with basic skills.
  • You bought a new computer or tablet and need someone to walk you through it step by step.

What the pro does

  • Start with the basics of the mouse, keyboard and screen, at a pace that suits the student.
  • Teach how to open, save and find files, with a simple folder structure the student can remember.
  • Practice email, including how to send, reply, attach a photo and find a message later.
  • Teach safe browsing, including how to spot suspicious links, pop-ups and messages.
  • Give a short task to practice between lessons, such as sending one email or saving one photo.

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • One-on-one sessions compared with small group classes
  • How many sessions you book and how long each one runs
  • Whether the focus is the basics, email, photos, online safety or a specific device
  • Whether the teacher has experience with beginners of your age or background
  • Whether the lessons are on your own device or on a training computer
  • Whether sessions happen in person or online

What a written quote should spell out

  • The skills the sessions cover and the device used
  • The number of sessions, length and schedule
  • Whether the teacher provides written notes or a practice sheet
  • Whether the lessons happen on your own computer or the teacher's
  • The cancellation and rescheduling policy

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Can you teach on my own device, and how do you handle a device I am not used to?
  • How do you go at a pace that suits a beginner?
  • Do you cover online safety and scams, and how do you show them?
  • Will you leave written notes or a practice sheet after each session?
  • If you are booking for a child, what is the teacher's policy on background checks, supervision and whether a parent should sit in?

Red flags

  • A teacher who asks for passwords or bank details during the lesson.
  • A teacher who asks you to install software or pay for a tool to take the lesson.
  • A teacher who will not describe their experience with beginners.
  • Pressure to buy a long package before the first session.

What you can do yourself

You can practice on your own device by opening files, sending a test email and reading the help pages that come with your system. Book a teacher when you want someone to watch you work, correct your habits and show you how to stay safe online.

Licenses and permits

Computer lessons usually do not require a license. Ask for proof of experience instead, such as an IT or computer training background, a teaching certificate or references from past students.

Computer lessons questions

Do I need my own computer for the lessons?

It helps to bring your own device so you learn on the machine you use. Ask the teacher whether they can teach on your device before you book.

Can a parent book computer lessons for a child?

Yes. Ask about background checks, supervision, how the child's online activity is handled and whether a parent should attend before you book.

How do I find a computer teacher here?

Describe your skill level and the device you use, then pick the teachers you want by name. Only the teachers you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

Pro reviewers

Pros who offer computer lessons remotely can improve this guide, like Wikipedia. We check every edit before it goes live. Every approved edit is credited in the edit history and on the pro's profile.

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