STORY and PHOTOS
By TAM NGUYEN, NGUOI VIET
Students listen intently at the beginning of class. The class learns how to download and upload content. Ken Do tells the class about the different kinds of web browsers. Do explains to the class how the Internet works.
WESTMINSTER, CA ― Download. Upload. Copy. Paste.
For today’s teenagers? Everyday lingo. For their grandparents? Confusing computer terms.
A weekly class aimed at computer neophytes is helping to take some of the mystery out of computer terminology. The class focuses on a different topic each week, with the goal being to turn the typewriter generation into a computer-literate bunch.
Now, instead of the hum of an electric typewriter, observers in the classroom hear tap-taps on the keyboard and clicks of the mouse. And with this week’s topic ― uploading and downloading from the Internet ― students learned about the world available at the fingerprints.
“No more using typewriters for me. It is time to use a computer,” said Duc Vu, 65, of Westminster. “No more do I have to ask for my kids or grand kids for help with computers.”
Linh Nguyen, 77, Westminster, has a good reason for attending the class. He doesn’t only want to learn computer savvy but to how to use his new acquisition. “I just got my hands on this iPad and want to learn how to use it. My children don’t how to explain it to me in Vietnamese,” he said.
Learning computers and the Internet has opened a whole new world for Huy Huynh, 56, of Westminster. “I can teach myself how to cook by going on the Internet and looking for videos or recipes,” she said. She also has learned how to prepare documents in Vietnamese, she said. “I know how to write my documents in Vietnamese now instead of printing it first and adding the symbols in by hand later.”
To observers, the class has a relaxed and friendly environment. The teacher, Ken Do, presents the material, then follows up with hands-on exercises. Classmates who were more advanced in their learning helped those who didn’t understand as well.
“It is my pleasure to help these folks out with their technology knowledge. It takes me back when I used to not know much about computers, so I understand where these people are coming from,” Do said.
“I still remember the first time I even touched a computer and know how the students feel when they first walk in this room,” Do said.
While some use the class as a refresher course or to learn the latest advancements in technology, Phuc Le, of Westminster, brought in his laptop computer with no knowledge of how to use it. “My friend got this laptop for me and he didn’t teach me anything, so now I’m here to learn,” he said. “I have a desktop computer at home but never touched it because I am not tech-savvy.”
Minh Nguyen, 55, of Garden Grove, said he is glad that he had found this class. Like others, he will not have to rely on his children for help with computers as much as before. Cuong Tran, 60, agreed he likes learning with others his age and relying on help from home.
“This is a good way to learn with our peers and help out whenever we can,” said Tran, who lives in Garden Grove.
The computer class is open to adults of all ages who want to learn the basics of computer use. It meets Tuesdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the auditorium at Nguoi Viet News, 14771 Moran St., in Westminster. The class runs for four weeks and costs $20. To sign up for the next session, call Do at (714) 642-3862.
