About
My name is Dave I am a freelance “Tutor, Resource Developer and IT Specialist”.
A little bit about me, I have over 40 years’ experience in the use of computer systems. Working for local government in London until 1989, in 1990 I started my own business and was engaged by several well-known UK and international companies, public institutions, or government departments.
Among many different roles, my positions included training, group sessions or 1 2 1 deskside assistance, working with staff at all levels from the bottom to the very top. I moved to France in 2002 where aside from converting an old farmhouse into a home, I helped other ex-pat British residents to use their home technology: this included computers, phones, TVs, satellite, and how to integrate them.
Back in the UK, I qualified as an “Adult Education Tutor” in 2012 and started working freelance/self employed. Initially I delivered (government funded) lessons to people seeking work, this was for a business which acted as a sub-contractor to several different further education colleges throughout the UK. Then for a business providing “Digital Inclusion” lessons to social housing clients.
I also have personal clients and businesses for example a local council housing team wishing to improve their estate and caretaking staff’s IT knowledge. Many people I teach consider themselves to come from backgrounds or have personal circumstances which exclude them from mainstream education or services helping personal improvement.
Regarding the technology itself, I work with many different types of computers and operating systems (e.g. Mac using iOS, PCs with Windows), mobile phones, tablets, and a variety of other computer/IT equipment. I am experienced with a wide variety of software/programs, the standard Microsoft Office of course but many free alternatives. These alternatives not only save money themselves but can bring a new lease of life to what is often considered out of date equipment, saving even more.
My teaching is tailored to your individual need, I can provide learning materials (much of it free) or work with books and guides you already have.
I not only cover the operation of a software program but think that some understanding of underlying principals is important e.g. what is a “point size” when selecting a font? what is the answer to the question 2+3x5=?? and why is it important? what is the difference between a flat and a relational database or why are my pictures blocky when I increase their size and can I fix that? If during a lesson questions like this come up, I will do my best to explain.
There are some situations where I may be able to access a limited quantity of loan equipment, just PCs not broadband or mobile internet connections. A temporary internet connection may be provided during a face to face lesson depending on availability.
My rates vary depending on individual circumstances, I will always consider providing a discount for individuals who are on a restricted income or a business trading as a “charity” or “not for profit”. Proof will be asked for and information dealt with in confidence.
Lessons can be provided face-to-face or remotely, I use a variety of software, some just video chat, other systems use screen sharing or full remote control of your computer NOTE: I always explain the different remote software options and without your written permission, will never install software which gives me unrestricted access to your computer, my preferred option is a program which either prompts you to accept a connection or requires you to read me a password which is different every time you start the remote control running.
In the COVID-19 pandemic I do still offer 1-2-1 lessons, even with masks etc. proximity while teaching can be an issue for some, using the remote control software mentioned above, if you have the space I could sit at a distance from you, connect our computers, seeing and directing your work. This may not be as good as sitting beside each other, but may relieve some of the worry of having a somebody close, while still providing that personal contact.
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