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IDD LEARNER & CONTEXT ANALYSIS WORKSHEET

BRIEF INTRODUCTORY INFO

Your Name Ana Alfaro-Garcia

Your IDD Topic Computer Training for Adults

Organization (Where the learning Salinas Public Library Community

solution will be implemented)

Learners (Target Audience—it’s Adults who don’t have computer literacy

possible that you’ll have both a
primary audience and a secondary
audience)

INTRODUCTION
I chose to focus on creating a computer literacy module because I believe learning how to use a
computer is very valuable. Being in an age where classes, doctor’s appointments, meetings and
other materials are presented in an online format, adults must stay up to date with their
computer skills. Although many adults have a grasp on technology from the use of their cell
phone, being able to operate a computer is where most struggle. My hope is to help adults
learn the basic computer skills: from turning on a computer to working with Google and
Microsoft Suite.

LEARNER ANALYSIS

DATA COLLECTION

FIRST SOURCE
I started to collect data on the client’s website. Upon my research I was able to see two
different websites, one that I had not encountered before. I first went through the website
where my research began. This webpage is titled “Computing for Beginners” and explains its
purpose to provide fundamental computer classes with the support of staff and volunteers.
These classes take place on Fridays and Saturdays at Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas.
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However, I came across another webpage titled “Beginner Computer Classes”. The class is
taught at El Gabilan Library. The class is also focused on teaching basic computer topics such as
improving keyboard skills, learning to surf the internet, create files, and working with Googe
Suite. Additionally, this class is taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The only difference noted
between both classes, besides the date taken place, is that the second course seems to focus
more on working with a Chromebook.

SECOND SOURCE
For my second source, I decided to conduct an interview with the staff members and volunteers
of the first class, “Computing for Beginners”. I decided upon this choice because the staff and
volunteers at this location had been my primary audience before discovering the other class
that started taking place. Although I did not get to it, I have planned to conduct the same
interview with the staff and volunteers at the second location to see how the answers differ.

As for the answers to the questions asked, I talked to Irma and have attached them to Appendix
A.

LEARNER PROFILE

WHAT WORK OR STUDY THEY ARE DOING NOW

Most of the learners are working in agriculture or are stay-at-home parents.

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THIS TOPIC

As this is a beginner's class, no prior knowledge is expected from the students, and many do not
bring any.

TOOL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

Learns do not have any technical skills regarding computers. However, they do know how to
work smartphones which provides them with a bit of tools.

EXPECTED EASE OR DIFFICULTIES IN LEARNING

There is an expected difficulty in learning because no prior knowledge is expected from the
learners, meaning the content must be simple.

MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING ABOUT THIS TOPIC

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The learners are motivated as most report they want to be able to help their children with their
homework and be able to depend on themselves for any technical issues.

OTHER GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT MAY IMPACT THEIR INSTRUCTIONAL

EXPERIENCE
No other general characteristics will impact their instructional experience other than

those already mentioned.

PREREQUISITES OR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.

PREREQUISITES (COURSES)
Prerequisites will not be relevant to my training solution.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS (EVERYTHING ELSE)

Entry Requirements will not be relevant to my training solution.

CONTEXT ANALYSIS

DATA COLLECTION

FIRST SOURCE
I collected information about both websites by Googling to access the websites. From there, I
looked around the website to understand more about the topics covered, dates the classes take
place, the location of the classes. Lastly, I collected the contact information of the staff
members and volunteers.

SECOND SOURCE
For the second source, I started by contacting various staff and volunteer members. I only
received a reply from Irma; she is a staff member. As our schedules conflicted, we decided to
conduct the interview over Zoom. Although it was not a long meeting because of timing issues,
I had the opportunity to hear her thoughts.

NUMBERS & LOCATIONS

NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

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The number of people in our target audience ranges from 5 to 10.

LOCATION(S) OF PEOPLE IN YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE

The location of the people in our audience are from Salinas, specifically the Cesar Chavez
Library.

WORK SETTING LOGISTICS, RESOURCES, CONSTRAINTS

OVERVIEW
To successfully conduct a training, I would first need to find a time where I can come into the
Cesar Chavez Library to demonstrate how the learning module can be implemented.
Additionally, I would like for there to be a high turn-up rate for learners to be excited about
new learning opportunities. As for materials, I would need to make sure a large screen is
available for a presentation to be seen by all attendees. I would also need to decide of the
learning material will be provided in English or Spanish as the classes are bilingual.

CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

• Size of classroom or area

• A screen for presenting

• A clicker

• A microphone (applicable only if the space is too big and voice is not caried well)

• Language

ONLINE INSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

• Setting a Zoom meeting

• Make sure learners know how to access Zoom

• Make sure learners have access to a computer and internet at home

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• Language

HYBRID INSTRUCTION CONSIDERATIONS

• Setting a Zoom meeting for those online

• Being able to have two volunteers present, one online and one in-person, for any

problems

• Technical issues

• A microphone so both online and in person learners can hear

• Language

SUMMARY

Many adults struggle with computer usage despite being adept with smartphones, and my goal
is to empower them with basic computer competencies, including Google and Microsoft Suite
applications. During my research, I discovered two websites offering computer courses.
"Computing for Beginners" at Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas provides classes on Fridays and
Saturdays, while "Beginner Computer Classes" at El Gabilan Library focuses on keyboard skills,
internet navigation, file creation, and Google Suite, offering classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays,
with an emphasis on Chromebook usage.

I interviewed staff and volunteers at "Computing for Beginners". Most learners in these
programs work in agriculture or are stay-at-home parents who are motivated to learn not only
for themselves but to help their children with school. Importantly, these beginner-level classes
cater to individuals with no prior computer knowledge, although they have some familiarity
with smartphone usage, providing a starting point for their computer learning journey.
Considering the background of the learners, I have made a list of considerations for the training
to work and will use the information gathered to continue on.
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Appendix A: Interview Questions and Answers

1. Benefits

A. Why did you initially join as a volunteer?

Answer: I initially joined because I saw myself reflected in those who came in for the classes. I
started off as a student but wanted to help others learn as well. It's like giving back to the
community.

B. Why do you continue to volunteer?

Answer: I continue to volunteer because it makes me happy to see others succeed.

C. Where would you like the program to be three years down the line, in terms of

structure and accomplishments?

Answer: I would like to see the program more developed. Now, the program is doing okay but it
is lacking a bit of funding and support. My hope would be for the program to serve more
community members and have more structure in terms of topics covered in classes.
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2. Challenges

A. What would you say has been the most significant challenge in working with

adult students?

Answers: The most significant challenge has been keeping motivation high and working with
the schedule and life of the students.

B. Has group motivation during classes been a problem?

Answers: Not necessarily group motivation, more like individual motivation. Students get
stumped with the content and stop showing up to class.

C. Is there adequate training for volunteers?

Answers: Yes and no. Most of the volunteers were once students so they are trained on the
topics but there is no formal training on the topics. We have training in how to teach and talk to
the students.

3. Membership / Participation

A. What is your typical age range?

Answers: The typical age range is 45-65.

B. How many students attend classes regularly? What is your turn-around rate?

Answers: We have around 5 students who come consistently.

C. Are students led through a learning module step-by-step or left to work at their

own pace?

Answers: We start the class by introducing the topic and walking through the material. From
there the students have an opportunity to work on their own.