Online Learning Plus Quarantine, is it a Match Made in Heaven?

As Covid-19 put a wrench in normal socialization, many of you have had to delve into the new norm of socializing or learning online. This new norm can be daunting for those of you that have preferred to keep the online world at bay especially for the older generation. But, let’s be honest, the online world is not just daunting for some, it can be downright scary.

Words like point and click, browser, reload, right-click, left-click, scroll up, scroll down, download, upload, etc. might be new to your vocabulary. The mouse, once defined as an unwelcome rodent in our home, is now a necessary piece of computer hardware.

Are you overwhelmed with the prospect of getting on the internet for the first time or more often than you are used to? If so, please consider the following:

• Start slowly. Get comfortable with using Google.
  • Google is my first line of defense for almost anything internet related.
  • Google will give you step-by-step instructions on just about anything or point you in the right direction.
  • There is a plethora of information waiting for you on Google!
• Learn how to navigate to different websites you search for a topic in Google.
  • Websites typical begin with www. followed by the website address that points to the site or webpage.
  • Visit secured sites only by checking the lock icon to the left of the website address bar. If the lock is closed the site is a secure site.
• Never provide personal info such as social security numbers unless you have verified that you are dealing with a secured website. If in doubt, leave out!
• Most of all, don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially if you have younger family members. They are growing up with the online world and socializing offline is more awkward for them than socializing online. As well, online learning, to some degree, is not a part of most universities.
• If you are a senior, read this great article on how to connect with other seniors online.

Most online learning platforms offer help. You should be able to click on a help link or a contact link. If this is missing on a website, I’d consider moving onto one that can offer you help.

My new online mah jongg school platform can be very intimidating to those that have never signed up for a class online. And, many of my students are seniors who are getting online for the first time. I offer a hand holding service to walk you through each step. Making sure that you feel at ease is my job.

I also found this interesting article. It talks about online learning and how the surge of online users has impacted the world. It also gives us a look at what online learning might hold for us in the future.

All in all, getting online, will help ease the feeling of isolation during these times of quarantine. It’s never to late to challenge yourself with new things! Turn online learning plus quarantine into a match made in heaven.

Don’t forget to watch for the 2020 Edition of Unlocking the Secrets of American Mah Jongg, coming soon!

Continue to be safe, my friends. Of course, let me know if you need any help with that big online world.

Debbie the Mah Jongg Teacher