A LISBURN great-grandfather who had once such a phobia of
computers that he left a job because he had to use one -now has
a qualification to teach in the subject.Ronnie Stewart from
Edgewater, graduated from the Southern Regional College recently
with a JEB Teaching Diploma and Certificate which
allows him to teach ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence).
Now Ronnie (64), who has worked at Montupet for 17 years and
is set to retire in May wants to teach the skill to other over
50's.
Mr Stewart said: "I wanted to show older people that if I can
do it they can do it too.
"I worked for Ford for 17 years andone of the reasons why I
left the job was because I Was asked to use a computer."
Ronnie left Ford to begin a job at Montupet as a quality
inspector, however, a back accident meant that he could no
longer work as an inspector and took an office job -which meant
working with computers.
This time he was determined to prove to himself that the
could get over his fear of computers.
"I was just determined to heat this computer thing," he said.
He took basic computer classes and was able to practice on
computers which then led to a one year teaching diploma.
He now wants to take other courses and help to set up
websites.
Last May, he volunteered to help out in a Silver Surfers
programme at the Lisburn Library where he helped other older
people frightened of computers to work with them.
He said: "The problem I had, which I think a lot of people
have, is that you think that if you hit the wrong button
everything is going to disappear and you will never get it back.
"I have found that it can normally be retrieved," he
continued.
"I would like to teach people over 50 and I would like those
who are frightened to develop a love for computers.
"I have taught my six-year-old grandson and he can go onto
the net. Using a computer is so handy," he concluded.
mary.magee@jpress.co.uk
Ulster Star
28/03/2008
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