Be Confident With Computers

Behold a new approach to computer training for the over-50s; to combine it with a four-day luxury break.

A relaxed, informal approach to teaching basic computer skills to the older generation is the order of the day for Techademic, an over-50s computer training and support specialists.

You probably know someone who feels excluded because of their lack of knowledge of computers, but who finds trying to learn too overwhelming.

Well all that could be about to change, thanks to a bright idea thought up by Techademic; to combine a four-day luxurious break in the Cotswolds with basic computer training. The whole affair is meant to be relaxed and enjoyable, taking the fear and stress out of learning something that is so alien to many people. The tutors are patient and the classes small, with no more than five people per tutorial.

As part of the package, there is the option to include a computer, delivered and expertly installed at home. This brand new computer is just like those used for teaching so there's no confusion.

The courses are not taught parrot fashion; the basics of computers are explained properly, with no computer jargon and with plenty of free time to enjoy the break, practise and have one-to-one tutorials. Further support is available for life via a professionally staffed and monitored private discussion forum free to all students.

So for all who feels they are of the generation in which the PC age had passed them by, this computer training holiday might be just the ticket.

The Course Contents

The course begins with an informal drinks reception on the day of arrival where students and tutors can get to know each other. For the following four days the course then runs from 9am to 3pm with refreshment breaks and an hour for lunch. After 3pm students can go off exploring, or from 4.30pm to 6.30pm there is an option to have one-on-one asssistance from the tutor.

At the end of the course, guests will be able to:

  • Understand the basics of PC hardware
  • Navigate Windows XP
  • Confidently word process with Word 2003
  • Send and receive emails and attachments with Outlook Express
  • Use the Internet to search, listen to radio, watch video, make VOIP calls and update their own personal Blogs
  • Understand the basics of PC troubleshooting

The Course Packages

The course is available through four different packages:

  • Premium package includes 4-day course, hotel accommodation, food and computer delivered to home: £1695 plus set-up £59
  • All inclusive course includes 4-day course, hotel accommodation and food, without the computer: £995
  • 4-day course and computer delivered to home, without hotel accommodation: £1345
  • 4-day course, without hotel accommodation and without computer: £605

NB: A discounted hotel accommodation rate is available for spouses and partners.

The Hotels

The Feathers Hotel, Woodstock

The Feathers has a reputation for excellent food and an attentive service. With beautiful grounds to explore and a first class spa there is plenty for guests to do away from the computer including a visit to Blenheim Palace which is just minutes from the hotel.

The Bay Tree Hotel, Buford

Once the residence of Sir Lawrence Tanfield, Chief Baron of the Exchequer to Elizabeth 1 this lovely hotel is redolent of history and tradition. Oak paneled rooms, huge stone fireplaces and flagstone floors give the hotel a warm feel and the secluded walled gardens offer space to relax, take afternoon tea or enjoy a game of croquet.

Lords of the Manor, Upper Slaughter

A Cotswold idyll. The Lords of the Manor is a 17th Century former rectory of honey-coloured stone. With walled gardens, parkland and lake there are plenty of grounds to explore and people tend to gravitate towards the ancient pear tree in hot weather. In winter guests are encouraged to curl up with a good book and glass of something war

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