A computer trainer is a professional who teaches others about computer hardware and software, as well as how they work together. In general, he is expected to explain how computers work in simple terms. A good computer trainer should be able to teach his students enough about computers so that they can use them comfortably for personal and light business purposes.
This position can be filled by someone who works for a large or small college, school, or university. He could also be hired by a company or organization to train employees in the systems and software that are used in the company’s daily operations. Regardless of the setting, his students usually congregate in a lab where each has a computer to assist them in learning through hands-on experience.
A computer trainer’s hardware education usually focuses on the most basic features of a computer and how to use them. Instruction on how to use the mouse, keyboard, monitor, audio speakers, and disk drives is usually included. The training may also include how to use peripherals like printers and scanners.
Software training is typically more difficult for teachers because it requires students to learn intangible concepts and applications that are used to create documents, spreadsheets, and graphics. He is frequently called upon to provide one-on-one instruction to students who have never used a computer before. His ability to explain complex techniques in simple, easy-to-understand terms is critical to his success.
A computer trainer usually teaches his students how to use the Internet in addition to hardware and software. He goes over the basics of browsers and warns users about the dangers of viruses, worms, and spyware. A computer trainer is typically expected to teach his students how to use firewalls and defensive software programs to protect their systems from costly and inconvenient internal problems.
Traditionally, a computer trainer quizzes his students periodically during class to assess their level and rate of comprehension. He may use traditional hard copy testing methods, but his exams usually include hardware and software exercises. He frequently asks the more advanced students to counsel the less advanced students on how to master concepts and applications with which they are struggling.
A bachelor’s degree in computer technology is usually required to work as a computer trainer. If he is expected to teach advanced courses, he may need to obtain additional certifications from hardware and software manufacturers. Local or regional licenses may be required if the job is at an educational institution.