I'm an IT teacher and the majority of my students are mature learners. The average age of my students is around 70, but over the years I have had several students in their late 80s or their 90s. Believe me, it is never too late to start learning.

Why would you want to learn? There are many reasons why older people want to learn to use a computer. Keeping up with the grandchildren is one reason. Many older people feel seriously left behind when their 5 years old grandchild talks knowledgeably about the internet and can't understand why you don't know what s/he is talking about. I love the expression on the faces of my older students the first time they have managed to show a grandchild how to do something on a computer, rather than the other way around. It gives them a huge sense of pride and achievement. It makes them feel they can be part of the modern world and enjoy its technological advances.

For some people using the internet for shopping is their goal. If you find it hard to get out and about, the internet is a wonderful resource for shopping. You can purchase goods and have them delivered to your home. You can do your supermarket shopping this way and a number of well know names will deliver your groceries if you order them over the internet. You can also use the internet to purchase presents for friends and family. You can usually ask for the goods to be delivered directly to the recipient which saves you the need to have to go out and post them.

Many people these days have family in distant parts of their own country or overseas. If you have a broadband internet connection you can use your computer to keep in touch with people all over the world for free by using internet telephony. If you purchase a webcam you can be seen by your friends and family. This is a perfect way to keep in touch with distant grandchildren. If your grandchildren don't yet have a webcam then buy them one. They only cost a few pounds or dollars and the grandchildren will think you are the coolest grandparent ever. You will then be able to see your grandchildren growing up, even if you are not able to be there in person.

Many people say to me that they don't want to learn to use a computer or they are too old to learn. What do they really mean? They mean they are scared to try. Fear is the biggest factor that stops many older people from learning to use a computer. But what are they afraid of? Fear of failure is a factor for many. Many feel they "failed" at school and don't wish to repeat a demoralising experience. Some fear failure for the opposite reason. They were always achievers at school and feel that they will now learn more slowly and make fools of themselves.

I believe passionately that "failure" is a word that has no place in adult education. With my courses students learn at their own pace. It doesn't matter how much you learn, or how fast you learn, the important thing is to enjoy yourself. Have fun. Remember that it is normal to learn more slowly as you get older. Don't get frustrated by that. Give yourself time and take time to reflect on what you have learnt. After three lessons you might not be producing perfectly laid out letters. Don't worry. The chances are that you will be getting better at using the mouse and becoming more confident at knowing where the letters are on the keyboard. Look back - you couldn't do that three weeks ago, could you? So you are learning.

Don't be afraid of your computer - I have never known anyone to be mauled by a computer yet. They are all tame and non aggressive - although I agree that some can be stubborn at times.

The best way to learn is to find a local computer course. This will get you out of the house and you will be with a group of like minded people. A good teacher should make the classes fun and friendly and encourage the students to get to know each other.

For some people attending a class is not possible. There might not be a class local to you, you might not have transport, or you might not be able to leave the house. If this is you, then you need to find a course that will teach you in an easy to follow, step by step way so that you can learn at your own pace in your own home.

I am an IT teacher specialising in teaching beginners and mature learners. I aim to make computer learning fun and friendly. I offer a range of beginners' computer courses. They all contain step by step instructions to allow you to learn at your own pace. http://www.it-teacher.co.uk/Learn_to_use_a_computer.html