Tips for teaching tech

Fend off frustration by heeding this tech teaching advice from the pros at FirstTech, an Apple retailer and repair shop in Minneapolis.

Be patient and kind: It may be the sixth time Mom's e-mail "disappeared," but making fun of her or acting annoyed won't solve the problem.

Put pen to paper: Old-fashioned note-taking might slow down your explanation, but Grandpa is comfortable with it. Plus, he'll have step-by-step instruction to refer to next time he wants to download an app.

Show, tell and do: Want to ease Dad's fears about messing up the computer? Show and tell, then have him do it himself. Repeat.

Try remote access: Tech vocabulary can feel like a second language, and sometimes things get lost in translation. Remote access software, such as LogMeIn or TeamViewer, connects computers and lets everyone see what's going on.

Enjoy it: Grab a cup of coffee and learn together. Maybe you and Grandma both love to cook. Download an e-book cookbook, peruse Pinterest for recipes and watch a how-to video on YouTube. Sweet memories and computer skills all at once.

Katie Humphrey