How to teach people to use technology

[Caesar]

My parents have just bought a surround sound system to go with a relatively new TV and DVR. Everything is now fully integrated - TV, radio, DVD, CD.

Only problem is my mum can't use any of it. Dad works interstate so he's only home every two weeks.

Anyone have any tips for how to help her learn? I've tried writing out some instructions for how to use the more basic functions, with limited success. I don't really blame her - frankly even I find surround sound systems pretty unintuitive.

 

[red+black]

A good start is a want to learn. I found it difficult to teach my mother and grandmother anything. With my grandmother it was a lost cause. Learning how to use a remote was enough trouble.

I don't really have an answer, other than to say that technology is not for everyone and we shouldn't force it on people. If they're content with a CRT TV and VCR, so be it, leave them with it.

 

[Caesar]

The trouble is dad's a technology junkie, so he fills the house up with this stuff and mum can't use it. At the moment they've got a state of the art home theatre and audio system, and she wanders around using an old Walkman to listen to ABC radio because she can barely turn on the TV.

She's okay if you can convince her to stick to learning. Like, she took a course and learned to use a computer for web browsing and email a few years ago (she's 55). Its just this stuff has me stumped.

I've tried universal remotes and stuff but that just seems to make things even more complicated.