E-learning

"Let me know once you are done with your work. I need to sit on the computer," came the voice from behind. 

Knowing it was dad, i turned around to acknowledge that i had heard his request... but i was zapped.. it was mom. 

I mean, i know its no big deal for women today to use computer... but for my mom, it is. Afraid of such big gadgets, she's just come around to using her mobile phone. But that too is only used for making and receiving calls. No messaging, no web, no music... forget games. :) 

So it came as a big surprise when my mother demanded that she needed the computer. As i turned around and acknowledged her, there was this huge grin on her face... expecting that mosiqi will be shocked to hear that one from me. Which i was, i must admit. She was holding 4 CDs in her hand, which had been gifted to her by somebody. They were songs that can be sung at weddings. She wanted to hear that CD and probably learn the songs that she liked. But doing that would mean using the computer.

The next one hour, i took her through the simple applications as to how to operate a CD. What if the CD doesnt play automatically? What if she wants to listen to track 06 directly? What if she wants to rewind or forward the track? I took her through everything step by step. 

She too, like a 5th grade child, took down notes and listened carefully as i went about teaching her. Then just before i thought, she was on her own and now could listen to music whenever she wished... she came up with a question. I will always remember this question and remember it as the best family anecdote for years to come. 

Mom said, "How do i change the side of CD when one side is over? Should i just open the cart and turn it around?"

I burst into this big smile.....

As my mom is on her baby steps to learn the computer... i cant forget those days, when she taught me to use the TV remote control patiently. I soon figured out the applications by myself. Today, as she celebrates her triumph over opening the windows media player successfully, i hope she too figures out a lot more herself. All the best mom.