Fiona Syrett

I have been a DU Tutor since 2004.  I specialise in helping beginners to learn how to use computers and the internet but I can also help people who want training in Microsoft Office, basic digital photography etc.  In addition, I help people with disabilities to use computers and am an Approved Trainer for Dolphin software for visual impairment.

I am an Accredited Digital Champion and a tutor-assessor for the Digital Unite Academy.

Where I cover: NW Surrey - Woking, Weybridge, Walton on Thames, Staines and surrounding areas.

Availability: Flexible

What I teach:

• Windows and Mac computers
• Internet
• Email
• Skype
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc) & Open Office
• Scanning
• Basic Digital Photography using Picassa, Photoshop Elements Etc
• Dragon Naturally Speaking
• Supernova, Jaws & Zoomtext for people who are visually impaired
• Other technologies e.g. iPad, iPhone, iPod, Kindle
• How to make computers more accessible for people with disabilities or limiting conditions

About me:

I live with my husband and two sons in Surrey, although I originally come from North Wales. Apart from a few years bringing up children, I previously worked mainly in office based roles, starting with the Midland Bank when I first left school and various other organisations including the NHS and a large secondary school. Ever since starting work, I have used computers of one sort or another, although the ones we used in the 1970s bore very little resemblance to the ones we use now!

In 2000, I joined a national charity which helps people with disabilities to access computers and that is when my interest in helping other people to use IT really took off! I started to realise then that computers were not just useful for work but could also be a real lifeline for lots of people, as well as opening up the worlds of work and education to people who may otherwise be excluded from them.

Since joining DU in 2004, I have taught many people, from beginners who want to be able to send an email or browse the internet to more advanced users who want to improve their skills.  I am also experienced in making computers more accessible using the options already built in to applications such as Microsoft Windows and Office and by using specialist software such as voice recognition and screen readers for those who are blind or partially sighted.  I believe that anyone can learn to use a computer, it is just a case of finding the right way for each individual.