Computer Malfunctions

anything and everything can go wrong with a computer when you're running a training session. in fact it's probably better to presume something will go wrong and contemplate how to recover when it happens.

it is strongly suggested trainers appear at the training room an hour or so before the training begins.  that way, when something goes wrong, there's time to fix it.  then you can sit and drink coffee and laugh about how awful it could have been if you'd arrived later.

Depending on the importance of the training, I sometimes take two computers with me, a PC and a MAC.  no need to bring out the second computer if it's not needed, but hell yeah, I want the training session to run smoothly and to keep my hair.


Benefits:

1. you look professional in front of your students
2. no panic attacks because the computer isn't working.  it was, but now it's fixed

Practice:
think about how you would

• fix the problem
• recover the training session when it starts again
• deal with the bored students

if any (or all) of the following happened during your training session

1. the computer jams up and then dies in the middle of a PowerPoint presentation
2. the computer is lost the night before, someone 'borrowed' it
3. the battery in the computer is not fully charged, it stops working and there's no lead
4. the volume does not work, or there are no speakers
5. the internet connection does not work and it's impossible to use the main youtube video in your training
6. the IDSL wire from the TV can not be attached to your computer because the computer  you've been given is too old
7. you're using a mac and there's no wire to connect your computer to the screen
8. the USB which contains your presentation was forgotten/ lost on the way to the training session
9. the computer is cleared away during the lunchtime by the cleaners and the training hasn't finished
10. the technician who is supposed to connect your computer to the screen is unable to work out how to use the computer
11. the projector/ TV screen isn't working
12. the batteries in the mouse are not working
13. the screen is broken or can not be used with your computer
14. the battery starts smoking
15. the wall plug is not the same type as the plug on your computer  

image taken from  here