What do you teach?

I have seen a lot of discussion on what we should be teaching new residents, whether we should have formal orientation or classes, etc.. In an attempt to learn more myself and help others with the same desire, I am starting this thread. I will express my feelings and approach and welcome yours.

My dad was a pilot (military and airlines) he always talked of what he called the KISS principle. KISS was an acronym for Keep It Simple Stupid. He believed the simplest approach that worked was the best.

I have tried to follow his principle. In teaching I always seek to find the simplest way to provide and teach the information. So, when I meet a new person on Help Island or the Welcome Areas I tell them that they really only need to be familiar with five (5) basic principles. They are:

Walking & Flying (I suggest they try using the Mouseview to see if it helps)
Changing & Finding clothes in the inventory
Opening Boxes and getting the contents out
Basics of MAP & FIND
Basics of rezzing and texturing a prim

After that, it is up to the individual as to what they are interested in, i.e., building, shopping. etc. I will often take them places, based on what they find interesting, ending up in one of two places. If they are just interested in seeing and learning SL I will drop them off or give them a landmark to the Shelter. I believe it offers a wonderful atmosphere and long term help to new residents. If the individual has expressed a strong interest in building or scripting, I will end up at New Citizens, Inc. I am sure there are other places equally as good. However, I am familiar with these two places and know their abilities.

Before leaving them, I tell them to IM me with any questions they might have later. I will follow up with them for the next couple of weeks to see how they are doing.

Jen

I too was a pilot in the USAF and agree 100%. I have over 2000 safe flying hours. Kiss works. Push the stick FWD trees get bigger.... Bad. Pull the stick back trees get bigger.... Good. With flying the kiss method is:

Aviate
Naviage
Communicate

This would acutually be a good baseline for newbies. If you are interested, check out what I am trying to do with http://www.SecondLifeJobs.com - "not because we have to work, but because we want to"

Once we teach them ANC, we can move on to more advanced concepts.

Ange Augustus