My philosophy on learning new technology is that most people learn best visually. Seeing a demonstration can dramatically reduce the learning curve. Actions are easier to reproduce when a user can watch a video or screencast that can be paused and replayed over and over.

A few weeks ago I discovered Screenr.com Free, web based screen recording software. I tried it out and found the quality to be excellent. They also hook right into your Twitter account so I could send a tweet out as soon as the recording was done. The recordings are also limited to 5 minutes. Now, most would see that as a problem but I actually see it as a good problem. Just like the 140 character limit on Twitter keeps your posts brief and to the point. The 5 minutes time limit on Screenr does the same. It makes me have to answer the questions in the most efficient manner (of which I am still practicing.)

Here is an example:

I am using Twitter and Screenr to connect with Mac users and help answer their questions in a quick and efficient manner. Ask @mactrainer and question on Twitter and you’ll get an appropriate response, via video or screencast. I’ve started a new Tumblr blog dedicated to just this purpose.

mactrainer.tumblr.com

Not only does the person who asked the question benefit from a free answer but anyone else you wants to learn more about their Mac. Please leave me some feedback and hit me up on Twitter.

Let the floodgate of Mac questions begin!

Here’s how to win:

• You can post a comment on this blog post on why you really could use 1 hour of training?
• If you can fit it in 140 characters or less, send me a Tweet @thecreative with your reason.
• You must live in or around Stillwater or if you are willing to cover travel expenses then I’ll be there.

I will then post a poll where others can help me decide which reasons are the most deserving. Remember you can be fun and creative or you can tell some me sad sad tale of why you need a free session.

Right now I want to give away 4 sessions, but depending on the amount of response I could do a few more.

So why do you want to win? And what could you learn?

First, there is always new things to learn, especially on your Mac or iPhone. Maybe you are new to the Mac and need some help switching your brain over from Windows or you would just like someone to see how you use your Mac and help teach you how all the cool shortcuts and ways to make your daily computing more efficient.

For business owners it could be helping you find the right software solution for running your business on a Mac. Or even you just need some help setting up a network, even if that network has PC’s on it.

For those who just love or even hate their iPhone. Sit down with me for an hour and I promise you will love it or at least like it.

Heck, even if you don’t own a Mac, iPhone, or iPod but just need some general computer guy help, I’m here.