Computer Literacy Training for Seniors

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TOO OLD

• Computer Literacy Training for Seniors
• in the Public Library Setting

Am I
to learn?
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Am I Too Old to Learn?

• Introduction Our Program
• Our Students
• Instructional Techniques
• Challenges
• What Weve Learned

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Introduction

• 2 dedicated staff members
• Dedicated training space
• An ongoing schedule of classes
• An expanded repertoire of classes targeting
  different interests and levels of ability

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Students
Our
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Our Students

• Younger adults
• Employment pressure
• Family pressure
• Societal pressure

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Our Students

• Seniors
• Average age mid- to late 70s
• Grew up during Depression, WW II
• Have experienced much technological change in
  their lifetime

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Our Students

• Radio
• Small schools
• Slide rules
• Record albums
• Photographs

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Our Students

• Television
• Larger schools
• Calculators
• Cassette tapes
• Slides, video tapes

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Our Students
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Our Students

• Seniors
• Technological change
• Long time out of school
• Physical challenges
• Family pressure

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Our Students
AM I TOO OLD TO LEARN?
NO!
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Techniques

• Psychological
• Technical

Instructional
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Psychological Techniques

• Non-threatening atmosphere
• Put class in context
• Computer skills can be learned
• Language
• Jargon
• Humour, personal stories
• Encourage questions