The Lowman Home Project, I feel, will be a great project for all those involved, both the trainers and participants. The advantages the internet has provided the people of my generation have only been extended so far to senior citizens. They did not have computers in the classroom, video screens for Power Point presentations, and going to college did not require a laptop computer. Some were immersed into some technology when they entered the business world; however, more jobs were available in the labored work industry outside the office/cubicle. Today, the labored worker, for example, a mechanic, still inputs data into a computer before and after working on a car. The generation before did not have computers in a mechanics shop for client information and the internet for ordering parts.
While they say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" I am going to have to disagree. You most certainly can. Most people simply don't see the point in spending the time to do so, however technology is an exception. Technology can help senior citizens in making their lives easier and more comfortable if learned. Adjustments will need to be made for teaching elderly persons to use technology, as their learning style is different than a younger pupil according to Jamie Wilson's, "Teaching Senior Citizens About Computers". The article goes on to say that the as a student, a senior citizen is, "smarter, more motivated, and genuinely excite about learning." I agree with Wilson, these pupils are not required to attend a program to learn, they are volunteering either by asking a family member/friend or attending a workshop such as the Loman Home Project.
While I fully agree that teaching senior citizens is fully possible and will benefit them in future; Wilson says, "...but it will be a challenge," another comment which I agree with. When I lived in Kansas, my school hosted a similar program called "Senior Citizen Saturday". We taught basic computer concepts like making a word document and using the internet. The program was extremely successful, but challenging in ways I had not anticipated. Physically, vision was an issue. Wilson's article mentions this as a possible problem. However, we taught them how to adjust computer and internet settings to allow for larger font sizes and how to permentantly set these controls. The internet was another problem that we encountered, while those who use the internet know its benefits, you have to know where to start or it can feel daunting. We started by explaining the internet terminology (web browsers, search engines, homepages, etc.) and giving handouts for easy reference. Then we walked through the simple internet usage. We explained Google's capabilities, email, and personalization. Many found the current weather to be a favorite. Stopping often to ask for questions encouraged the participants to ask more than waiting for them to interject. This too we found to be a generational difference, as they learned to listen to authority and speak when spoken to. The participants in our program were very appreciative of the knowledge we gave them, ensuring my feeling that the Lowman Home Project will be just as, if not more, successful.
Wilson, Jamie K. "Teaching Senior Citizens About Computers".
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/281822/teaching_senior_citizens_about_computers.html. June 20, 2007
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Miss Kelly I agree with you. Our senior citizens of today can be taught tomorrows technology. But it will take understanding their situation and patience. And yes creativity and innovation will be the key to grasp and keep those participating interested. You have said a lot, that’s good. If I can I would invite you to read my post as well. Don’t worry I did not say as much as you. I first will address the teaching an old dog new tricks; let’s look at it as teaching an old dog the same trick but using different magic tools. Older people understand the power of short cuts. I once work in construction and the famous saying “it not how fast you work, but how smart you work.” The point is technology use tons of shorts or creates an abundance of conveniences. And who knows best about making hard times easier than our productive Senior Citizens. So our job as future IT professional and teachers is to show the convenient and ease of technology and how it relates to their current lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting to talk to some of the baby boomers and senior citizens about their involvement with computers. At work, I see some people who give up too easily and make placing the "you can't teach old dog new tricks" saying all too easy. My grandmother has completely written computers off, and wants nothing to do with them. Kind of sad, but it is her choice. Granddad is the complete opposite. He's been using Windows computers since the early 90s, and participates in a computer club helping out other members in the area. Recently, he went out and purchased a new iMac because he wanted to learn something new, at the age of 87! He's been working on a genealogy project for the past 15 years. Without computers, the thousands of emails, pictures and other forms of correspondence and records would have been impossible to gather.
ReplyDeleteI agree that once you customize the computer to a senior citizen’s taste and abilities, they will enjoy their experience. As you suggested above, taking advantage of the accessibility features in Windows makes the experience much better for those that require it. With the computer customized to their liking, they can pursue email, video chat with family, genealogy research, etc.