Abstract

Many seniors want to become computer literate, both to serve others and to benefit themselves, but they often have trouble finding suitable training. A large training program at the Lubbock, Texas, RSVP has been providing beginning and advanced computer education instruction and outside-of-class laboratory assistance for over 300 seniors annually since 1994.

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Issue

Computer literacy gives older adults access to a considerable network of information and people. Many in this population whose initial perception of computer use was "I can never learn that" are excited and proud of the new skills they've learned. Many become proficient enough to offer their services to community organizations, take part-time jobs or volunteer to teach others.

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Action

A training program at the Lubbock, Texas, RSVP provides beginning and advanced computer education instruction and outside-of-class laboratory assistance on the computer for over 300 seniors annually. Some effective practices from this program include:

• Two levels of classes, each lasting eight and one-half weeks, two classes a week for two hours each, with extensive homework that may be done at home or in the computer lab (where trained lab assistants are available). There are 17 classes each of beginning computer literacy (general information and word processing) and advanced classes (spread sheets and databases).
• Experienced volunteer computer instructors who are also seniors. Each instructor has previously taken the class so they can see how the material is presented.
• The textbook used is Microsoft Works Suite 2000 by Pasewark and Pasewark. Microsoft Works is used because the RSVP volunteers who developed this project feel it is easy to teach and learn, yet the skills learned translate easily to other programs.
• The instructors are provided with written outlines on how to cover the information, a notebook containing needed documentation, and a syllabus for each student (created by the RSVP faculty volunteers who developed the project).
• Cost of each course is $25 per student, which defrays the cost of paper, printer supplies, and related costs. Scholarships are available for those in need. The hardware, software, room and utilities are donated by the facility that houses the program.
• Instruction is revised as needed and new instructors are trained as needed.
• Small classes of 10-14 students.
• Classroom space in a senior center.
• A grant to obtain new computers.
• Logistical and promotional support from RSVP during program start-up.

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Context

This program was started by two retired professors from the Computer Science Department at Texas Tech University (TTU) who were volunteering in the RSVP office sponsored by TTU. Marilyn and Leonard Weiner realized that many agencies needed computer assistance, but few area seniors were computer literate. Lubbuck, Texas, RSVP did a survey in its member newsletter to determine interest and got a very strong response. Marilyn wrote programs of instruction that were "senior friendly," and took into consideration that, for many seniors, using a computer was a significant step beyond using a typewriter. She feels that having seniors teach seniors is far less intimidating for them. The TTU Continuing Education Department donated some computers they were going to recycle. RSVP helped the instructors write a grant to get new computers and helped obtain classroom space in a local senior center.

The classes were advertised in the RSVP newsletter and through a regular column (the RSVP Voice) in a local senior paper (The Golden Gazette) that is distributed in grocery stores and other places seniors might frequent. The program has also received attention in the Lubbock Senior Source at www.lubbockseniorsource.com. Most seniors taking the classes are RSVP members but classes are open to all seniors.

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Outcome

Hundreds of seniors have been trained in both beginning and advanced computer skills since the program began in 1994.

• At least 300 seniors are trained each year.
• Since there are usually at least 200 people on the class waiting list, an additional computer center was opened recently at another location.
• Many of the instructors and lab assistants are seniors trained by Marilyn and Leonard Weiner.
• At least 45 RSVP members working at the two Volunteer Stations in the classroom, computer lab sessions, or at home serve 3,000 hours annually to provide computer instruction to seniors.
• Computer training creates new computer-literate RSVP members who can, in turn, assist local nonprofit agencies with volunteer projects that require computer skills.
• Computer literacy provides seniors with new ways to communicate with distant friends and relatives.

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Posted On

November 4, 2001

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For More Information

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Related Practices

• Hosting an intergenerational service-learning class to provide seniors with marketable technology skills
• Sharing computer basics with seniors

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Related sites

AARP: Computers and Technology

SeniorNet

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