Post on 27-Mar-2015
Computer Literacy Training for Seniors
in the Public Library SettingTOO OLDto learn?
Am I
Am I Too Old to Learn?
• Introduction & Our Program
• Our Students
• Instructional Techniques
• Challenges
• What We’ve Learned
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
StudentsOur
Our Students
• Younger adults
– Employment pressure
– Family pressure
– Societal pressure
• Seniors
• Average age mid- to late 70s
• Grew up during Depression, WW II
• Have experienced much technological change in their lifetime
Our Students
Our Students
• Radio
• Small schools
• Slide rules
• Record albums
• Photographs
Our Students
• Television
• Larger schools
• Calculators
• Cassette tapes
• Slides, video tapes
Our Students
Our Students
• Seniors
– Technological change
– Long time out of school
– Physical challenges
– Family pressure
Our Students
AM ITOO OLD
TO LEARN?
NO!
Techniques
Instructional• Psychological
• Technical
Psychological Techniques
• Non-threatening atmosphere• Put class in context• Computer skills can be learned• Language
– Jargon– Humour, personal stories
• Encourage questions