Program and Portfolio Focus Project:Teaching Senior Citizens Computer Skills

Amy Cannady

University of West Georgia

MEDT 8463

Issues in Instructional Technology

Spring 2008

Why have I chosen this focus?Many of my students at Whitewater Middle School are being

raised by grandparents.

The following comments have been heard during teacher conferences:

“My grandchild spends so much time on the Internet. I wish I knew how to check what he is looking at.”

“I need to feel more connected to my grandchild.” “I don’t know how to navigate the school web page.” “I didn’t know you had a school web page or a team web page

that lists class work and homework.” “I’d get online more if I knew how.” “I’d like to take a computer class if the participants are senior

citizens.

Purpose of a Senior Citizen Computer Class

To familiarize senior citizens with computer functions and applications

To provide a safe, friendly learning environment

To allow seniors to access community and world-wide resources

To allow seniors to explore interests and hobbies

To allow seniors the opportunity to connect with their grandchildren

To give senior citizens access to school resources.

Description of Work

Students will learn basic computer skills using Microsoft Office

Students will learn how to download digital photography

Students will create cards, stationary, calendars, and letters using Publisher

Students will learn how to navigate the desktop and discover shortcuts and tools within the computer

Students will discover valuable

Internet sites and their uses

Students will learn how to create, organize, and use e-mail to communicate with team teachers

Students will learn how to navigate pertinent school web pages such as mygradebook.com

Clients

Students should vary in ages between 59 and 84.

Students should be grandparents of students enrolled at Whitewater Middle School and/or friends of staff members

Students should be anyone interested in learning computer skills to better their lives or the lives of the students at Whitewater Middle School.

Facilities and Staff Classes can be offered

in the computer lab at Whitewater Middle School or community service center

The lab at Whitewater Middle School is equipped with 28 Dell computers

Windows XP, Microsoft Office and Publisher, and the Internet can be utilized

Classes must be taught by at least two certified teachers including Bonnie Hicks and Amy Cannady

Bonnie and Amy hold a master’s degree in integrating technology

Why should senior citizens learn computer skills?

In 2004, senior citizens comprised 12 % of the nation’s population; that number is expected to increase by 147% by 2050 when senior citizens will account for 24 % of the population of the United States.

As the workplace and society in general becomes more and more dependant upon technology, the demand for senior citizens to be able to stay familiar with technological advances will increase.

Use of the computer and Internet allows senior citizens to feel more connected to society and school.

Using the Internet to interact with others helps reduce loneliness and the rate of suicide among seniors.

Computer use helps to increase self-efficacy and lower computer anxiety thereby increasing overall life satisfaction for senior citizens.

Success stories shared after participating in a senior citizen class

AFTER Students said, “Thanks; you have

alleviated my fears.” Students could independently

boot up and shut down. By the last class, students could

double click and were in control of the mouse.

Students navigated helpful Internet sites such as Mapquest and WebMD.

Students felt safe when asking questions and when needing assistance.

Meaningful, new friendships were formed.

Seniors frequently e-mailed team teachers for student updates

BEFORE Students expressed fear of

technology. Students needed help turning on

and off the computer. Students could not maneuver

mouse. Students had never been on the

Internet Students hesitated when asking

questions Students were strangers to each

other Seniors did not communicate with

team teachers

References

Chen, Y., & Persson, A. (2002). Internet use among the young and older adults: Relation to psychological wellbeing. [Electronic version].Educational Gerontology, 28(9), 731-744.Retrieved March 1, 2008, from EBSCO Research databases.

Saunders, E. (2004). Maximizing computer use among the elderly in rural senior centers. [Electronic version]. Educational Gerontology, 30(7), 573. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ692152). Retrieved February 16, 2008, from ERIC database.

Senior Citizens Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved March 1, 2008, from htt;://seniorjournal.com/NEWS/SeniorStats/6-04-26-FactsAboutSenior.html

Senior Citizens deserve a chance!

While continuing to earn my specialist degree, I will attempt to improve the lives of senior citizens by showing them how technology can connect them to their grandchildren. They are a fun group to teach, and I look forward to continuing my relationship with them.