computer literacy training for seniors in the public library setting too old to learn? am i

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