Summary of the pilot training organised in the College of Nyíregyháza by Dr. Istvan Jeney, Andras Tumpek, Tamas Beres

Introduction of the training group The group of elderly was organized by using personal relations of the project management. We organized a group of 12 people above 55 with the 7 women and 5 men. During the selection of the trainee the project aim – namely to active those who are in a disabled situation – was taken into consideration. The elderly people who took part were all in a disadvantageous situation. Though they all had higher education qualification they or live under disadvantageous financial circumstances or have a lack of social relations so they are isolated. This reasons is for that they do not maintain relations with their children or grandchildren or with their elderly fellow.

Training conditions The training scene was offered by the College of Nyíregyháza. The IT room was equipped with PC-s, so the trainee could use one computer per person. What was also essential is to have a projector where the teacher or as we prefer to mention is the trainer can explain the material visibly. Beside, during the trainings we had access to smart table which was more than essential, because it could offer the chance to the members of the group to try themselves.

Objectives of the training The main objective of the training is to familiarize the trainee with the basics of the office programs, such MS Word and Excel. Beside, we also wanted to strengthen their IT knowledge. During the courses we also tried to increase their self-esteem and enrich their already existing social relations.

Curriculum Before the training we made out a curriculum which focuses on the basics of MS Word and Excel and we tried to focus on the everyday usage and the practical parts of it. We made slides using screen captures to show where to click during usage and we also made several tasks to offer the chance for practicing

Conclusion drawn I. During the pilot training and after it we put great emphasis on the feedback of the trainee. They were all free to express their opinion during the training and we did encourage them to do so. After the pilot training we concluded and sum up their opinion and compared it with the trainer experience and opinion.

Conclusion drawn II. What we found are as it follows (1): regarding the curriculum: the trainee did not like and could handle the Excel. Though we changed the curriculum during the training and did not move to the functions it seemed hard for them to understand its usage. What may be advisable is to leave out from the final program or put less emphasis on it

Conclusion drawn III. What we found are as it follows (2): regarding the methodology and teaching tools: what we found important and essential is to have smart board. It was very useful because the trainer could show where to click and how to use the menus and the members of the group could also try themselves. Beside, it is also advisable to have one PC per member of the group, but we also experienced that the elderly people felt much more comfortable if they could share a PC because they could discuss things and exchange ideas. What is also important to put more emphasis on practicing because that could help them deepen the knowledge acquired.

Summary of the pilot training organised in the College of Nyíregyháza Thanks for your attention!