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 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 ed 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), 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/ 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.