The Intergenerational Computing Course: Service-Learning, Gerontechnology Research, and Computer Literacy

Frances Goertzel Gustavson Information Systems Department Jean F. Coppola Technology Systems Department Seidenberg School of Computing Pace University Pleasantville, NY 10606, USA

Ms Lizzie sold used cars.

Undergraduate courses need justification –Service learning Service learning –Discipline –Population being served –Learning to serve the population

The intergenerational Computing course as a service learning course satisfied FG’s quest for furthering computing education for general audiences introduced FG to the important work JC and others had begun (and involved her)

The intergenerational computing course as groundwork for geriatriac technologoy (gerontechnology) research The Consortium and the IBM Assistive technology grant First experiences with the technology

When viewed as part of a research project, the course and the gerontechnology research are part of a scholarly research agenda. Preliminary peer reviewed pilot work has been presented at IEEE Society and Computers This work is noted here because service learning can lead to scholarship in ways that aren’t obvious.

The intergenerational computing course. A second course in computing Its students teach a first course in computing

The University Course THE MOUSE Who says the login screen is obvious? “generic” computing Role Playing Writing instructions

What should a first course contain? Can a car get a virus? Can our students relate to seniors? Can seniors accept our students? Intergenerational here is used for seniors, –What are seniors? –More specifically, at United Hebrew Geriatric Center A poor first course could ruin the computing experience for seniors

UHGC Three groups –Independent living –Assisted living –Traditional nursing home

goals Improve quality of life (yes, broad) Internet “brain games” Searching Chats But first: paint, word pad, …. And finally, graduation!