Computer training for seniors has been a key purpose for the Computer Club in Heritage Village, and volunteer instructors such as Bob B., Don G., Art MacK., Harry D., Pat K. and others have done an admirable job for many years, under tough circumstances. It is not easy teaching computing in a classroom when the audience doesn't have a computer to play with, or the same technology at home. Training materials must be assembled ad hoc, from scratch, in a world of ever changing technology with limited funds. Is help available? Yes.
SeniorNet is an international non-profit organization dedicated to assisting adults 50+ with computer skills and Internet technology. It has been operating for 21 years and has chapters in most states of the USA as well as Japan, Malaysia, Sweden. I don't see a chapter in Canada but I see the need. Canadians can join or visit their web site at:
SeniorNet has taught over a million seniors through a network of Learning Centers, staffed by volunteers, using proven methodology and equipment. Founded in 1986, SeniorNet grew out of a research project funded by the Markle Foundation to determine how computers and telecommunications could enhance the lives of older adults. SeniorNet provides an extensive curriculum of over 30 courses, delivered by thousands of volunteer instructors and mentors at SeniorNet Computer Learning Centers via a proven ‘seniors teaching seniors’ methodology.
This doesn't come cheap. There's a startup fee of $6,000 to establish a Learning Center, and an annual support fee of $500 US. Setting up a computer classroom costs about $8,000. But the benefit of an International organization to support volunteer instructors should not be underestimated. The funding level can easily be accomodated through existing government grant programs from Ontario or the Federal government. We only need to ask.
Heritage Village is the best established 50+ adult community in the Niagara Peninsula, at a time when the seniors' population is expanding. Next door we have new bungalows mushrooming into another adult complex. We are ideally positioned to offer a world-class Senior's Computer Learning Center, to our residents, and perhaps to other seniors of Vineland. If we build it, they will come: students and volunteer instructors alike.
This doesn't come cheap. There's a startup fee of $6,000 to establish a Learning Center, and an annual support fee of $500 US. Setting up a computer classroom costs about $8,000. But the benefit of an International organization to support volunteer instructors should not be underestimated. The funding level can easily be accomodated through existing government grant programs from Ontario or the Federal government. We only need to ask.
Heritage Village is the best established 50+ adult community in the Niagara Peninsula, at a time when the seniors' population is expanding. Next door we have new bungalows mushrooming into another adult complex. We are ideally positioned to offer a world-class Senior's Computer Learning Center, to our residents, and perhaps to other seniors of Vineland. If we build it, they will come: students and volunteer instructors alike.
1 comment:
Good for people to know.
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