Comments on: Me at work, seniors learning computers

By: Isabelle Fetherston

Isabelle Fetherston — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 13:55:50 +0000

This is a great post. I especially agree with you about the importance of having open question sessions for patrons, rather than only formal computer classes. I commented on several of your suggestions in a post on my blog (Senior Friendly Libraries): http://seniorfriendlylibraries.blogspot.com/2007/07/tips-for-older-adult-computer-classes.html

By: Glenn

Glenn — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:07:11 +0000

Excellent points! When I started as the tech trainer at the Genesee District Library last year, I set up a series of classes with these exact points in mind. They work very well in practice. The only thing I can stress is that it’s terribly important to foster a question-friendly environment. I try to act more like a facilitator than a teacher, too. This helps the other students feel more comfortable offering their advice/assistance to other members of the class. My ideal class size is between 5-7 people. Any more than that and you end up lecturing and not facilitating.

One thing I can add here is the item about encouraging people to get laptops. I certainly to advocate laptops over desktops for most of my students, but I encourage them to come into the library and get comfortable using OUR computers first. By the time they are comfortable, a laptop that fits their needs will be significantly cheaper. I compare it to owning a car before you know how to drive. Practice on someone else’s computer before you go and invest in one yourself. May times I have patrons come to the library and tell me how they bought a computer, but they don’t even know how to unpack it. When I ask how long they’ve had the machine, they tell me “oh…about 6 months now, I guess.” Not good.

As for item 5, I have what are called “Open Computer Labs” where I go to branches for a few hours and simply make myself available to patrons on a first-come-first-serve basis for asking questions. These have proven VERY popular (most patrons have difficulty believing that we offer this service for free). My name on this posting is linked to my class web page…take a look. Thanks for such a great list!

By: Sarah Washburn

Sarah Washburn — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 20:42:58 +0000

jessamyn,
i have much to say. i’m so impressed by your concise categorization of how to organize and implement training. many librarians are overwhelmed by the prospect of showing patrons how to use computers, and your suggestions distilled practical tips into manageable chunks. nicely done!

and then i watched the video. at work. with tears–i’m a sap! as a lifelong supporter of libraries (personally and professionally), and as someone whose 70 year old dad teaches seniors (who are likely his junior) how to use computers, i was so touched by your video. i’m sending the link to my dad, to encourage him to capture his students, and to show them the successes of ellipses and file management.

By: meeyauw

meeyauw — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:05:59 +0000

Wow. May I be as lovely and happy when I am that age in 10-20 years.

By: jessamyn

jessamyn — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:34:07 +0000

Actually both the people who I was helping are fully 30-40 years older than me. You either think I’m older than I am or you’re swayed by their hip attitudes and sharp minds :)

By: meeyauw

meeyauw — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 10:39:52 +0000

I like all your ideas and they will all be useful to me in school.

I have given very few computer/Internet classes (only 1 a semester) but I find that more than two or three students is good. If I help one student and another is patiently waiting, there may be a person in the class that can help. They share information, teaching each other tips and tricks. Two to three students feels like one student; the other one or two waiting for me will be so polite that they may not share problems. I agree that the one-on-one help seems to emphasize stress. It always surprises me.

But. Am I now so old that the people you call “seniors” to me are not? Perhaps I am simply attaching negative connotations to a word I never liked. Watch me: when I reach the age for discounts in restaurants how quickly I will holler “I’m a senior.” But I can’t call these people in the photo “senior” (they can’t be more than 20 years old than you!). OK, nitpicking is over.

Enjoy your work and view points.

By: joshua m. neff

joshua m. neff — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 17:43:24 +0000

Great stuff, Jessamyn! As a big fan of ellipses, I love the end of the video. Way to go, Don!