Hosting an intergenerational service-learning class to provide seniors with marketable technology skills
Abstract
As the general population enjoys increased longevity, traditional notions of old age and retirement are no longer applicable, and more and more older workers wish to remain economically active. Other older adults find themselves re-entering the work force to cover rising housing costs and other expenses or to supplement a fixed income. However, some of these older adults lack the technology skills that increase their marketability in the workplace. To address this need, students in a service-learning program at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, train seniors in computer skills. The seniors are then given the help to obtain the jobs that they desire through the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs. Laurel Horta submitted this effective practice in July 2004.
Issue
For a variety of sociological and economical issues, more and more older adults are finding retirement less attractive. However, many of these individuals are not equipped with the basic computer skills needed to re-enter the workforce.
Action
The Slightly Older Students (SOS) Computer Tutorial Program partners senior citizens with Johnson and Wales (J&W) college students who serve as tutors for the seniors. Effective practices for hosting an intergenerational class in technology include:
- The seniors meet once a week over the course of a term with the college student tutors in one of the university's computer labs.
- The sessions are held on Fridays, when fewer J&W students use the computer labs.
- The computer labs are handicap accessible, and there is parking available for the senior citizens.
- Each term the program focuses on a specific computer application, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.
- The topic for the first term is Computer Basics, where the seniors learn how to use the mouse, open and close documents, and other basic skills.
- Three sessions run each year, and generally, the seniors are enrolled in the classes for the entire year.
- There is a facilitator who oversees each of the sessions. The facilitator reviews the day's lesson, passes out the assignments, and is available for general help as the seniors and their college student tutors work through the lessons.
- The computer labs on campus are equipped with in-focus projectors. This equipment projects the image on the computer monitor to a screen so that the facilitator can explain functions to the entire class.
- The lessons are focused on teaching computer skills that will be beneficial in the workplace. Seniors learn how to format and write letters, memos, and other business documents.
- For lessons that teach basic word processing skills, assignments are given that facilitate discussion about current events. For example, the seniors and their tutors might work on typing a memo to the President regarding how the cost of medical care has affected their lives. This learning format has a twofold effect; the senior citizens relay their views and life experiences to the college students as they are learning computer skills and the J&W students learn sensitivity to issues relating to the elderly population while teaching the computer skills.
- This program is free of charge to low-income senior citizens who are enrolled in job placement programs through the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs.
Context
Founded in 1995 through an endowment from philanthropist Alan Shawn Feinstein and the Feinstein Foundation, the Feinstein Community Service Center seeks to build a bridge between the academic knowledge and skills students receive in their classes and the real-life issues and challenges involved in being responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world. Center programs, particularly in the areas of hunger and homelessness, have received local and national recognition, including a National Daily Points of Light Award.
The Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) was established in 1977 in response to the growing needs of Rhode Island's older population. DEA is the state's primary agency devoted to the development, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive system of community-based programs and services for seniors. The Department is also designated as the state's single planning and service area agency on aging under the provisions of the Older Americans Act. The DEA mission is to ensure excellence in service, advocacy, and public policy dedicated to the needs of older Rhode Islanders, families, and caregivers.
As seen in the 2000 Census, there is an expanding population of older citizens in Rhode Island. The 2000 Census counted just over one million Rhode Islanders. More than 190,000 were age 60 and older. This represents 18.3 percent of the population and Rhode Island ranks eighth in the nation in this category. More than 152,000 Rhode Islanders are age 65 and older. This is 14.5 percent of the population and Rhode Island ranks sixth in the nation for this category.
Outcome
Senior citizens with no former experience with computers generally approached the course with fear and trepidation. But by receiving individualized attention and participating in sessions with other senior citizens experiencing the same life challenges, seniors begin to relax and enjoy their newly cultivated skills. As an added benefit, the Slightly Older Students also learn how to use email, which has provided them with an affordable method of communicating with family members who live out of state. By the end of the sessions many of the seniors feel confident in accepting a job that requires some computer skills.
Through this tutoring experience, the college students have the opportunity to refresh their computer skills while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the older generation. Through written reflection, many of the J&W students confessed stereotypes that they had of senior citizens upon entering the program, and described how their perceptions had changed over the course of the term. Many of the senior citizens and their college tutors remain in touch through email and telephone after the course is over.
Evidence
Many of the senior citizens that have participated in the SOS program are working in the community using their computer skills. Through participation in this program, they have been able to successfully re-enter the workforce in positions that were not accessible to them prior to their computer training. Two former Slightly Older Students participants enrolled in the local community college to pursue a degree upon completion of the SOS program.
Posted On
July 26, 2004For More Information
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