| Project Name: |
A computer learning group for older adults at Carmel Mountain Library |
| User Group Name: |
Seniors Computer Group |
| Location: |
San Diego, CA |
WHAT we do
Project Description:
Meetings for participants were at the Carmel Mountain Library every Friday in
August from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.
The project differs from traditional computer classes that often include lengthy
lectures and demonstrations. Participants in this venture, after a short
orientation, went to work in pairs using self-paced Read And Do Lab Exercises to
learn and demonstrate basic computer skills. The READER reads the step-by-step
written instructions aloud to the DOER. The DOER works the keyboard and the
mouse, as directed by their READER.
After completing a lesson once, co-learners change roles and repeat the lesson
so that each participant will work through each as a READER and as a DOER. After
completing a lesson twice, the co-learners pick up a new lesson and continue
this buddy-system approach to learning.
The instructor returned to the Carmel Mountain Library every Friday morning in
August to orient new members of the group and to provide group leaders with
additional Read And Do Lab Exercises for continuing members.
After August, support from the instructional staff will be reduced so that
project resources can be used to open similar sites at other libraries,
retirement communities, senior centers, churches, and other places where seniors
congregate.
Classes are free, but participants must join Friends Of The Library and they are
asked to organize themselves as a Computer Literacy Special Interest Group of
the Friends. (Annual dues of the Carmel Mountain FOTL is $3.00 for seniors.)
How we will use award money:
Award winnings would buy equipment, supplies, and services needed for the project.
Supporting Documentation:
See this page for pictures of Readers and Doers in action at the Carmel Mountain Computer Lab for Young People.
HOW we do what we do
Early on in this project, we need to convince community leaders that the Read
And Do Buddy System approach to computer literacy for older adults is effective
and deserving of their support.
The best convincer would be hands-on experience but community groups do not meet
in computer labs.
Another way to orient community decision makers and potential participants in a
regular conference room would be:
- Bring a laptop to the room.
- Connect the laptop to a projector.
- Pick two members of the audience who will demonstrate the Read And Do
system.
- Give each of them a microphone and a Read And Do lesson.
- Ask them to complete the lesson.
Award money would be used first to purchase the projector and the laptop
computer for these demonstrations.
We plan to procure 3 more laptop computers which the instructor will bring to
the computer learning groups for their weekly learning sessions.
Another expenditure for the instructional staff will be the hardware and
software needed to create video demonstrations of selected Read And Do Lessons.
These demonstrations by participants at various learning groups will be recorded
on CDs and DVDs and shared with learning groups at other sites.
Tentative Want List
- projector
- 4 laptops that accompany the instructor to sites
- operating systems and application software
- sound system
- office supplies and copying services
- service contract for maintenance of equipment
