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The Boomers Adventures in Technology

Boomer's Learning to maneuver through using current technology

An IT specialist was asked by our church, Cathedral of Faith COGIC, to serve as a computer training instructor for a volunteer program at a senior citizen’s residence home in the mid-city as a part of the Women's Mission Auxiliary Group. This would be an outreach sponsored by that group as an extension of their community program. I serve as her assistant and together we are helping other mature adults to become familiar with using computers, tablets, and smart phones.


Session IV - The class is growing, Oh My!

2/24/2017

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he room is very small and our numbers are beginning to grow beyond the room’s capacity.  More and more ladies are passing the doorway peeping in, wondering what we are doing that there is so much laughter coming from this small space. They want to join in but there is no room or more computers. The ladies are excited about learning how to use the computers and learning basic computer skills.
We purchased notebooks so that they can keep the many handouts that we are supplying them with basic computer terminology, icons, and anatomy.  They are getting more and more at ease with maneuvering through different programs that we are introducing.  Their main problems appear to be manual dexterity.  But for some it is getting better. Many were never taught how to hold the mouse, how to click, nor what each side of the mouse was used for.  The questions that they ask are often amusing, only because no one has ever answered simple curiosity questions that they had: “Why do they call the mouse control a mouse?” “Why is the screen called a desktop?” “What kind of trash goes into the trash bin?” “I never clearly understood how to turn the computer on and off.” “What is the purpose of the guide bar?” I never knew you could make it appear and disappear?”
At the same, they are remembering what was done in the previous sessions even though that was one of their major fears. They giggle when they recall names of computer parts and what operations are done with specialty keys. To my own surprise, I am learning several things that I did not have a clear understanding about as well. The instructor that I am assisting is very knowledgeable and patient. That’s the unique thing about teaching, the student learns, but it helps the teacher to learn more as well. Simple questions can start you on the research road yourself.
Of the list of items that were needed, we have been able to get the notebooks enough for every student and future students and we’ve obtained the extra extension cords.  But we have a whole new list of additional supplies and concerns to add to our list:
  • Better web access for all participants
  • Updated operating systems on classroom devices
  • Access codes to internet for those with laptops
  • A larger room to accommodate the increase in students
  • More laptops
  • Instructor needs administrative rights to troubleshoot problems in the network
No one was ready to leave at the end of the session and when the instructor gave them homework; everyone was writing down what they needed to have practiced by the next session. Watching others feel the way I felt at the turn of the century was something I could easily relate to. That gripping fear that you might not be able to remember it all or ever get to be proficient. It’s funny how all that fades as you learn to use the devices more and more each day.
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    Batiste, Nona

    www.linkedin.com/in/nonabatiste/I am a forty-five year veteran teacher who retired from teaching Environmental Science at an inner city Nature Preserve. Currently working on a doctorate in Informal Learning with the use of technology in a museum setting.
     www.linkedin.com/in/nonabatiste/

    Turner, Terrih-Angelah

    Instructor, with more than fifteen years experience in IT, who is currently employed as a manager at DART.  You can find her credentials on https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbturner/

    Program Sponsored by:
    Cathedral of Faith COGIC
    3500 House Anderson Road, Euless, TX 76040
    Pastor: Bishop J. E. Hornsby
    https://www.cathedraloffaithdfw.org

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  • Home
  • Philosophy
    • Educational Philosophy
    • Technology Philosophy
    • Thoughts on Technology Philosophy >
      • LP: Where Did They Come From
      • LP-They Came from Outer Space
      • Tutorial - Using Nearpod
  • Informed Decision-Making
  • Museum Tech
  • Portfolio
  • Integrated Communication
    • Design & Technology
    • Technology Intergration & Communication >
      • Games & Simulations ETEC 526
      • Protopage ETEC 527
      • ETEC 561 IDT
  • Adult Informal Learning
    • Computer Literacy Lesson Plans
    • PP Adult Literacy Class
  • Contact