Seniors Training Seniors in Computer Technology Curriculum

Our training curriculum successfully introduced more than 800 seniors to basic computer skills, the Internet, and e-mail during its first two years of operation. The program consists of lesson plans for four, two-hour classroom sessions. Included is the downloadable training text, links to online practice exercises, and additional supporting materials for students and trainers.

Teaching Computer Basics, Email and the Internet

We firmly believe the continuing success of the Seniors Training Seniors program lies as much in the principles behind the program as in the actual curriculum. Please take a few minutes to review some of our Tips for Trainers before downloading the class plans.

• Small classes (a ratio of one trainer per three students) is optimum for senior learning.
• Senior instructors without a teaching background require more training time with a seasoned instructor (12-16 hours).
• Be flexible with the lesson plan, it’s often best to adapt individual classes for varying levels of students.
• Realize that most attendees are between 70 to 90 years old with very little or no knowledge of keyboarding skills.
• Physical limitations such as eye-hand coordination; stiffness in fingers; limited vision and hearing loss increase the necessity for individualized attention to students.
• Avoid excessive computer terminology. It can be intimidating. Try to relate information to what students are likely to know from past experience.
• Develop a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere among the students and yourself. Let them know they do not need to learn everything in these first four, two-hour classes. Many of our students even repeat the class.
• Try not to lecture. Break your day’s lesson into timed sections (i.e., 10 minute introduction; 15 minutes practice; 10 minutes Q & A).
• Build in practice time when students can search for or work on what they would like to do. Adults like to be more active participants and make their own decisions while learning.

Enjoy their amazement. Have a great sense of humor. Create a comfort level so they will return. And have lots of fun with your students.

Word Documents:

Lesson Plan

Handouts