STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the Networking Seniors project will be to teach older people (over 55 years) to use the computer in order to do the following tasks:
The seniors that have these skills will then use them to assist teachers and young people in school to do research on given topics. Lastly they will be able to set up a support network with at-risk students by using e-mail messages.
SUPPORTING RATIONALE
Seniors are interested in learning how to use computers not only for gathering information, but also for staying in touch with friends and family. They do not want to be left off the "information highway." They prefer to learn in a nurturing, supportive environment with their peers. Seniors have the time and determination to learn the skills needed to become computer literate.
According to a 1998 study by Nielsen Media Research and CommerceNet, people over age 50 are the second-fastest-growing group on the Internet, trailing only 16-24 year olds. Connecting with each other through the Internet and e-mail brings information and friends to a senior’s home that would otherwise be impossible. At a meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, David Lansdale, from Stanford University, said "The end result is, we want to promote relationships." When weather, ill health, and/or limited transportation keeps an older person housebound, the computer opens doors.
For the past two years the Newark Senior Center has been providing classes in beginning computer skills to seniors. People who have never turned on a computer have learned the necessary skills to use the Internet, e-mail, and write simple letters. Over 1,000 people have taken classes and gained confidence in their computer skills. A computer club has also been formed with almost 100 members.
When the senior becomes comfortable with his/her new skill, they will in turn use it to help someone else. For those who are able and feel at ease, there will be the opportunity to go into schools, where they will be able to assist students with research on the Internet and writing reports. They may also do research for a teacher on a chosen topic. There are several elementary schools very close to our Center as well as Newark High School.
For others who may want to use a computer from their home or at the Center, an e-mail mentoring program could be set up. Seniors would be paired up with students who may need someone to talk to, share good news with, or just be a buddy to. E-mail addresses could be set up at the schools which would enable the students to communicate with their unique friend. This ability to communicate with a special friend would be an excellent morale builder and provide emotional support for both the student and the adult. Children would immediately be able to tell their "Netfriend" about a good grade, a disagreement with a friend, or a special wish. These special thoughts are often forgotten by the evening when they see their parents. The students would also be practicing their writing and communication skills.
The seniors who participate in this program would gain confidence in their computing skills and also personal satisfaction from helping others. Today, families are spread out around the world and there are often seniors who have little contact with their grandchildren. By communicating with students, these seniors are able to bridge the generation gap and form positive relations with the younger generation.
PROSPECTIVE PARTNERS
The first partner we would need to identify would be the instructors for our computer classes. We have a relationship with Americorp Kickstart program. They have provided us with some computers and instructors for two to four hours per week. We would need additional instructors who may come from senior volunteers, university students, or other corporations that are familiar with educating people on the use of the computer. We have been offering classes with volunteer instructors as they have been available. We, however, have not standardized our classes or developed syllabus for each class. We will need to be do this so course content is the same when different people are teaching the same content course.
We also will need additional computers. Americorp has given us our current computers. Currently we have nine computers that are early 486 versions updated with Windows 95. These computers do not have CD Roms and are rather slow. We are hooked to the U of D. server, so our Internet service is free. We also use Diamond Net as our e-mail server.
The next partner to identify would be the students and schools. As previously stated we are close to several elementary schools, a high school and Girls Inc. is near by. The Newark Parks and Recreation also uses our buildings for many classes, so there may be a way to partner with them. Family and Children First are starting classes for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. These children would provide another partnering group.
CONCLUSION
This project would help us fulfill our mission ..to enable older adults in the community to maintain dignity, enhance their quality of living and actively promote participation in all aspects of community life. The seniors would benefit from learning a new skill, the interaction with young people in the community, and the expansion of their world through the Internet.
ADDENDUM - January 27, 2000
After talking with Ellen Justice I believe that Delaware Academy of Medicine and Newark Senior Center could partner to accomplish some of the goals both organizations have proposed. The Academy of Medicine would develop a training program that would teach seniors how to use the Internet to gain information. They would focus on gaining healthcare information, but this would be transferable to other types of searches. The training would also enable the seniors to evaluate information as to its veracity and accuracy based on several factors. Through the training they would learn about other aspects of the Internet such as list serve and bulletin boards and how to use them safely.
We believe that by working together our organizations will be able to accomplish both of our major goals more economically and benefit the community as a whole.