Classes allow seniors to connect more through computers

In today’s high-tech world, people are required to adapt to new technology faster than before to enhance task performance in their daily lives. But diving into computers isn’t always easy. In order to provide extra assistance, SeniorNet learning classes were formed to offer courses to adults 50 or older.

SeniorNet is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide adults access to computer technologies.

“The good thing about these classes is that we are seniors teaching seniors,” said Pete Gillespie, instructor. “Some people have attempted to take courses at UNLV, but the material went … over their heads. It was more high-tech than what they were ready for. Some people don’t even know how to turn the computer on. We offer the very basics and more.”

Since 1986, the organization has supported learning centers throughout the U.S. and in other countries, according to its website, seniornet.org.

Mary Myers, coordinator and instructor, said classes teach the basics on computer fundamentals, introduction to computers, word processing, exploring Windows, the Internet and email.

“A lot of the participants are very nervous at first,” Myers said. “This is all entirely new to them, and they’re learning at a later stage in life.”

She said most participants are eager to learn how to take and send photos with their computers or tablets.

Myers encourages people who know nothing about computers to take the fundamentals class scheduled at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mondays at 2535 W. Cheyenne Ave., Suite 100A.

Other available classes include Internet scanning and tablets, Windows operating system, Excel basics, Word processing and advanced Word processing and graphics design.

Gillespie said many students fear spam, viruses or having the computer crash because they don’t know what to do, but he understands their concerns.

“When I first started, I remember I got a pop-up saying that I performed an illegal operation,” Gillespie said. “Then, around the same time, I heard a police siren outside my house. I thought, ‘Holy crap, what did I do illegally?’ It turned out someone else dialed 911. So, I share my stories and tell them that if something happens, they can always shut the computer down and restart it. It puts them at ease.”

The two-hour classes are held once a week at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. throughout a six-week course. Each class is limited to 12 participants, and instructors teach on Windows computers.

Participants can learn and teach others to touch up photos and send and receive them in email, to desktop publish documents, write their autobiographies, manage personal and financial records and communicate with others.

At the end of the session, students participate in a graduation ceremony, receive certificates and share a cake.

The nonprofit grew out of a research project funded by the Markle Foundation in 1986 to determine if computers and telecommunications could enhance the lives of older adults.

The classes were brought to Las Vegas in 1990, according to Myers. Most courses are free, but people must first join seniornet.org, which has a $43 annual fee.

Computer classes are sponsored by the Sheppard Eye Center and Manpower.

The next session is set to start Jan. 12, but people can register now by calling Myers at 702-279-4939.

“I always tell my students that I share their angst, but we are a lot smarter,” Gillespie said. “That thing is just a dumb computer. We can take control of it.”

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.