With the age of cutting-edge computer gadgets and the power of the internet, our senior ones takes a bad insight or simply say, they’re excusing their age on using the on date technology. Computers and internet are very exciting but these takes complexity for them. They may be eager to learn what these technologies can offer, but takes question of their ability to become a skilful user. A very strategic and proper approach can change their attitudes and they can enjoy the use of these technologies using computer and internet.

To successfully teach our senior teachers in using these technology, use the following five quick tips:

1. Create an Environment for Learning. Make them comfortable by asking if they can be addressed properly by their first name. Others may be more comfortable with last names. Ask them to describe one or two life accomplishments. This will be a key on how they will be capable of learning. Ask them whom may have successfully operate different appliances at home such as microwaves, remote controls, VCRs, cell phones, CD players, DVDs, etc. Make their success as examples of their capacity to master new technology. Emphasize the stability of the equipment and assure them that it is harmless to use it. Tell them that the process of teaching them will be taken slowly, on a step-by step process, and it is a lot of hands-on practice and will be repeated occasionally. Make an assurance that making a mistake is normal in learning computers, take patience and it will help them learn more (from errors). Use team teaching from someone who is proficient when they are asking for “F1” (help).  

1. Present Information Clearly. Speaking slowly, clearly and explicitly that all of them may hear you. Deliver a segment of information so that you can make sure that everybody follows you. Use active sentences and re-state a term that is new to them. Make frequently to ask them a question after teaching and learning the steps tackled ensuring that all of the objective or agenda are met.

1. Help Them Stay Focused. Indicate the objectives clearly, write them on the board and check them as they are accomplished. Do clear verbal transitions between parts of the lesson when finished before going to another topic / skill. Monitor their activity on each computer frequently to see if they can follow you. Talk in a short statement and avoid some technical issues. Encourage all peers on discussion. Keep class from 90 minutes or less, and take longer time for hands-on. Check out some distractions such as handling hand-out in perfect time at fatigue levels that can lose one’s focus.

1. Help Students Retain Information. Use the repetition at reinforcement, it may help them to retain and understand the information that you teach. Summarize topics at frequent intervals after the activity discussed. Reteach the content if they have trouble with the task. Use written and visual information by writing the goals, the current task, new terms, etc. Use hand-outs to with graphics to illustrate terms, features, etc. Give them space on the hand-outs for notes. Provide hands-one practice after teaching them. Have them work in pairs so that they can help each other and recall information. Assign them hands-on assignments as homework so that they can practice what they have learned.

1. Accommodate Physical Changes. Check and adjust the monitors before class starts to eliminate glare. Arrange to have larger monitors. Visit websites that have large type and high color contrast to make it easier to see. Shoe them how to use the “page up” and “page down” buttons when have difficulty in using mouse scroll.

Refererence:

Quick Tips for A Senior Friendly Computer Classroom, https://nihseniorhealth.gov

By: Richard M. Alboro | MT-I | Cabcaben Elementary School