Preface
SeniorNet Learning Center Leadership Manual
2006
Edited by:
Elesa Livingston
Copyright 2006 SeniorNet
All rights reserved. No part of this publicationmay be reproduced without written permission of SeniorNet.
All products and service names that are mentioned in this book are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for purposes of identification only.
Sixth Edition, 2006
Fifth Edition, 2002
Fourth Edition, 2000
Third Edition, 1998
Second Edition, January 1995
Preface
Welcome to SeniorNet, a nationwide community of computer-using older adults! It is an organization of seniors learning and teaching at Learning Centers, using computers in their homes or in community organizations and communicating via the SeniorNet website.
SeniorNet was launched in l986 by Dr. Mary Furlong, Professor of Education at the University of San Francisco, as an academic research project. It became an independent nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1990. As of 2006, SeniorNet is celebrating its 20th year of operation and has over 25,000 members, and over 230 Learning Centers throughout the United States. It is estimated that SeniorNet has introduced well over 100,000 seniors to computers.
SeniorNet headquarters supports locally sponsored and operated Learning Centers, providing consultation, training, software and curriculum. At these Learning Centers seniors are introduced to computers in an environment tailored specifically to their needs, interests, and learning style.
In addition, SeniorNet publishes educational materials and online newsletters. SeniorNet also helps to organize conferences for senior computer users. These publications and events provide information, ideas and inspiration for our members and volunteers across the country.
SeniorNet’s website: offers users an opportunity to communicate and network together, sharing ideas and examples of their work and providing mutual support.
Learning Centers are a vital part of the SeniorNet organization. They provide many SeniorNet members with their first experience with computers. They offer a supportive environment, which fosters learning, friendship and fun. We know your Center will make its unique contributions and will quickly become a vital part of our growing community.
We thank you for joining SeniorNet in our mission!
Best regards,
Elesa Livingston
SeniorNet Program Coordinator
1
Preface
Table of Contents
SeniorNet Learning Center Leadership Manual......
2006
Edited by:......
Elesa Livingston......
Preface......
Introduction......
Section I: Learning Center Basics......
Basic Principles......
Learning Center Activities......
Classes......
The SeniorNet Community......
Other Learning and Social Activities......
Starting A Center......
Learning Center Sponsors......
SeniorNet Support......
Facilities......
Software......
Room Arrangements......
A Business Plan......
Budgets and Finance......
Managing Waiting Lists......
Effective Volunteers: Your Most Important Resource......
The Coordinating Council......
Other Positions......
Finding “Peer" Teachers......
Rewards for Volunteers......
Maintaining a Learning Center......
SeniorNet Provides On-Going Assistance......
Collaborative Activities......
Equipment Maintenance......
Teaching Older Adults......
Lifelong Learning......
Teaching Methods that Work......
Knowing What Your Students Want......
Basic SeniorNet Curriculum......
What's Next: Growing Your Center......
Educational Programs......
Additional Curriculum......
Create A Sense of Kinship......
Growing Membership......
Impacting the Community......
Community Service......
Changing the Image of Aging......
Getting Community Support......
Section II: SeniorNet Online......
SeniorNet’s Online Community......
Features......
Coordinators and Instructors Roles with SeniorNet.org......
The Leadership Exchange......
Leadership Exchange Contents:......
SeniorNet Conferences......
SeniorNet Online Newsletters and Periodicals......
Section III: Inspirations......
Learning Center Innovations......
Community Outreach Success Stories......
with their local communities.
Puget Sound Creates “Granpals” and “The Brown Bag”......
Giving to the Community......
Seniors and High School Students Make Online Connections
Member-Generated Classes Prove Popular......
Hawaiian SeniorNet Members Tell Story, Learn High-Tech Video Software......
Centers Keep Members Happy in Many Ways......
Seniors SNUG in Oklahoma City......
Peoria Holds an Annual Conference......
Section IV: Additional Resources......
Public Relations......
Books on Teaching Older Adults:......
1
Learning Center Basics
Introduction
Learning Center volunteers and the staff of SeniorNet wrote this book. It is designed to help you start and operate your Learning Center successfully.
SeniorNet has been establishing and supporting Learning Centers since 1986. This book describes the policies and practices that have had the greatest success over those years. It has been modified and changed as we have learned from the experience of our Learning Center leaders.
This book is divided into four sections:
Section I: Learning Center Basics
This section will help you organize your resources to get your Learning Center up and running. It will concentrate on three areas: your facility, your people, and your policies and procedures.
Section II: Operations and Online Participation
Through SeniorNet’s website, older adults across the country keep in touch, learn together and share experiences and expertise with others. SeniorNet’s website also contains the Leadership Exchange, an extremely valuable tool which includes information on everything from course curriculum to marketing your center.
This section also provides administration and operations suggestions. Information on publications, regional conferences and research are included here.
Section III: Inspirations
Stories about the experiences of other Learning Centers will provide you with ideas and inspirations for new and innovative programs that your center could implement
Section IV: Additional Resources
Contains suggested materials, which can assist in teaching older adults and managing a volunteer program.
Section I: Learning Center Basics
Basic Principles
SeniorNet Learning Centers come in many shapes and sizes. They are located at senior centers, schools and universities, libraries and clinics. Their computers may be brand-new or middle-aged and their facility may include meeting rooms and a lounge in addition to the computer lab.
All the Centers across the country adhere to SeniorNet's basic principles of learning and teaching, sharing and serving.
“User Friendly” Environment
One of the reasons for SeniorNet’s success is that we continually offer a warm and friendly environment that makes learning about computers fun for both the students and teachers. It smoothes the pathway from computer literacy (knowing the basics) to fluency (using the computer as a tool for specific tasks) to mastery (using the computer to share knowledge and wisdom in one or more areas.) Some students will learn faster than others. Some students will go farther than others. The Learning Center should consider the students’ abilities when setting the pace of the classes.
Computers as Tools
SeniorNet is dedicated to encouraging lifelong learning. We believe the trip is half the fun! A computer is an important tool for members to use, and learning about one is not an end in itself. SeniorNet classes are designed to help members use the computer to accomplish tasks they see as important, whether that means writing a family history, managing personal finances, recording garden pest data, editing digital photos or a range of other tasks.
Hands-On Learning
Since the skills we learn and teach are very practical, we emphasize hands-on training. There may be a little "theory" thrown in, but SeniorNet courses are designed so that most class time is spent on learning how to “drive” the computer — and then giving it a try.
Peer Teaching
SeniorNet Learning Centers use a peer-teaching model. We believe that members learn best when taught by peers in a collaborative environment. That is why our instructional materials are designed to make beginning teachers comfortable and why we encourage Centers to turn their best learners into teachers whenever possible.
Learning Center Activities
Visit a SeniorNet Learning Center on any given day and you may hear the quiet clicking of computer keys or the excited chatter of a group discovering a new skill. You may see lone computer users or a crowd gathered around a screen. You might even run into a lunchtime potluck or a birthday party. Some of the activities that happen routinely are:
Classes
SeniorNet classes can have anywhere from 5 to 25 participants. Centers usually limit class sizes to match the number of computers they have.
SeniorNet's curriculum offers classes that cover computer basics, Word, Quicken, Genealogy, Photo Editing and the Internet. Centers have different preferences regarding course length and scheduling. Some centers prefer to do one class every week for 8 weeks, others meet twice a week for 4 weeks, and others like to break classes up into two separate 4-5 week sessions. You may find that a certain style works best for your students.
Some Learning Centers have developed classes that parallel the headquarters classes or cover different topics. They have shared their curriculum on the Leadership Exchange. (You will read much more about the Leadership Exchange in Section II.) If you want to teach a subject that isn’t covered by the headquarters material, check the Leadership Exchange in the LC Curriculum Download area. Someone may have already prepared a course for it.
Computer Use
Most Centers allow lab time for individual computer use. This allows students who don't have a computer to practice, to complete personal activities, to help others, or to work for the Center.
The SeniorNet Community
SeniorNet Learning Centers are more than classrooms. They become a community of senior learners, and that community is linked to senior computer-users all over the country. This sense of extended community can provide inspiration and fun for your students, as well as contributing to society.
Outreach/Community Service
SeniorNet Learning Centers and members find many ways their new computer skills can help the wider community and contribute to society by providing assistance to others. The idea of using newfound skills to benefit others appeals to many SeniorNet learners, especially those who already devote lots of their time to volunteering.
Many members use their new skills to help their local library, school, church or community organization. Some Centers have sponsored intergenerational projects in their communities. Some have established outreach programs to homebound seniors. (You will read more about some of these projects in the “Inspirations” section.)
Your Center also can participate in the SeniorNet community through use of the SeniorNet online network, participation in regional meetings and contributions of ideas and work to SeniorNet publications.
Other Learning and Social Activities
Learning Centers also have meetings, form computer user groups, hold parties, potlucks, events and workshops. More information and ideas about undertaking this wide range of activities are offered throughout this Leadership Manual.
Starting A Center
To start a Center you must:
- Equip and set-up an efficient and comfortable computer lab.
- Establish a large, well-trained and enthusiastic group of volunteers, including coordinating council members, instructors, coaches and others.
- Recruit eager-to-learn members with various levels of computer knowledge.
- Establish supportive relationships with your sponsors.
To accomplish these things, your Center needs five key elements. These elements are your Learning Center Sponsors, SeniorNet Support, Facility and Equipment, a Business Plan, and most important, Effective Volunteers. The next few sections discuss these elements in more detail.
Learning Center Sponsors
Sponsoring organizations provide support for the Center, including fees to SeniorNet, funds for purchase of equipment and incidental costs, and in-kind services such as lab space and staff assistance. Some sponsors provide both the financial and in-kind help. In many cases, Centers have multiple sponsors, with some providing funding while others, site sponsors, provide use of a facility and in-kind help.
The value of the on-going support from your site sponsor is great. It includes the value of the space, insurance, office facilities and administrative support, which over time adds up to a very significant amount of funding.
SeniorNet Support
SeniorNet offers you support as you begin organizing your Center, and supports you through its growth. When your center is formed and volunteers are gathered a SeniorNet Regional Consultant will come out to your site, explain more about organization and give a detailed training on all of the software, curriculum and teaching methodology used by SeniorNet. All of SeniorNet’s Regional Consultants are either past or present Learning Center Coordinators, who have detailed knowledge of everything involved in managing the program. They are an excellent resource. After your center is operational both your Regional Consultant and SeniorNet headquarters will continue to support you with your needs.
Your Center sponsor has paid for this support, so take advantage of it. As your Center matures, your membership in the SeniorNet community will continue to be a resource. In addition, you will become an “expert” for newer Centers as they join the SeniorNet community.
Printed materials
This book, Learning Center Leadership Manual is a comprehensive overview of your Center’s organization and operation. It will make starting your center easier.
Consultation
The SeniorNet staff and your Regional Consultant as close as the telephone and can help you with everything from choosing equipment to organizing your volunteers. You can also always e-mail for assistance.
On-site Training
Your Regional Consultant spends several days with the volunteers covering everything from set-up for your lab to our SeniorNetintroductory curriculum. A typical training schedule typically includes a one half-day orientation (associated with this book), 2 days of hands-on training with the software and curriculum, and a half-day planning session with the Coordinating Council.
Opening Day Speaker
SeniorNet will also work to provide a speaker at your Opening Day to help you inspire your local seniors to pitch in and make your Center a big success. Oftentimes these speakers are successful coordinators or instructors from nearby regions, or someone from the headquarters office.
SeniorNet Signage
SeniorNet provides a banner, map, mission statement and door sign to help promote your center. We also suggest that you put at least one of these signs outside your center, to attract new students.
Curriculum and Software
SeniorNet’s basic instruction program is posted on the Leadership Exchange. It is written is for Microsoft Works software. Each course includes a student book and student lessons. Centers are notified as new classes become available or existing classes are updated. You can download the curriculum from the Leadership Exchange, print it out and make copies for use in the Learning Center.
SeniorNet also provides your Center with software tailored to the most common interests of members. Some of the software we have made available to Centers includes Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Works Suite, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Quicken, Medical Expense Manager, and Family Tree Maker.
Permission To Use SeniorNet Name
Learning Centers may use the SeniorNet registered trademark for material and publicity. This mark identifies you as part of an international movement.
Facilities
Each Center requires at least a computer room, which can be used for regularly scheduled classes and “open lab” time during the week. Setting up and maintaining your Learning Center facility can be a big job. Creating a workable, pleasant environment will be important to the success of your program.
You may also have space for meetings, socializing and parties. In many cases, SeniorNet Centers share space with other programs or activities. If this applies to you, your group will need to work closely with your “roommates” to ensure you all get a fair share of the facility use.
This section outlines the requirements for hardware, software and physical space you should consider.
Computers
We recommend for SeniorNet Centers to have between 8 to 20 compatible computers. “Compatible” computers run the same software in the same way. That’s important so that class instruction will be consistent.
We also recommend that SeniorNet Centers utilize Windows-based PCs opposed to Apple Macintosh Computers. Our curriculum is written for PCs, and much of the software we have donated to us doesn’t run on a Macintosh platform. We do have a small number of Mac centers, but they have had difficulty using our curriculum and software.
If you are buying new computers, you should plan on purchasing ones with the largest memory, hard drive and monitor that you can afford. You will want them to last for as long as possible before you must replace them. We also recommend buying at least a 17” monitor, and a 19” is even better.
Printers
You will need at least two graphics-capable printer. This means a laser printer or ink jet printer. You will also need to purchase at least one scanner. You may buy more of these items when your budget allows. If you are unsure which printer or scanner to buy SeniorNet staff is happy to help you.
Local Area Network (LAN)
You will need the appropriate cables, switches and, possibly, software to allow each of your computers to be linked to the printer.
Internet Connection
Advances in technology make computer connections to the Internet easier each day. The computers in the lab should provide students with this capability so they can learn and practice. You may be able to hook your LAN to the Internet using special software and hardware designed for that purpose. SeniorNet will help you set up this connection. We should put here that we recommend a broadband (cable or DSL) or wireless connection.
And Don’t Forget
Don’t forget miscellaneous accessories such as white boards or flip charts, computer covers and bookstands. If it fits into your budget, we also highly recommend a digital LCD projector and screen, which can display the instructor’s computer screen. Some other “luxurious” items you would find very useful include a TV and DVD Player, one or more digital cameras, and an additional printer. Sometimes you can get this kind of equipment donated by local charities — or even accept “used” items from members. If you share your space, you might get together with other “tenants” to pool resources to buy something you both need or each buy some items and share them with one another.