Computers for Seniors?

Why not? I have been a computer teacher for almost ten years and I could tell you that 95% of my students have been between the 20-35 year old mark. But something happened this last semester at my Web Page Design class. Here's my story.

There was this enthusiastic and eager learner...an 85 year old senior. To my surprise when I enter the class room the first day of class, I identified him immediately and asked him a few questions. Mr. Smith do you have any computer skills? He answered, yes I do!. Do you know how to use Internet, e-mails and sort of? Sure, he answered again. With that said, I was sure that he would be a great student. For my surprise Mr. Smith didn't do well in the course. He was lost most of the time and although he tried to follow me, at the end I knew he was lost.

What I admired the most from Mr. Smith was his eagerness to learn. Also, he was a very happy person so he spiced up our class with his personality. At the end of the semester I called his name and gave him his certificate and I said: "Mr. Smith, I know that you have tried to learn how to design your web page and that may be you haven't learned all that it was required. But let me tell you this: I feel so proud of your effort that you do deserve this certificate because of your perseverance. I hope that in the future I can help people like you learn new computer skills."

Seniors deserve the same opportunity of younger people and learn to use computer technology to enhance their daily lives. Here's my contribution to help seniors who may want to learn, enhance or acquire computer and Internet skills. In my blog I will be sharing small lessons and practical ideas on how to use computers to your advantage. Oh! I will give you some quizzes too and interactive exercises. I want to make sure that you're learning. I'll do it in a friendly way. Please, bring your questions and comments.

Let start this amazing journey with the same enthusiasm and eagerness as Mr. Smith did!

Oh! by the way, My name is Orlando and I'm 41 year old. Not a senior yet, but like Dick Tracy, I'm on my way!!!!!