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Kathleen Gest: Senior Focus

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August 27, 2011

Senior Focus: Computer classes this fall

By Kathleen Gest, Local columnist ----

Computers have become an integral part of our lives. You have to really work hard to avoid coming into contact with them.

According to the Pew Research Center, many older people have decided to embrace this modern technology, leading to rapidly increasing computer access and use by seniors. For a generation, which virtually grew up before the computer revolution, things are changing.

Yet, research also shows that there are many older Americans in danger of being cut off from participating in this modern way of communicating, mostly because they lack computer skills. So, a concerned Senior Center Network is offering computer classes this fall at all locations -- Traverse City, Kingsley and Interlochen.

"I think people of every age are apprehensive to use computers, if they don't understand them," said Carol Brown, Senior Center Network instructor and the owner of TC Training Center. "Most people are visual learners by nature. This means that most of us learn best if we can 'see' something. Adult learners also need to understand the 'why' behind the process as well. We strive to explain things in non-technical terms, to allow people not only to see the function, but to also understand the logic behind the process."

The Senior Center Network offers a range of classes, all at the beginner level, to help people learn very basic skill sets. The Introduction to Computers class is designed for people who have never used a computer, and it starts with how to turn the computer on. Handouts are included -- a great resource and reference for home. For more experienced users, there are classes such as Internet, email and Facebook.

Carol Brown has been training individuals and corporations for more than 17 years, including Munson Medical Center, Hagerty Insurance, Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa and Traverse City Light & Power. Eleven of those years she has been at the Senior Center, specializing in the training of adult learners with small classes and hands on resources.

"After 17 years of computer training, I've seen all levels of users and I personally know how it feels to have to learn this computer stuff from scratch," Brown said. "Like most adults over the age of 40, I did not have computers growing up. Children, teens and young adults have grown up with them, so even the terminology comes natural. To the rest of us, we have to start from the beginning."

If you struggle physically with the computer, you're not alone. Brown said one of the hardest things to master on the computer is the mouse -- there are many built-in computer tools that make using the computer, keyboard and mouse easier.

"I've had a lot of experience working with all types of physical limitations," Brown said. "We never expect anyone to be able to type fast in our classes. If you have keyboard or typewriter experience, that's great. If not, you won't be left behind. In our Intro to Computers class, we explain all the keys on the keyboard and how to use a mouse correctly."

So, if you still feel apprehensive and think you can't learn at your age, think again.

At the Senior Center, participants realize quickly that everyone is in the same boat -- nervous, with lots of questions and feeling pressured to learn computer technology, because everything is done "online" now.

"Seniors say that they can't learn ... you know the 'old dog, new tricks' mindset. I say that is not true at all. I have hundreds of students in the Grand Traverse area alone that will tell them differently," Brown said.

Classes are limited to 9 students. Each class costs $25 for members and $40 for non-members.

To register for all locations, visit the TC Senior Center at 801 E. Front Street.

For more information call 922-4911 or email ehovie@tcseniorcenter.com.

Kathleen Bellaw Gest is a local freelance writer. For more about the Traverse City Senior Center, go to www.tcseniorcenter.com.

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