Older Students
What are some ways to help older to transition into ckassroom with computers
It is very true that older students have a fear of breaking the computer because they are not familiar whith it. I can still hear my mother saying to me when we would go shopping, "Don't touch anything. If you break it, we will have to pay for it."
As a baby boomer myself, I have had to learn computer to survive in my teaching career. I understand the frustration an older person has in trying to use a computer. One of my first computer instructor would just fix any problem I was having without explaining what he was doing. I move slowly with the older students and have them take lots of notes. Then I tell them to go everyday and spend 15 or 20 minutes reviewing what we did in class. Repetition helpstham feel more comfortable.
they are a challenge to say the least.
Hi Andrew,
You must have patience with the baby boomers when it comes to computers. They are terrified of the computers. I let them know that I need them to try, and if they break something, which they won't I will be responsible. I emphasize trying.
Patricia
Two terms come to mind when dealing with older students and technology. "Technophobia", the general fear of breaking something by touching it, and "learing curve", which is usually the frustration involved in learning new steps and, especially with computers, the proper sequence needed to perform a task correctly. Patience and a sense of humor go a long way in demystifying the world of technology.
Hi Glenn,
Older studets feel very much at ease when you use the term baby steps. They tend to not be as overwhelmed when they know that you are going to help them get through the course.
Patricia
I find that reasuring them that when I started using the computer I had some of the same fears and hurdles to overcome.Let them know that I am going to take them thru the process with "baby steps"
I agree that each can learn from each other. This also helps the boomers realize that they can be able to use computers, which may have been something they feared, esp coming back into a classroom after many years.
Hi Donella,
I pair my baby boomers up with a Generation Y student, and I also make sure to sit the pairs close to me so that I can keep a close watch on them as I lecture.
Patricia
