The Lowman Home Project was started just last year by a student team taking TSTM 564. The concept of the project is to provide computer and Internet training to senior citizens at the Lowman Home. TSTM 444 students helped initially as part of their training observations. This semester, teams of TSTM 444 students will plan and present one of the workshops.
This brings up something I've been thinking about, and touched on a bit previously: how to teach those who don't get the Internet intuitively.
I can pick up a computer, and usually, I can make it do what I want to. I learned Web 2.0 techniques basically effortlessly- blogging, twittering, Facebooking, and more. I incorporated them into my last job without need for training.
I wouldn't say I find it hard to teach those who don't 'get it' as easily as I do. I can show them how to do things. But sometimes I get frustrated when they don't get it, because it seems so obvious to me.
I'm not sure what would be helpful: remembering that my generation grew up with this, and others didn't. I would like to understand why it is so hard.
I guess an analogy would be when my grandfather tries to explain how a car engine works to me, and I draw a total blank. Then I try to explain his cell phone settings to him and he draws a blank. Different strengths for different people, even, different generations?
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Nettie, also consider the concepts of digital natives and immigrants. This may be a way to understand the differences and begin to bridge the gap of knowledge that exists. Dr. Keane
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