SeniorNet Curriculum: What, Why, & Who

SeniorNet’s Mission To generate opportunities for older adults to use technology to empower themselves, to benefit our communities & to transform the world.

SeniorNet Learning Center Goals To educate older adults about computer technologies in a warm and friendly environment To encourage lifelong learning and the progression along a pathway from computer literacy to fluency to mastery

SeniorNet Learning Center Goals To take part in the SeniorNet community of computer using older adults To provide outreach to a wider community, contributing to society by providing assistance to others

How We Accomplish The SeniorNet Mission Learning Centers –Computer to accomplish tasks –Basic skills to advanced specific interests –Peer to Peer Teaching Model

How We Accomplish The SeniorNet Mission Website – –Online Communities –Discussion Boards (RoundTables) –Collaboration In Research On Older Adults and Technology

How We Accomplish The SeniorNet Mission Staff (& Lots of Volunteers!) –Operations –Programs & Services –Business Development/Marketing

SeniorNet Web Site - 1 2,470,484 page views in January new web registrants per week 105 dedicated volunteers

SeniorNet Web Site discussion topics: peer support and education; new topics monthly Increased contributions to the Leadership Exchange by Learning Centers

SeniorNet Directors

SeniorNet Programs & Services

Programs & Services Team Elesa Livingston Manager, Programs & Services Scott Rains Director, Programs & Services Ron Hankins Regional Consultant Western Region Jan Adkins Regional Consultant Mid-Atlantic & Texas Sandra Krasner Regional Consultant Northeast Region Mel Starkston Regional Consultant Midwest Region Joe Tartaglino Regional Consultant Southeast Region Phil Carnahan Special Consultant

Responsibility for Course Development Primary responsibility for course development is with HQ LC – based: –Elesa Livingston, Scott Rains Web – based: –Marcie Schwartz

Curriculum Overview What is covered & why SeniorNet Style & variations How to find SeniorNet courses

Curriculum Windows XP Versions - Supplied by SeniorNet Computer Fundamentals Windows XP Intro to Computers - MS Works Suite Intro to Word ProcessingMS Works Suite Intro to QuickenQuicken Deluxe Intro to Spreadsheet MS Works Suite Intro to GenealogyFamily Tree Maker Intro to InternetMS IE6 Intro to Digital ImagingPhotoElements

The Job of the Regional Consultant Represent SeniorNet HQ to Learning Centers in their region –New courses, MSUP, RTV Represent Learning Centers to SeniorNet HQ –Troubleshooting, regional conferences

Responsibility for Course Development ALC & Library – based: Joe Tartaglino, Phil Carnahan, Scott Native American AC – based: Jan Adkins, Elesa, Scott

LC & Member Leadership in Course Development Survey responses LC uploads to LE Contracted course writers Outside authored courseware donations

The Growth of SeniorNet Course Offerings Software donation driven curriculum LC developed curriculum Online curriculum Project driven curriculum Sponsor funded curriculum

Curriculum Growth: Shorter Classes Workshops & Giveaways Snowbird Students Skills Updates Variations in Teaching & Learning Styles Native American curriculum

Maximizing Curriculum Growth: Every Center should contribute to Leadership Exchange Centers differ in their skill sets & sustainability Rapidly sharing curriculum keeps LCs stronger New marketable ideas spread faster New curriculum can impact grants, donations, & partnerships

Examples of Curriculum Growth: Plans with freeware/online programs: LifeBio American Greetings Cardmaker Google Ebay HP Photoshare

Examples of Curriculum Growth: Online Classes SeniorNet volunteers have been offering instructor-led courses Latin and Greek, since We will soon be planning for some additional courses in Fall 2007, including computer courses.

Discussion Suggestions: –Opportunities to participate in course development or acquisition –Troubleshooting LC curriculum –Requests for new HQ courses