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 – www.seniornet.org

– 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 06

• 75 new web registrants per week

• 105 dedicated volunteers

SeniorNet Web Site -2

• 600+ discussion topics: peer support and education; new topics monthly

• Increased contributions to the Leadership Exchange by Learning Centers

SeniorNet Directors

Kristin

Scott RainsPrograms & Services

Marcie SchwarzOnline Programs

To Be HiredBusiness Development

&Marketing

SeniorNet Programs & Services

Scott RainsDirector of Programs & Services

Elesa LivingstonManager Director of Programs & Services

SeniorNet Consultants(Regional & Special)

Programs & Services Team

Elesa LivingstonManager, Programs

& Services

Scott RainsDirector, Programs

& Services

Ron HankinsRegional Consultant

Western Region

Jan AdkinsRegional ConsultantMid-Atlantic & Texas

Sandra KrasnerRegional Consultant

Northeast Region

Mel StarkstonRegional Consultant

Midwest Region

Joe TartaglinoRegional Consultant

Southeast Region

Phil CarnahanSpecial 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 Processing MS Works Suite• Intro to Quicken Quicken Deluxe• Intro to Spreadsheet MS Works Suite• Intro to Genealogy Family Tree Maker• Intro to Internet MS IE6• Intro to Digital Imaging PhotoElements

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 2004.

• 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