SeniorNet: computer skills, unlimited advice
SeniorNet tutor Morfydd Barker (centre) worked as a computer professional for 40 years - including teaching at university level. Photo: Gerard Hindmarsh.
Since starting up here eight years ago, SeniorNet has served to introduce several hundred learners over 50 to the world of computers, bringing them together in a friendly, fun and stress-free way.
Around 12 to 15 courses are held a year, typically for two hours a week for four weeks. Traditionally, members start learning bare basics, like how to turn a computer on, but all that is changing, as tutor Morfydd Barker explains.
“We’re finding we’re getting fewer people now who know nothing about computers. Quite a few are coming in knowing basic skills like setting up documents and emailing. Specifically they want to learn things like attachments, online banking, or working with scanners to preserve the family photos or records so they can pass them onto their kids in the safest, most presentable form. Increasingly we’re seeing more laptops being brought along, and digital cameras too. That’s why we’re running a digital photography club once a month now. Publishing and website development are other areas we cater for as well.”
Mona Randall of Parapara has been a member since SeniorNet started and has done so many courses she’s lost track of the exact number.
“It pretty well taught me everything I know about computers. Going from stage to stage is a manageable way to do it. There weren’t any stress or expectations involved.” SeniorNet does boast a supportive, friendly and no-pressure learning environment with no measurable outcomes. At the end of a course, members invariably know what the computer can or cannot do for them personally and what they would like to study next. Unlike Morfydd, who has been a university lecturer in computer studies, SeniorNet’s other tutors (namely Rosemary Jorgensen, Sally Douglas, Wendy Earle and Joan Richards) are more likely to be members who have taken a course and found they have a gift for passing on that knowledge. They all give their time voluntarily.
Last month, Kathy Baigent spoke to Rural Women about the organisation, and her eight years on the committee, using the opportunity to appeal for more tutors: “Particularly tutors who can offer subjects in addition to the ones we already teach, and who would enjoy teaching seniors. We are particularly interested in volunteers to teach some of the new subjects such as video editing, social networking and mobile phone computing.”
SeniorNet is an international phenomenon that emerged in 1986 from a research project undertaken at the University of San Francisco to determine whether computers and telecommunications could enhance the lives of older people. New Zealanders were quick to see the potential, and the first SeniorNet outside the USA was in Wellington in 1992, with the second in Nelson the following year. Now the Federation of NZ SeniorNet Societies has 88 learning centres throughout this country.
Golden Bay’s SeniorNet started in 2002, when Brian Weston and Allison Gardiner from the GB Workcentre applied to Lotto for a grant to buy two new computers. Russell McKendry and Graham Milne became the first tutors, at first in a room at the end of the Workcentre carpark.
Other SeniorNet pioneers in those early days included Kathy Baigent, Brian McKenna, John Waugh, Rosemary Jorgensen and Dorothy Barden. Extra computers were obtained from the NZ Gas Company, chairs were donated by Collingwood Tavern, and the Junction Hotel helped out with a heat pump from pub charities. Now SeniorNet Golden Bay has eight modern computers and three operating systems (XP, Vista and Windows 7), and occupies the former St John office attached to the Takaka Rugby Club.
Golden Bay currently has around 80 paid up members, but another 200 remain on the books. It costs $15 to join, which includes free courses, unlimited advice, home visits for problem solving, social meets and talks. An open day is held every third Monday of the month at 3pm.
Interested? Phone 525 7465.
Gerard Hindmarsh
Correction
SeniorNet Golden Bay welcomes the recent article on its activities but wishes to point out an error. Courses with SeniorNet are not free. As a not-for-profit charity we aim to keep the costs down as much as possible. However, we still have to cover our costs. A typical 8 hour course costs $20 total, which covers all materials. Our fellowship, advice and clubs are free to paid-up members.
M Barker, SeniorNet
