Published: February 04, 2010 07:30 am      

Senior Focus: Navigating computers

Senior citizens in our country -- specifically those older than 60 -- have:

-- experienced the inception of the automobile;

-- weathered World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars;

-- witnessed the world's first successful commercial jet liner, Russian's Sputnik 1 and Neil Armstrong's walk on the moon;

-- acknowledged the first general-purpose computer in 1947, the nearly 30-ton ENIAC;

-- benefited from radical fibers, GPS and magnetic resonance; and

-- watched the advent of the Internet.

Thus, having lived through the majority of the 20th century -- considered the most technologically advanced century in history -- and adapted to the many changes that have occurred during their lifetimes, it should come as no surprise that older Americans are ready to navigate the information superhighway.

Even though seniors (especially those who see their friends, children and grandchildren using computers) want more information on the use of computers, they don't know where to start.

That's why the Traverse City Senior Center offers computer classes. The number of seniors taking computer classes and going online has risen dramatically in the last few years. For a generation that has been stereotyped as computer illiterate, things are changing.

Senior-oriented computer classes normally are designed for people who did not grow up with computers in the home or workplace. Simple commands such as "click the mouse" and "save to the desktop" sound strange to a senior who has no experience with computers.

The Traverse City Senior Center has classes for people who have never used a computer before as well as for those who are ready for a higher level. Although sponsored by the Senior Center, hands-on computer training is conducted at the TC Training Center, 812 S. Garfield Ave., Suite 7. The classes last six hours, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The instructor, Carol S. Brown, has worked and trained in the computer industry for more than 16 years. She teaches beginner- through advanced-level classes in Windows, Microsoft Office, Internet and accounting. She has taught at companies including Compaq Computers, AOL Best Data and Linksys as well as for the federal government.

She also has earned her Microsoft Certified Trainer and Apple Networking certifications.

"I think adults learn very differently than children," Brown said. "They have to understand the logic, then they need to see how to do it, then they do it themselves. This process has worked for us for many years."

The classes offered are:

-- Computer Basics 1: If you are new to computers, this class will teach you all the basics, from turning on the computer to shutting it down, and everything in between.

-- Windows Basics: A perfect followup to Computer Basics 1, in which you learn how to create folders and files, how to move files, how to save files, how to adjust windows, etc, designed to fill in the gaps in your computer knowledge.

-- Internet Basics: Learn all the basics you need to know to get started using the Internet, creating and working on network sites such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, plus learn how to do research using sites including Wikipedia, Google and Bing, along with how to use the free e-mail service Gmail.

-- Microsoft Word Basics: The basic skill set for using a word processor is covered, letting you create letters, faxes, fliers, signs, books and much more; also how to enter data, format text, align text, page numbers, printing and saving.

The classes are limited to 10 students. Each student has a fast and reliable computer to use during class.

"We also include a color, step-by-step manual that students take with them," Brown said. "We write the manual, so that when students refer back to it later, it was written by a trainer and not a technician."

The classes normally are $140 each, but if senior center members purchase the classes from the senior center, they are $25. Reservations are required. For more information, call 922-4911 or e-mail lwells@tcseniorcenter.com.

Kathleen Bellaw Gest is a local freelance writer. For more about the Traverse City Senior Center, go to www.tcseniorcenter.com.