Three Generations Teach Internet To Seniors

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University Park, Pa. -- Penn State's Elderhostel program on Internet Skills for Seniors, June 8 to 14, offers an unusual bridge to learning across generations.

Dr. Grabowski, an associate professor in the College of Education, will teach the class with her mother and nephew. This summer marks the second year the trio will teach the class. "We each bring a slightly different style of teaching and a different perspective on the Internet to the classroom," she says.

Seniors, many of whom retired before computers were a common part of the workplace, have few opportunities to learn computer skills in such an encouraging environment. Those who are determined to acquire these skills often must do so on their own by leafing through manuals, teaching themselves as they go.

That's what gave Grabowski the idea for her Elderhostel Computer Internet class. The week-long course is designed for novice computer users who will learn to surf the Web for news and trade information, send e-mail messages and engage in discussion groups.

Judy Meder, program specialist with Continuing and Distance Education, coordinates Penn State's participation in the Elderhostel program. The Internet class, she says, is extremely popular. "Participants are excited about the course partly because three generations of the same family are teaching it," -- a teaching style for every student.

The Elderhostel program offers senior citizens, 55 years and older, the chance to take summer classes on university campuses around the nation. The program, which started in the early 1970s, focuses on lifelong learning. Since most colleges and universities don't operate at full capacity in the summer, they are able to offers classes and room and board at a reasonable price.

The Internet class is one of two Elderhostel courses offered Penn State's University Park campus this summer. The other class is called "Fred Waring's America" (July 6 to 12). Although Fred Waring, "America's Singing Master" is gone, his techniques and philosophies live on through the teachings of the professionals associated with his renown organization. Instructed by Pete Kiefer, Randy Yoder and Donna Knott, seniors with previous choral experience will learn music, choreography and perform a concert at week's end.

For more information on Elderhostel courses at Penn State, call: (814) 863-1738, regarding course content (Conferences & Institutes); or the Elderhostel Program at (617)426-8056, regarding enrollment.

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Contact: Catherine Motivans, College of Education, at (814) 863-6234.