Whoever claimed that people are set in their ways by a certain age probably never took a SeniorNet class. The Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC) in Medina, Ohio, recently completed its first year of the SeniorNet, a country-wide program that teaches adults ages 50-older how to use computers and the Internet. Gerald Woodling and his wife, Marilyn, helped organize the local program and said the interest has been beyond their expectations. The Woodlings became interested in computers about 20 years ago, and turned it into a business teaching older people. After the operation stopped, they got in touch with Western Reserve Masonic Community President Jay Dettorre about continuing the program on the campus. Six state-of-the-art computers and scanners and other equipment were donated in August 2004
The Woodlings expected just a handful of people to show up for their initial open house of the Medina SeniorNet Learning Center and 161 showed up. The strong response busts the myth that older people don’t embrace technology. “The number one objection is fear,” said Gerald of the reluctance to learn computer skills. “A majority of the people have some computer experience coming in. ” From there, classes for beginners to advanced users were offered in September 2004
Now the classes fill up regularly with participants from several counties near Browning according to the Woodlings. Each class has a maximum of six participants, which allows for more individual work with instructors, and classes vary from two to six weeks, with about 15 going on at a given time. New sessions begin every two months, except in July and August. Participants are charged a yearly membership fee, but free workshops are also available. Participants can learn everything from computer fundamentals, e-mail and Internet usage and word processing to using graphics, digital photography, genealogy and designing quilts
Gerald said there are two things motivating people to learn computer technology through SeniorNet. First is having wanting parents or grandparents to learn e-mail so they can stay in contact. The second is to learn how to use the Internet for information since so many things have an Internet address. The oldest participant so far has been 90 years old, proving all ages are receptive to SeniorNet. Interested people don’t need to own a computer to participate
Gerald said many participants have gone on to take further classes. He added one of the most well received assignments comes when working with digital enhancement. They take participants’ pictures and they are then required to put themselves in another picture, such as a vacation spot. Western Reserve resident Bill Pfaff said the classes were eye-opening for him. “I thought I knew quite a bit coming in, but I really didn’t,” he said
“What you learn will be of value. I like to learn hands on instead of reading and I got that here. ” Bill said he liked the class so much he decided to join as a volunteer registrar. He said he likes to stay active, which this helps him do. With 15 classes going at one time, it takes a lot of effort
There are about 35 volunteers involved to meet the demand, only two of whom are younger than 50. The Woodlings find themselves here at least three times a week, instructing and making sure things are running smoothly. While that’s a demand on their time, the Woodlings say they wouldn’t change it. Marilyn asked how else they could have met so many nice people. “It’s almost a full time job
But that’s a good thing,” said Gerald. SeniorNet programs may be added in the future to the Masonic Retirement Village in Springfield and the Browning Masonic Community in Waterville. For more information on the WRMC SeniorNet program, contact Gerald Woodling at (330) 666-8138 or glwoodling@aol. com
