Education
Internet
The Internet is a resource for all generations. Older adults, however, continue to be the fastest-growing group of Internet users, with an estimated 70 percent of seniors having access. The Internet provides individuals with numerous educational tools to engage and expand opportunities for lifelong learning.
For example, many colleges and universities offer long-distance learning courses—instruction delivered on a student’s home campus by means other than face-to-face contact. Distance education may be delivered through electronic media such as television, interactive video conferencing, or over computer networks. Long-distance learning provides students the opportunity to study at their own pace via on-line class materials that may be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fees associated with distance learning vary by institution.
SeniorNet, a nonprofit organization, offers educational programs that promote and support older adults’use of computers and communication technologies. The centers are managed primarily by senior volunteers, and classes are taught by volunteer instructors. Courses include introduction to using computers, word processing, spreadsheets, and going on line and using the Internet. Advanced courses include using a computer to for genealogy, graphics, personal financial management and tax preparation.
Many centers offer open lab time where students can use the computers to practice their skills or to work on individual projects. Texas has eight SeniorNet learning centers located in Austin, Dallas, Farmer’s Branch, Fort Worth, Hawkins, Nacogdoches, Plano, and Sugarland. SeniorNet has membership fees of $40 for one year.
Updated: November 2, 2007
