ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 20, 1996 TAG: 9603200062
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
HIGHLAND PARK LEARNING CENTER has started a computer class for senior citizens in the neighborhood so they can keep up with their grandchildren.
Mabel Greene was intimidated by computers. She was even afraid to touch them, fearing they might break.
Greene felt inadequate because her grandchildren are computer junkies. It was embarrassing, almost humiliating, she said, to be so technologically illiterate in the Information Age.
But that has changed in recent weeks as Greene, 68, a retired mental health worker, has overcome her anxiety and begun learning to use a computer.
"I've learned to turn it on and realize it won't break," she said. "I'm no longer frightened."
By June, Greene hopes to be surfing the Internet like a teen computer whiz.. Already, she's writing letters, checking the spelling of words and learning the ins and outs of the program.
Her husband, Harris, is joining the computer age, too. He confers with his wife when he gets stuck on his Apple computer at Roanoke's Highland Park Learning Center.
They are taking a beginning computer class two afternoons a month that is offered free to students' grandparents, other adults from the neighborhood and even a couple of school staffers.
C.D. Hall, a 72-year-old retired Valley Metro bus driver, not only had never used a computer; he hadn't even used a typewriter. Computers were strange and mysterious machines that he never expected to understand or use.
Now Hall is slowly learning computer basics. With a hunt-and-peck typing style, he's begun writing letters and looks forward to sending e-mail messages soon.
"I think I'm making progress. I decided it was something new I'd try," said Hall, who began working in the cafeteria at the Highland Park school when he was 70, after sitting at home for five years.
Virginia Glass, manager of the school cafeteria, also is taking the class because the school system is making extensive use of computers both in the classrooms and in school's operations.
"I felt like I needed to learn how to use them for my own benefit," said Glass, who is 68 but has no plans to retire soon.
The computer class for older adults is the brainchild of Highland Park's principal, John Lensch. He came up with the idea as a way to get people from the neighborhood involved with the school. He considers the school a community resource that can - and should - be used during off-hours by others in the neighborhood.
"I see it as an opportunity for senior citizens to join the Information Age and a way for us to help pay back some people who have helped fund the schools over the years," Lensch said.
Many older adults don't have access to computers, and feel left out in today's society, he said.
"I'm hoping to build a greater sense of belonging among the seniors and help bridge gaps in the community," he said.
"My long-range hope is that seniors will feel more comfortable coming to the school, feeling it is their school, and perhaps becoming involved as a reading buddy or foster grandparent."
The computer class, called "Computing Seniors," is funded with an $840 grant from the school system. Twenty adults are enrolled and use the computer lab in the school's library.
The class is being taught by Jim Welsh, a 69-year-old retired Episcopal clergyman whose wife, Abby, is a retired Highland Park teacher and now leads of the school's volunteers. The class began in January, and will meet every other Wednesday until June.
Welsh is being paid $300 to teach the class. The rest of the money will cover costs for computer supplies, T-shirts for class members and a graduation ceremony.
All of the people in the class are computer novices, although a few have personal computers, Welsh said. Many are retired or nearing retirement, he said. Their ages range from early 60s to early 80s.
Woody Nackley, 81, is the oldest student. He lives in the neighborhood, is a big booster of the school, and jumped at the chance to take the class, which was limited to the first 20 who registered.
"It's something to do. There are so many ballgames on television you get tired of them," Nackley said. He had never used a computer or typewriter, but he said he's willing to try anything.
Nackley relies on a hunt-and-peck system to type his messages.
Welsh said the class offers the older adults the chance to delve into the mysteries of computers.
"We're teaching them the basics. We want to introduce them to basic word processing skills, e-mail and the Internet," Welsh said. "We're not training them for entry-level jobs in computers."
Welsh had never taught a computer class before, but he has experience with computers and helped train the office staff for the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia in Roanoke.
He uses a large computer screen to help guide the class members through each step when he is teaching a new skill. He also works with them individually.
Welsh urges them to stay calm when they make a mistake or get stuck.
"If you make a mess, don't panic," he tells them. "Just put your hands in your lap, and we will help you."
Lensch said the older adults show almost as much excitement about computers as kindergartners. "They are kind of like sponges. It is such a pleasure to work with them."
Highland Park is a magnet school with state-of-the-art technology that makes it especially suitable for the computer class.
The Greenes heard about class through their grandchild, Raven Stewart, a fifth-grader at Highland Park. "I like the idea of opening up the school to the community. I think it's a facility that should be available to everyone," Mabel said.
Irene John, 69, and her husband Arnold, 67, contacted the school and enrolled in the class after hearing that it was being organized.
"I've learned how to correct mistakes, check my spelling and print letters," Irene John said. "We want to learn more. It's been very helpful."
Lensch said the class will learn about SeniorNet, an on-line computer network where older adults can talk with others about topics of special interest to them. They can socialize, provide mutual support, share ideas and discuss topics such as birdwatching, books, gardening, genealogy, politics and retirement.
The network also has a special generation-to-generation forum where SeniorNet members exchange messages with school-age students about careers, current events and other topics.
Lensch said there already is a waiting list of older adults who want to get into future classes.
Hall thinks more older adults will want to take the class if they hear about it. "I found out about it and decided to try it at 72. You're never too old to try something new."
LENGTH: Long : 129 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ROGER HART/Staff. 1. Mabel Greene, 68, checks to see ifby CNBher husband, Harris, 65, is making better progress than she is on
her computer assignment. They are taking the computer class for
seniors offered at Highland Park Learning Center. 2. Below is the
hand of Virginia Pharis, 78, who says it's never too late to learn.
color.