"I would like for each of you to now open up the Internet on your computer. You can do this by right clicking on your mouse. The Internet browser is the blue "e" symbol or letter that is displayed on your computer’s desktop," I said. 

 

 

 

Why were some of these seniors all of a sudden looking under the computer tables?

 

 

 

 "What is a mouse?" Jerry shouted out.

 

 

 

"I'm looking on the floor, but there is no mouse under my table," said Evelyn.

 

 

 

At this point, all that I could think of was "assume nothing". Now I started to realize that I had my work cut out for me in this class size of over 20 students. In addition, starting my teaching mode from square one was a requirement.

 

 

 

It was Saturday morning and the first day of this non-credited course. This was not just your typical college class as the youngest person attending may have been approximately 62 years old. Arriving earlier as the instructor I carefully unpacked my course materials. There would be distributions of pencils, pads, syllabus, information packets, handouts, and extra paper for those who needed it.

 

 

 

 The classroom was in a newer building. Outside we could hear the peaceful sound of birds crimping and the gentle sound of a spring breeze. This sound created such as a calming effect, which complimented the reflection of the strong sunrays that were penetrating through the huge tinted windows. Beyond the window seal, you could see the beautiful greenery of nature consisting of grass, trees, hills, and the lining of a manifold of a variety of colored fresh flowers.

 

 

 

 Mary shared with the class her nervousness about taking this class. Mary indicated that while she was driving to class she almost convinced herself to turn around and go back home. Commending her for such bravery by showing up for class, she seemed to acquire a sense of belonging. "I just purchased a brand new computer that I paid over $2,800.00. So, this class is important to me because I want to start emailing my grandchildren," she said.

 

 

 

This comment tended to create a type of contagious reaction as each of my students begin to share their heart felt comparisons of having made similar computer purchases and all for a very similar cause. Yet, the truthful moment of badly needed a course such as this one (Computers for Seniors) was just about to manifest itself into reality. I was standing before a classroom full of not seniors, but of ‘serious learners’ who had drive and purpose.

 

However, I could only appreciate their tenacity. Just think every other invention in history you could purchase and tinker around with it until it worked such as the VCR, answering machines, microwaves, hair dryers, etc. However, what was the secret with this new expensive computer invention that was different? Why was instruction an absolute necessity?

 

It was Saturday morning and the first day of this non-credited course. This was not just your typical college class as the youngest person attending may have been approximately 62 years old. Having arrived early, as the instructor, I had carefully unpacked my course materials. There would be distributions of pencils, pads, syllabus, information packets, handouts, and extra paper for those who needed it.

 

 

 

"I would like for each of you to now open up the Internet on your computer. You can do this by right clicking on your mouse. The Internet browser is the blue "e" symbol or letter that is displayed on your computer’s desktop," I said. 

 

 

 

Why were some of these seniors all of a sudden looking under the computer tables?

 

 

 

 "What is a mouse?" Jerry shouted out.

 

 

 

"I'm looking on the floor, but there is no mouse under my table," said Evelyn.

 

 

 

At this point, all that I could think of was "assume nothing". Now I started to realize that I had my work cut out for me in this class size of over 20 students. In addition, starting my teaching mode from square one was a requirement.

 

 

 

 It was Saturday morning and the first day of this non-credited course. This was not just your typical college class as the youngest person attending may have been approximately 62 years old. Having arrived early, as the instructor, I had carefully unpacked my course materials. There would be distributions of pencils, pads, syllabus, information packets, handouts, and extra paper for those who needed it.

 

 

 

Having the privilege of being a classroom located in the newer building the view was breath taking. We could hear the peaceful sound of birds crimping. This sound created such as calming effect, which complimented the reflection of the strong sunrays penetrating through the huge tinted windows. Beyond the window seal, you could see the beautiful greenery of nature consisting of grass, trees, hills, and the lining of a manifold of colored fresh flowers.

 

 

 

 

 

As I started to turn on each of the newly installed computers in this newly constructed building, the aroma of newness began to reek throughout this enormous bright colored classroom.

 

 

 

Quickly, I began my Saturday teaching marathons. Having only two Saturdays to teach these eager high achievers how-to become Internet masters. At minimum, I had to at least accomplish the goal of successfully identifying what a computer mouse was and how-to email their family members.

 

 

 

Exhausted at the end of the class, yet with a smile on my face they each were pleased with their newfound Internet skills. How proud I was because, I realized that God, Geritol vitamins, and I, had all worked together pulled off this mission impossible!