Original Query from Fiona Clark, McGill Institute for Learning in Retirement, Quebec
I am interested in the possibility of organizing a computer group, which is not structured as a formal class, but would be more like a "drop in centre." I would like to hear from LLIs about any "peer learning" computer activities they offer. For example, I was interested in Tom Holloway's e-mail about his computer classes. I would like to know from Tom, and from anyone else offering similar activities, more about how they are organized: Is this offered for people who already have some computer experience, or are there absolute beginners participating? Is it a course for a specific number of weeks with a specific course content to master, or is it a continuing "club" where people can drop in? If the philosophy is for people to share and teach each other, is there always an "expert" present? Does it take place in a computer lab with one person to each computer? Do you have discussions between users, with only one computer present for demonstration? I would be interested in hearing about related experiences.

From Beverly Hincks, Encore Seniors' Education Centre, St. Lawrence College Cornwall, Ontario
Hi Fiona. Good to hear from you. In addition to our 5 or 6 structured computer courses (8-week courses) and 1 or 2 workshops (short 2-hour sessions with specific topics) each term, we have just opened up a computer lab once every two weeks for 1-2 hours where Encore students can drop in and help each other with problems they are having. A few of the leader "experts" volunteer to be on hand to help as well. There are enough computers that they don't have to share unless they want to work together. We have only held two of these "Help Lab" sessions so far and the response has been good. Our Computer Committee will be discussing the future of this "Help Lab" at a meeting next week. Tom's note was very interesting. I am taking it to next week's meeting to see if there is something for us to try. I will be watching for responses you get to your inquiry with great interest!

From Bill Kramer, Rock Valley College CLR, Rockford, IL
Currently, I'm in the process of developing a course similar to the one you're considering. Here are some of my current thoughts and ideas:

Possible Titles: "Tips, Tricks and Traps Pertaining to Computers"
"Sharing Your Favorite Computer Finds"

Rough Draft of Description:
Have you ever come across a computer shortcut or utility that you just can't do without? If so, this open-ended forum is designed so you can share those treasures with your peers and learn about their gems of wisdom in return. Each session will have at least one leader to coordinate the presentations. Initially the content will cover software in general, but the course can easily be tailored to the needs of the members. Any attendee may present their favorite findings. The only requirement is that a brief step-by-step handout of the presentation be provided, so others will have a reference to easily reproduce the procedure. All copying will be provided by the RVC CLR office.

As you can see, the format will be collaborative, with one or more "expert" at each session; and all attendees will be potential presenters. Since it does not have a rigid structure, changes can be made on the fly. It will also be an excellent stage for someone to hone their presentation skills. We have a Computer Lab, provided by the college, with 21 computers.

One computer is attached to a projector mounted on the ceiling, and we have two printers. The setup is perfect for this type of teaching format.

Leaders should have a few procedures of their own, to present in case there is a lull in the action. On Wednesdays we have a "Drop-in Center" in the same building, so I think if we coordinate this course with that social event the attendance at both will benefit. If something is being presented that doesn't interest a certain group, they can go to the "Drop-in Center" and make room for others that may be interested.

I'm leaning towards presenting this to the Curriculum Committee as a Special Interest Group instead of as a course offered in our catalog. We may even be able to offer it at no cost, because there will be little or no formal structure. This type of course could easily free up seats in our beginner courses, because currently some computer literate individuals are taking our basic computer courses. They then play solitaire because of boredom or drop out, leaving a seat empty that a true beginner could have occupied. I've also noticed the way we taught computer courses a few years ago is now obsolete.

Early on we bundled Windows 95 and MS Office 97 in a course called "Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks." It was extremely popular. Frequently we had more than 100 people on the waiting list.

It makes much more sense to unbundle that package and teach the applications separately as several LLIs are doing now. Individuals can then pick and choose what they really want. I hope other EIN Forum members will add to this thread, because the content is very timely and the format is truly what LLIs are all about. I would also appreciate any constructive criticism and ideas regarding the above course.