Original query from Beverly Hincks, Encore Seniors' Education Centre, St. Lawrence College Each term we offer 4 - 6 computer classes ranging from very basic (Computers for Chickens: Starting from Scratch), through Intro. To Windows, to more advanced courses on word processing or spreadsheet applications, and Internet. One comment that all the many volunteer leaders have made is that many students over- or under-estimate their computer skills and end up in a class that is frustrating for them, or boring. Although we have a set of informal questions we ask when trying to direct them to the best class for their skill level, we don't seem to be batting a thousand. Is there anyone out there using some sort of screening process that they are happy with, and willing to share with us? Any comments in this area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who respond!!

From Dick Di Vecchio, Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk CC, CT
There is no way. We have discontinued our computer courses except for a couple of Internet courses because too many people classify themselves as computer proficient when in fact they are not. It appears that the hardest thing to teach people is the use of the mouse, so even in our Internet courses we require a proficiency in that regard. Instead of our own computer courses, we made arrangements with the college to teach a basic "Word" course with an experienced teacher. The college course costs more than our courses used to, but they are substantially less than similar courses in other institutions ($80 for eight 2-hour sessions as opposed to an average of $150 to $250). Not too helpful I'm afraid, but it's the truth from our prospective.

From Mary Thompson, Royal Leamington Spa, U.K.
We recruit other interested members to help out in class and move from person to person as needs arise and assist. This reduces the frustration level of everyone and allows the leader to continue along without too many long waits. Our problem is over-enrollment for our classes, so we allow standbys who can fill an empty seat after the class is ready to start and even sometimes two work at one station and this seems to keep everyone happy. And for those who like to assist they can always get into class. This accords exactly with our experience here in Royal Leamington Spa, UK. I wrote it up in more detail for a response to someone off-list, but maybe I should have posted it to EINFORUM.

From Tom Holloway, U3A, UK
Yes, the mouse is way too small for our stiff hands. Too bad there isn't a senior mouse out there
some where. That would really help a lot. Almost the first thing we give new oldies is our 'Short-cuts for stiff fingers' guide. I can send it in WORD or PDF to whomever would like it --but off-list I think.

From Fiona Clark, McGill LLI, Montreal
First, thanks to all who responded to my enquiry re peer help in computer teaching. Second, re Beverley's enquiry about screening, our only experience at MLLI is with a course I have been leading on Using the Internet to prepare Presentations. We stated that people had to be already able to use the mouse and Windows and that seems to have worked. As expected, there was a wide variety of experience among participants, but I think everyone learned a lot and no one seemed frustrated. I don't know if you will find this useful, but my personal experience is that in any class of adults (not necessarily seniors) it is better to have everyone watch while you demonstrate, and then follow it up with exercises where people can work at their own speed (people will also help each other at this time). Often computer teachers have everyone copy them step by step on their own computers, and that can make it very difficult to keep everyone happy, since you either progress at the pace of the slowest or someone will get left behind.

From Helen Ackerman, Elderstudy, Mary Washington College, VA
Hello out there to all you "Computer Users." We have been having 2-hour sessions about once a month in one of the computer labs at Mary Washington College for about two years. We call it "Computers for Aging Children" and try to give a program title in the calendar of classes that will identify the subject or level of instruction for each class. We have had some of the same problems described in this correspondence--difficulty in screening for level of competence, strategies for teaching, and how to utilize those with more advanced skills. We try to limit the class size so that every student has access to a computer so participants register by phone to make sure there is a place for them. After that we leave it up to the professional teacher who provides the instruction for a small honorarium ($50 each two-hour session) with about 15 students. Our members do not pay an extra fee for the instruction. That is covered by our general budget for instruction. There has been considerable interest in computer instruction, and I feel that we could expand the program. I would like to know if those of you in other colleges are using your host institution's equipment or do you have a computer lab just for seniors? Also, in those cases where you are offering an 8-session course, is there a text for the course, and is that included in the fee for the course?