U-Blog 3

Nintendo Wii in the Classroom?

One of the more unconventional uses for the Wii that was made popular is for physical rehab in hospitals. Now the gaming system might be gaining popularity in something even more remote for consoles: the classroom. In the Cumberland Elementary School in Indiana, three Wii Systems are the new tools for education.

By incorporating the technology of video games (not to mention the fun factor) the school hopes to engage the students on a more powerful level than traditional methods. The consoles are currently being used to teach Geography, Math and English and the students are getting really into it.

The teachers in the school believe that the potentials for such interaction are unlimited. They even express that the biggest challenge is finding time to incorporate it into already packed lessons. Wii therapy has already spread in hospitals across the U.S. Perhaps the classrooms will follow suit?

U-BLOG 2

What's the Best Way for Senior Citizens To Learn Computers ?

A lot of seniors feel very challenged or even intimidated by computers.

It seems to me that computer classes for seniors (or anyone for that matter) are not always the best way to learn basic computer skills. Aside from often being inconvenient to get to, classes aren't always the best way to learn at all.
People learn best in short lessons (less than 30 minutes is ideal, according to scientific studies) and it's easier to learn if they have lessons that:

1. show them step by step how to use the computer, so they can watch how it's done before they try it themselves
2. have simple, plain English explanations that don't use a lot of technical terms  -- they're not dumb, but they know they want to keep it simple so they can learn easily
3. have an easy, no-pressure, comfortable format that lets them learn at their own pace, on their own time, instead of being forced into a class schedule which might not be the time of day when they're the most sharp and have the most energy
4. Let them go back and review whenever they need, quickly and easily, without derailing the class

Obviously  senior computer classes, or senior citizen computer instruction of any kind in a classroom environment doesn't empower them with computers in the way they really need. So what can they do?

My suggestion is to take a look at video computer lessons on CD and online -- with the right instructor, they may be the easiest way to learn computers. These lessons are time-tested to work with seniors and anyone who is computer challenged, and are available for Windows or  Mac computers.

Chose one of the links below to find out more about these easy lessons:

 Computer basics for Windows PCs
or
Computer basics for Mac