Computers helping community groups

as published by The Guardian - Dec 22, 2008

Seniors College of P.E.I. board member David Mabon, left, Seniors College student Roberta Hubley, Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan and Industry Canada Community Development Officer Tim Wartman, right, take a look at some of the computers recently donated to the Seniors College at the ISN Wireless facility in Montague through the Computers for Communities P.E.I. Initiative.


Not-for-profit community groups and charitable organizations across the Island can now receive refurbished computers, free of charge, thanks to a partnership between Industry Canada and the Provincial Treasury.

Provincial Treasurer Wes Sheridan recently visited the Seniors College in Montague to see first-hand how the Computers for Communities Initiative (P.E.I.) is helping Island community groups stay connected.

This initiative falls under the umbrella of the Computers for Schools (CFS) program, a national partnership between Industry Canada and non-profit licensees across Canada.

Surplus computers, which have been donated by the public and private sectors, are refurbished and given to schools, libraries and non-profit learning organizations throughout the country. Industry Canada is contributing $129,940 towards the Computers for Schools program in P.E.I. for 2008/09.

Schools require Pentium 4 level computers, but CFS also receives many Pentium III level computers and wants to find good use for them.

The Computers for Communities (P.E.I.) Initiative will make sure these make their way to not-for-profit community organizations.
Provincial Treasury employees are administering the program on P.E.I.

“Gaining a full classroom of computers allowed Seniors College to expand our programming into Montague,” said Seniors College president Ian Scott. “We were able to respond to requests from Islanders wishing the opportunity to gain new skills in a supportive and very accessible environment. Whether at a basic or more advanced skill level, our programs have been very popular. This program quickly put much needed computers into a community situation where, coupled with an excellent teacher in Pat Hayes, they are making a real difference.”

To qualify for the CFC (P.E.I.) Initiative, a community group or charitable organization must have not-for-profit status, which may be provincially or federally granted. Computers for Schools was co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the TelecomPioneers. Over 931,000 computers have been distributed across Canada.

The Philosophical Roots of Seniors College of PEI

Seniors College of PEI, although having a unique history growing out of research at UPEI, is also part of a world wide movement known in many places as the The Université du 3ième âge - a concept that has circled the globe and flourished since it first developed in Toulouse, France, in 1972. Today it is often called U3A in the UK and in Australia. Other areas use terminology like Life Long Learning, Learning in Retirement as well as Seniors College.

Most operate as self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work, providing opportunities for their members to share learning experiences in a wide range of interest groups and to pursue learning not for qualifications, but for fun.

The constitution of Seniors College of PEI when first drafted on 1999 stated a philosophy that included a vision, mission and objectives.

Vision

A seniors governed, volunteer, membership based organization providing welcoming, comfortable, affordable learning for all seniors (50+), with a wide range of academic level, non-credit peer learning opportunities. The college advocates life long learning, seniors oriented research and the concept that continued learning enhances life quality.

Mission

The mission of seniors. college is to enhance the quality of life of seniors by the provision of peer learning opportunities through academic level courses and programs.

Objectives

* to be responsive to the needs and interests of seniors;
* to provide responsible peer learning opportunities for members;
* to provide structures for seniors to share skills, knowledge, expertise and life experiences;
* to be a knowledge resource to the community;
* to collaborate-partner with other organizations that share common goals;
* to develop linkages with other organizations to further the college;
* to initiate and participate in research on relevant subjects;
* to have fun!

In 2005 that was restated in a revised constitution as:

The mission of the College is to provide educational opportunities in an atmosphere where seniors from all walks of life and from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds may enjoy life-long learning, and where the economic, environmental, social and cultural well-being of individuals, their communities and the planet may be enhanced through continued learning.

Creating a slide show

Creating a slide show using images on Internet without using Powerpoint
Steps based on Windows XP operating system and a USB drive on computer.

1 - place jump drive (USB flash drive) into the computer you are using (flash drives cost less than $15)

2 - using your regular web-browser locate the image on the internet. If several sizes are available click on the image to ensure that you are viewing the largest format available.

3 - place the mouse (cursor) over the image so that the arrow is flashing

4 - using right side button on mouse - right click on the image

5 - you will be presented with a pop-up menu with options

6 - select the "save image as" option

7 - on the pop-up menu of locations to save the image, select the jump drive - it will have a letter assigned like "F Removable Drive" but may have a different letter assigned depending on how many drives are installed on the machine

8 - it will normally be saved with the same file name as image has on the webpage - you should give it a new name or add a number to the front of the existing name so that it will sort numerically in order. Assign a number starting with two 00 (Zeros) in front so that 11 doesn't line up in front of 8. Use numbers like 008 and 011 -- if you need more info add name of artist like 007Kollwitz

9 - When you have finished slide show you can review it on the same computer

10 - Go to My Computer - on the Windows desktop using either the desktop icon on the bottom menu bar - or hold down the special Windows Key (between Ctrl and ALt key on most keyboard) and hit M. This will minimize all the open windows and get you to the desktop.

11 - Open My Computer and scroll through the various drive C -- etc depending on what the letter is do the same steps as in 7 above till you locate F Removable Drive and the various images show up when the Removable Drive is selected

12 - Double Click on the first image and "Windows Picture and Fax Viewer" will automatically open that image. From here you can run the full set of images as a slide show. There will be icons at the bottom that allow you to Start Slide Show - ( it has a shortcut key of F 11 as well). When this happens you can go forward by clicking on the mouse each time you could use the forward arrow on the set of arrow keys at the bottom right of the keyboard. The icon that starts the show looks like a projector screen. To get back to the start again you have to use a new set of navigational controls that will emerge when you use the mouse near the top of the screen at the right - the red X will close the Slide Show format and take you back to the screen you were at when Windows Picture and Fax Viewer first opened.

Step 12 is based on the computer having Windows Picture and Fax Viewer - it became a standard part of Windows operating systems with the arrival of Windows XP operating system in 2001 - if the computer has a newer operating system there will be a similar system

The steps to use the slide show on a computer attached to a projector is the same as steps 10 - 11 and 12. Usually the projector is attached to the computer prior to powering up the computer and power is turned on projector first so that Windows operating system will search for all peripherals attached to it and recognize the projector.
Once the projector is projecting on the screen okay one goes to My Computer as in step 11 etc.

A tip if there are several lectures all saved on the same Jump Drive is to create folders with names for each class. Again they will sort by number so add the zeros in front.

To create the folder when the drive is showing in the window on the screen - (having been opened through the My Computer process outlined in step 11 above) you go to the first drop-down menu called File -- under the area New you can select Folder which creates a folder that can be named - for example 001WomenArtNZ

You will need to actually open that new folder when you start to add images to it - do that by double clicking on the folder.

Seniors College Social - Monday, November 17th, 2008

Seniors College Social

You are cordially invited to our Seniors College Social on Monday, November 17th, from 7:00 - 9:00PM at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre in McMillan Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Come see old friends and, hopefully, meet some new ones. No RSVP required. We look forward to seeing you!!

Stories of the PEI Railway

The Prince Edward Island CN Pensioners in partnership with Service Canada and the Provincial Government, are conducting an interview-based project entitled CN Pensioners: Stories of the PEI Railway. The objectives of the project are to collect and preserve and oral history of the rialroad on Prince Edward Island, to recognize the valuable social and economic contribution made by the former railroad and by those who worked on it, and to establish a searchable oral history record that may be available to the public at large for future research.

Anyone with a story to tell including former railroad employees, their families, people who lived in railroad communities, etc are asked to please contact project manager Barb Morgan at (902) 393-9210 to arrange an interview. Interviews will be conducted until November 21, 2008.

Annual General Meeting

Seniors College of Prince Edward Island

Annual General Meeting

10 am, Saturday, October 18, 2008
Room 420, Main Building, UPEI

All members are welcome

Maine Senior College Network (MSCN)

The Maine Senior College Network (MSCN), began in 1997 at the University of Southern Maine in Portland, and is currently a consortium of 18 independent groups from York County to Presque Isle.

There are no tests, no papers, and no grades, each senior college group plans exciting, intellectually stimulating non-credit courses (taught by volunteers) and special learning opportunities for adults over the age of 50. Each senior college charges up to $25 for annual membership, plus up to $50 for each 4-8 week course. Scholarships are available.

Check out their website.

Seniors College 2008-09

The full line up of courses is now available both through the main Seniors College website and also in The Guardian's special Seniors College flyer.

With over 120 courses offered across the province, there is something for everyone.

Arts and Culture Programming

Seniors College of PEI has a strong offering of courses across the Island in the Arts and Culture areas.

Check out the article recently published by the BUZZ on the offerings and look over the full set of listings for 2008-09

Seniors College arts programs

A wide range of cultural programs offered across the province for those age 50 or better by the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island. This year Bill Bartlett and Allan Ressor are offering music appreciation courses on Mozart and Bach respectively. Jazz appreciation classes are headed up by jazz musicians Jim Nimmo and Doug Millington. With a duration for each course of eight sessions specific topics like “Mozart in Vienna during the 1780s,” work well.

Some courses see students returning to the class each semester. Drawing classes and painting classes are a good example of ones where class members have a strong commitment to the group, and become involved in organizing trips and special events for other students during the summer when there are no classes. Artists across the Island who are teaching art courses include: Suzanne O’Callaghan, Karl MacKeeman, Arno Freitag, Nan Ferrier, Verna Banks and Mel Giddings.

Writing instructors include: Dianne Hicks Morrow, Kathleen Hamilton, Libby Oughton and Doreen Beagan. Each bring an individual approach to their course but share an interest in writing that draws on life experiences for material.

The popular approaches of Iain Galloway and Brendan O’Grady with literature return this year, joined by Poet Laureate David Helwig, for a course on reading poetry.

The full listing of the College, are published as a Guardian insert during the first week of September, and are on the website at www.upei.ca/seniorscollege. Registration: Charlottetown—September 8, 2–4 pm, W.A. Murphy Centre, UPEI. (Bruce Garrity, 894-2867 or bgarrity@upei.ca). Montague—Sept 9, 1:30–3 pm, Montague Town Hall (Sheila Mallory, 838-2532 or smmallory@pei.sympatico.ca). Summerside—Sept 10, 10 am–noon Summerside Superstore (Nonie Fraser , 436-6743 or nefraser@eastlink.ca). Alberton—Sept 10, 1:30-2:30 pm Alberton Town Hall (Donna Crocker, 853-2692 or donnacrocker@xplornet.com).

Senior College launches new web site

It's official -- Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has a new web presence.
Check it out.

Seniors College of P.E.I. gaining national attention

as published in The Guardian - April 26, 2008

Seniors College of P.E.I. has been asked to speak to the Special Senate Committee on Aging in Ottawa as part of a major investigation into the needs of older Canadians.

Ian Scott, the president of Seniors College of P.E.I. will be speaking to the committee in Ottawa on aspects of Active Aging and Ageism which is part of the committee’s second interim report on April 28.

Seniors College of P.E.I. now operates in Montague, Alberton, Summerside and Charlottetown with 527 members participating. Affiliated with UPEI and designed for those age 50 or older, the concept of active learning, and active living in retirement, is a worldwide phenomenon which continues to change the public view of seniors.

Based on peer-learning in which members share their knowledge with others, the P.E.I. operation is co-ordinated by Bruce Garrity, who is assisted with each of the operations outside Charlottetown.

Recently both Garrity and Scott spoke to a packed audience at Mount Allison, where a steering committee was formed to launch a similar operation.

Earlier this year, a seniors college was launched in Halifax due to efforts of a past president Ivan Dowling, who encouraged colleagues who were retired faculty of the various universities there to work together, and spoke of the success of P.E.I. efforts.

A seniors college also launched in Cape Breton with the encouragement of Clive Keen, while he was director of Life Long Learning at UPEI.

A regional conference on learning in retirement hosted at UPEI by Senior College of P.E.I. in 2007 brought together representatives from seven provinces, and has helped spread the word even further.

“Learning in retirement is important to both individuals and their personal enjoyment but also the fact that governments are now recognizing the value that active learning plays in maintaining a healthy population, is significant,’’ said Scott. “Research continues to show the beneficial effects that new learning has on the brain, and the positive benefits of being active in a social environment to reduce isolation. It also happens to be great fun.’’

More information on the Special Senate Committee on Aging is located on their website www.senate-senat.ca/age.asp and information of Seniors College of P.E.I. is available at www.upei.ca/seniorscollege or through contacting Garrity at 894-2867 or seniorscollege@upei.ca

Plans under way for Sackville seniors' college

Ian Scott, president of the P.E.I. seniors’ college, speaks to local residents who were on hand for an information meeting last week at Convocation Hall. A steering group was formed to develop the idea for Sackville.
as published by the Sackville Tribune-Post - March 12, 2008

BY KATIE TOWER, Staff Reporter

Seniors in the community could soon have access to more fun and engaging learning opportunities.

A local steering committee was formed last week to get plans under way on the founding of a seniors college in the Sackville area, an initiative which would offer stimulating and affordable courses to the 55-and-over crowd.

Heather Patterson, director of the continuous learning centre at Mount Allison University, organized the founding meeting at Convocation Hall last Thursday, which drew over 75 residents, and said she’s excited about the potential of a seniors college where local seniors can learn from their peers.

“We have so many wonderful seniors in the community with so much experience in many different areas. . . some very engaging, exciting, active and happening people.”

The local project would be modeled on the successful P.E.I. seniors college, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2007. Ian Scott, president of the seniors college on the Island, said the organization has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade.

“We started out small. . . we had 45 students in the first year and we offered three courses. Now we have 527 students in four locations on the Island and we have over 100 programs,” said Scott, who was on hand last week to share ideas on how to get the project off the ground.

The premise of the seniors college is based on peer learning, he explained.

“We are strong believers that we all have something to share and we’re never too old to learn.”

One of the keys to its success has been the ability to access retired professors and educators in the area, said Scott, who want to teach about engaging, entertaining topics they are passionate about.

“Our teachers have a love affair with their courses and it shows.”

The membership – at $125 – provides seniors the opportunity to take as many, or as few, courses as they would like during the semester – classes that range from alternative medicine to computer skills, genealogy to painting, life writing to astronomy, and much more.

The college co-ordinator Bruce Garrity said seniors can share skills, knowledge and experience with each other through their eight-week courses.

“This enhances the quality of life for seniors by providing them with professional-level courses and it also gives them the opportunity to experience the joy of learning.”

The P.E.I. seniors’ college is affiliated with UPEI – and uses several facilities at the university - but is operated by a separate board.

The local steering committee – made up of Heather Patterson, Pat Dixon, Barb Jardine, Art Miller, Donna Capper, Janet Hammock and Erik Hulsman – will develop the basic concept of how a seniors’ college would work in the area and will present their findings to the public

Seminar -- US Election Process

Saturday February 23, 2008
The US Election Process... Caucus? Primary? Super Delegates? Convention? Listen to Prof. Richard Kurial, UPEI Dean of Arts, explain this sometimes confusing system and ask your burning US election process questions. The seminar will be held at the UPEI Duffy Amphitheatre, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February. 23. Seminar sponsored by the Seniors College of PEI and UPEI. All Seniors College and the general public are invited to attend. Limited seating for 250. Free admission.

NEW COURSES for Spring, 2008

call Bruce Garrity at 894-2867 to register


Introduction to Astronomy
with Ron Perry (Athena Community Astronomy Club Program Director)

Start Mar. 31 7-9pm Mondays and Wednesdays in UPEI CC 101
Mon Mar 31, Wed. Apr 2, Mon Apr 7, Wed Apr 9, Mon Apr14, Wed Apr 16, Mon Apr 21, Wed Apr 23

The universe is an amazing place. Look back in time to the beginning of the universe. Take a visual trip to the planets and their moons. Speed out to the outer edges of our galaxy and see the immense vastness of outer space. Explore the birth and death of stars. Hop on board a comet and hitch a ride to your favorite wishing star. Get to know the night sky and use a telescope to see incredible sights.

Laptop Computers
Patrick Kinnear LIMIT 12
Start Apr. 18 1-4pm Fridays and Mondays in UPEI Kelly Boardroom
Fri April 18, Mon Apr 21, Fri Apr 25, Mon Apr 28, Fri May 2, Mon May 12, Fri May 16, Fri May 23

This course will cover the differences between laptops and desktops, creating and organizing files and folders, email and internet basics, configuring and using wireless connections, security software, jump drives, search engines, web browsers, software and laptop maintenance. Other topics will be added and discussed depending on the interests and/or computer experience of the participants.
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Seniors College is your organization and we request and appreciate any and all your comments and suggestions.

Contact us at 894-2867
seniorscollege@upei.ca or at
Seniors College, UPEI, 550 University Ave, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3

Seniors College had 525 members Island-wide and we thank you for membership and participation. The Board is again planning for more that 100 courses in 2008-09 and our annual Tabloid with all our offerings will be available in early September. As usual our annual registration will be in September with the actual date and time to be decided.

Have a great summer --- see you again next year!

Seniors College - Montague, PEI

Registration is planned for the first Seniors College programming in the Montague area, a landmark move for Islanders with programming now available in all three counties.

Location:

• Thursday Jan 17, 2008 1:30 - 3:00 pm,
• Montague Town Hall

Registration will take place for the following courses set to begin in February or March 2008.

• Life Writing: Kathleen Hamilton
  
• Mondays 2-5pm,
• Start Feb. 4 (6 weeks)

• Island History: David Hume
• Tues. 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 5

• Jazz For Listeners: Jim Nimmo
• Wednesdays 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 6

• Art - Basic Acrylics: Sandi Komst & Mel Giddings
• Wednesdays 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 6

• Beginner’s Bridge : Judy Fraser
• Thursdays 1-4pm
• Start Feb. 7
  

• Basic Computer : Pat Hayes
• Tuesday and Thursday's 1-3pm
• Start March 4 - Ending March 27

For information -- contact
Sheila Mallory at 838-2532
or Bruce Garrity 894-2867

COMMUNITY LEARNING OPTIONS ON PEI

Report from a regional conference hosted by Seniors College of Prince Edward Island.
notes from: AUGUST 28 2007 - TUESDAY, 9 AM SESSION:

1) PEI Seniors Federation (Annie Boyle)


Seniors Federation (SF) was formed in 1970. Today, 37 clubs belong to the SF at a cost of $5 per member and individuals have also joined. There’s a funded executive director. The Active Living Centre at UPEI now has 386 members. Meetings, workshops etc focus on life after retirement There are Elder-abuse workshops, a provincially-funded peer-helping programme in which volunteers are trained to visit and support isolated seniors and an Atlantic Housing advocacy group. Individual clubs may offer courses on crafts etc. A 55-Alive driving course costs $10-$15 per person and is taken by as many as 20 people at a time.

This year, a Works Canada-funded facilitator, George Crawford, offered 9X3 hr. computer courses for 9 clubs with 136 participants. Clubs found class space in local libraries etc. Some computers came from government surplus and were left with clubs/ seniors Participants paid, at most, any cost incurred for the location.

2) Community Schools (Shirley Moore)

These began in Tignish, Kensington and Mount Stewart as a mid-sixties Rural Development initiative when PEI communities were suffering a severe downturn in farming and fishing with the loss of family farms and local schools. Typical early course topics were typing, knitting and sewing. Today there are around 34 locations and 100 courses on topics as diverse as rug-hooking, computer use, literacy, historical buildings, geneaology, Spanish and the violin. An initial provincial government grant of $20,000 annually rose to around $43,000, was cut by 53% in 2004 and has now been re-instated at $36,000. Liability costs range from $4,000 to $5,000 annually and there is a paid provincial co-ordinator. The organisation has survived with the help of the Credit Union Central.

For Shirley, the volunteer nature of the organisation is crucial for its success. No-one is paid except the co-ordinator. PEI is unique, and uniquely successful, with this approach. Last year, 700 volunteers were involved. Courses are widely accessible because the Community School (CS) brochure goes to 62,000 homes and students pay only $10-$20 for a ten-week course. Lunch is provided each night and many classes organise a final meal so there’s a social element. Student ages range from 16 upwards with many seniors participating. Special courses for seniors are offered in 10 senior homes across PEI, for example, in Charlottetown’s Geneva Villa.

GED courses are offered in collaboration with government and CS offers a home to other courses such as Defensive Driving. Old skills are kept alive and individual opportunities created. A CS course, for example, provided a basis for the very successful business of Cavendish Figurines.

3) Holland College (Angela Larter)

Holland College offers a 20% seniors’ discount for continuing education courses. At present, seniors participate in Adult and Community Education programmes and a Seniors Computer Camp (held monthly in Charlottetown, occasionally in Summerside). They are involved in the practicuum work of dental and practical nursing programmes.

In her research for the conference, Angela saw potential for a greater focus on seniors in health-related continuing education courses as well as those concerned with literacy and ESL, cooking and customer service. Full-time courses in safety, sports and leisure and a variety of trades may interest seniors. Peer-learning opportunities could be created. Seniors might tutor or teach in ESL programmes, share their perspectives in continuing education classes or use HC resources to teach other courses.

Olive Bryanton suggested that HC consider a project similar to that of UPEI. As part of their curriculum, nursing students go to the Seniors Active Living Centre for up to a week to develop a programme with the assistance of seniors.

4) Lifelong learning at UPEI (Kelly Duffy and Bruce Garrity)

The institute’s focus is on pay-as-you-go business courses in areas such as professional development courses in topics like conflict resolution and stress management. There is no discount for seniors.

It was suggested that ten places be offered free to non-profit organisations, also that the UPEI Centennial Scholarship funding be re-instated without any limitation on the number of credit courses taken by seniors.

Community Building for Seniors Learning

Atlantic Caucus - Canadian Network for Third Age Learning

Report from a regional conference hosted by Seniors College of Prince Edward Island.

The hosting of a regional conference at UPEI on August 26, 27 and 28, 2007 was a great success with over forty participants from seven provinces. The outcomes we feel with be long lasting as participants were all committed to maintaining communication and providing advice and support to newer programs as the develop.

Goal:
The stated goal was to increase communication among organizations and individuals to enhance and develop programming that helps address the needs of adult learners today and in the future. Increase communication among educational institutions and community-based organizations to share their best practices, showing others what is working well, and helping spread the peer-learning model into new areas.

Stage One - Establish Network:

Contact was established with universities in the Atlantic region involved in senior learning, community-based programs and individuals with a research interest in the field of learning in retirement. The initial effort has established contact by email and a blog is dedicated to shared interests. Participants indicated that a listserv was the most effective method of ongoing communication and that an annual regional conference was essential.

The following provinces have been identified to host in upcoming years if possible.

• New Brunswick 2008,
• Nova Scotia 2009,
• Newfoundland 2010,
• Prince Edward Island 2011

Stage Two - Best Practices Conference:
The conference held in the Faculty Lounge at UPEI focussed on learning from similar organization and their best practices in hopes of helping existing and new organizations establish and flourish. Representatives from several universities and community groups in the region showed their interest in learning more about establishing programs.

Participants indicated that within the Atlantic region there is a need for groups work collaboratively and expand the peer-learning model into areas where there is currently no programming.

Reports:
The Seniors College web site, upei.ca/seniorscollege and the Seniors College blog seniorscollege.blogspot.com will continue to support this regional initiative with reports of the conference.


Goals

• Share research and best practices,
• Build a network that can help new groups get started,
• Share innovative ideas with on-line journals and blogs for creative writing and a virtual art gallery for students in region,
• Encourage high standards in quality adult learning opportunities for region, that support adult learning in retirement.

Name of Project – Community Building for Seniors Learning

Project’s area of interest -

• Senior’s Learning – programming for retirees,
• Arts & Culture - includes visual arts & music education as well as writing and theatre,
• Literacy – technology literacy (computer classes) and media literacy are taught.

Dates of project -

• Phase I & Phase II were completed with a regional conference on August 26, 27 and 28, 2007

Brief description of project:
To organize an active Atlantic working group under the umbrella of a national body CATALIST - that will better serve the current needs of the region. This will initiate communication among those working in the field of peer-learning for seniors at both the university and community level and lead to a regional conference in August..

This will help share best practices and help get new groups started – several groups in NS and NB have already contacted us looking for help in getting started. It will share research. We anticipate a major legacy for enhanced seniors learning and advancing peer learning models in the Atlantic region.

Outcomes:

• Representatives from all provinces in the Atlantic region as well as several community-based groups delivering or hoping to deliver programming for Atlantic seniors attended the conference and indicated interest in maintaining ongoing communication. Seniors College of PEI is maintaining communication among participants. A strong interest nationally was also achieved with leaders of the national organization CATALIST having a strong presence and with the attendance of representatives from seven provinces. Participants indicated the clear need to enhance communication nationally especially in areas of common concerns for individuals in the 50+ age group including health education issues for seniors as well as addressing broad educational needs.

• The conference brought together the community of interest along with researchers in the adult education field to share research and best practices in the region and nationally with a clear interest in working together in the future.

Evaluation: Success was shown in the participation of 40 individuals from 7 provinces and the positive reports received. One board member who holds a PhD in evaluation of educational programs put it succinctly.

A personal thank you . . . for all your work and dedication in arranging this conference. I felt that we "did ourselves proud", inspired others and ourselves, and learned a lot. It was a great success and a fine start to creating a cross-country web of connection. Your efforts were key and, as a Board member, I am very grateful to you both.

Practical events which have taken place since the event include

• Dave Mabon, Deputy Mayor of the Town of Montague, attended the conference initiated the idea of creating a branch of Seniors College in Montague, which is beginning classes in Feb 2008.
  

• Mt Allison University, has invited representatives of Seniors College of PEI to assist with a meeting with local residents interested in establishing programming in their area.

The conference would not have been possible without the financial support of:

Adult Learning Knowledge Centre / Centre du savoir apprentissage chez les adultes
Canadian Council on Learning / Conseil canadien sur l’apprentissage
University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3

Their support is greatly appreciated.

Ian Scott
President of Seniors College of PEI

A Rare Gem -- Art Linkletter

Island connections to orphans are an aspect of Island culture - Anne of Green Gables and Stompin’ Tom Connor both will receive ample attention during 2008.

Another famous orphan raised by Islanders living in Saskatchewan, TV personality, Art Linkletter is now age 95, remains active in promoting learning in retirement and can still say the darndest things -

"The Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has proven to be a rare gem and successful model for communities throughout North America."

Seniors College of Prince Edward Island appreciates Art Linkletter's interest in both UPEI and Seniors College.

Newfoundland - Learning Options for Seniors

Newfoundland - Learning Options for Seniors

Notes from the SC 2007 Conference - Atlantic Canada Seniors’ Learning Models

by Del Evans - Seniors College of PEI, board member

Presenter: Elaine Healey - NFLD (MUN)

Various organizations are involved with life-long learning and have programs for seniors including the Seniors Resource Centre of Newfoundland & Labrador that offers a variety of general interest programs. Older adults prepare programs consisting of small classes on varied topics, i.e., weather/climate, archaeology, land settlement, computers. Facilitators are retired teachers/professors. Duration is 8-10 weeks at a charge of $80/course. Cost recovery programs are necessary. College of the North Atlantic is also offers a continuing education program .

Memorial University offers Life Long Learning by utilizing a Student-Senior Connection program. Students, either with degrees or seeking one, are paired with seniors for a one-on-one instruction, particularly in computers. They visit seniors at home, set up computers and instruct in use of programs. Courses also offered at Senior housing. Promotes social interaction as well as knowledge sharing.

Fabulous at 50+Program (many participants are 70+) offers a variety of day courses: photography (digital and film), bridge, art classes, rug hooking, accordion, fiddle, singing, languages (French, Spanish and Chinese) among others.

Courses offered to seniors are primarily in the St. John’s area. They are now seeking out-reach programs.

New Brunswick - Learning Options for Seniors

Notes from the SC 2007 Conference - Atlantic Canada Seniors’ Learning Models

by Del Evans - Seniors College of PEI, board member

Presenter: Beth Paynter - NB (UNB)

Programs for 50+ are community-based. There are:

• Service groups,
• Resource groups, and
• Senior organizations

who promote healthy living by improving quality of life by staying active through physical and mental exercise.

UNB has a No Limits Program which offers a variety of courses, (some in the evening), workshops, seminars and travel. The NB Museum offers guided tours. Kits of interest are loaned to those who are house-bound. Bounty of the Bay offers courses in marine sciences through Huntsman Marine Institute in St. Andrew's as well as UNB.

NB universities are varied in the tuition costs for 65+ seniors, from pay per course, to no course charge, to others offering rebates and bursary programs.

Stepping Stone Senior Centre in Fredericton, is under the umbrella of New Horizons which offers affordable programs. Talent and experiences are shared through book groups, games, exercise, dance, music, sociology, drama and computer learning.

The Université du 3e âge du Sud-Est Inc. (UTA) is a non-profit organization whose main objective is to help seniors acquire and maintain a good quality of life. While being self-governing, UTA is affiliated with Université de Moncton where its office is located. Its Board of Directors is made up of elected seniors, councillors from the Université de Moncton and representatives from seniors’ organizations.

Université du 3e âge was established in 1978, has 5 chapters and is both a Provincial and National Association. They promote informed discussions, research, advocacy, education and senior helping senior. Although senior enrolment is rising, they realize ‘Boomer’ needs are different, so have developed a 5 year action plan (strategy). ’Move or Rust’ is a training for exercising program. It was developed to encourage exercising by promoting aqua training and a physical education program. Two sessions are offered at $100/year which includes membership.

Nova Scotia - Learning Options for Seniors

Notes from the SC 2007 Conference - Atlantic Canada Seniors’ Learning Models

by Del Evans - Seniors College of PEI, board member

Presenter: Linda MacDonald - NS (St. Mary's University)

Described three models of learning:

• Formal,
• In-formal, and
• Non-Formal

Formal: University learning toward degree.

• St. Mary’s no longer offers free tuition for seniors (65+).
• All audit or credit courses are $600.00.
• Many other NS universities do not charge a tuition to seniors (65+) participating in audit or credit courses.
• Various Life-Long Learning partnership exist with universities in Nova Scotia.
• Leadership provided by a board.
• For most seniors, learning is primary and socialization is secondary.
• Indications are that ‘Boomers’ will demand more course selection.

In-formal: Incidental/casual learning from others.

• Halifax public library offers monthly lectures free to the public.
• Love of learning is gained by offering a variety of topics, i.e., current events or timely subjects of particular interest to seniors.
• Bus tours are part of the socialization for seniors.

Non-Formal: Centered around needs of individual communities and often structured for creativity, i.e., performing and/or visual arts and variety of crafts.

• Moderators are often volunteers.
• Elder Learners is a monthly, Saturday morning, three hour lecture series offered during fall and winter on St. Mary’s campus.
• Lectures are current events, civic education, culture, heritage, science.
• There is a membership fee and a charge for lectures which includes parking and lunch.

Life long learning is a investment in human capital development. Individuals help each other by building relationships. Statistics indicate that more women, (feminization of aging is primary cause), than men participate in formal classes with percentages as high as 90%=females, 10%=males. That said, other statistics indicate many men seem to be more comfortable in In-formal and Non-formal settings. Opportunities to meet and learn from other men by participating in hands-on courses, i.e., computers, repair/restore items and work in metal or wood shop projects are successful.

Closed with a description of the Three Domains of Learning:

• Cognitive = Head;
• Affective = Heart;
• Psycho-Motor = Hand

History of Seniors College of PEI by Olive Bryanton

SENIORS COLLEGE OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
CONCEPT/MODEL
Presented at Seniors College Conference – August 26 to 28, 2007
By Olive Bryanton


THE CONCEPT
The concept of a Seniors College was introduced by Dr. Thomy Nilsson Professor of Psychology and Principal Investigator for the PEI Centre for the Study of Health and Aging. He advanced the idea of a Seniors College as a component to a longitudinal cohort study, on how education affects cognitive decline, health care costs and the quality of life experienced by persons over the age of sixty‑five.

Thomy contacted me (Olive Bryanton) to discuss the idea, and in my position as Coordinator of the PEI Senior Citizens Federation I was able to bring a focus group of seniors together to see if there was interest in such a concept. This group confirmed there was indeed interest and enthusiasm so we began working on a funding proposal.

The proposal was submitted to the Knowledge Economy Partnership seeking financial support to conduct the study and to develop the Seniors College idea. The Centre on the Study of Health and Aging provided the lead with support from Health and Social Services, the PEI Association on Gerontology, the PEI Senior Citizens Federation and Veterans Affairs Canada. Thomy and I were invited to meet with a committee from the Knowledge Economy Partnership to provide more clarity and to answer any questions I responded to their questions around the Seniors College and Thomy responded to the questions around the proposed study.

Unfortunately we did not receive funding to enable a clinical trial study, but we were granted $20,000. to do a survey and develop a business plan, and to begin the process of establishing some kind of learning opportunity for older adults if the business plan indicated that such a concept would be viable.

THE PROCESS
Our first step was to learn as much as we could about starting a learning centre, so in April 1997 Thomy, myself (Olive Bryanton), 2 Board members from the PEI Centre on the Study of Health and Aging (Joan Walsh and Debbie Connolly) and one Board member from the Seniors Federation (Mary Gallant), attended the Northeast Regional Conference of “Institutes for Learning in Retirement” in Amherst Massachusetts.

This conference was sponsored by Elderhostel Institute Network and hosted by Five Colleges Learning in Retirement. The topics included:

• How Adults Learn: Many Roads to Success,
• Getting Members Involved and Encouraging New Leaders,
• How to Develop a Good Course for the ILR Setting, Courses That Work!,
• Who Does What?: Volunteer and Staff Roles (one of the presentations for this category was given by Carolynn Rafman & Joan Walker, MILR, McGill University),
• Appreciating Peer Learning,
• Membership and Marketing,
• The Goldilocks Debate: What size is "just right" for an ILR?.

This conference proved to be extremely beneficial because many of the sessions dealt with how to start an Institute for Learning in Retirement and others dealt with course development, marketing, etc. We each attended different sessions and between us we gathered a lot of information and returned home armed with supportive materials, enthusiasm and motivation.

In May 1997 we hosted an information meeting about Institutes for Learning in Retirement and approximately 20 to 25 people attended the meeting. From that meeting seven people indicated an interest in helping to explore the possibility of establishing some type of learning opportunities for seniors on PEI.

On June 23, 1997 our first formal Steering Committee Meeting was held with 10 people in attendance. Following a discussion and agreement on process the following people were selected as the Executive:

• Olive Bryanton as Chairperson,
• Ron and Daphne Irving as Recorders, and
• Thomy Nilsson as Treasurer.

Others involved at that first meeting were: Bernice Bell, Roger Black, Jim Fraser, Pat Malone, Carl Mathis and Libby Smith. This group grew at the second meeting with the following people adding their expertise Connie Auld, David Boswell, Mary Gallant and Henry Purdy. A discussion by the Steering Committee around a name resulted in the name Seniors College of Prince Edward Island being agreed upon.

The need for the assistance of a staff person had been identified at the first meeting and a draft of the job description, hiring criteria and suggested questions for applicant interviews were adapted. Thomy met with university personnel to establish procedures for advertisement of the position on the campus. In December 2007 we hired Anna MacDonald for two days per week and she worked out of the office of the Centre for the Study of Health and Aging on Tuesday and Thursday’s.

To help with the process a business plan was required and consultant Gerry Gallant was hired to conduct a survey to gauge the interest of seniors and the viability of establishing the Seniors College. The information gathered would also be used to develop a business plan. The Executive work closely with Gerry during the process. A telephone survey of 200 seniors within commuting distance from UPEI indicated that such a concept would be a viable venture and a business plan was developed.

The most popular subject areas were computer, hobbies and special interests, followed by health, history and cultural studies. The most convenient times of day, days of week and season of the year for respondents were as follows: Winter/fall were equally most preferred semesters as first choices, and fall was preferred as second choice. Monday and Tuesday were preferred first day choices, with Thursday and Tuesday as second choices. Fifty-one percent had no preference for which day of the week. There were no strong preferences for time of day with 28% preferring morning between 10:00 AM and noon. The second choice revealed lunch time between 12 Noon and 2 PM as most preferable.

The survey attempted to identify any barriers that might prevent participation by seniors at a Seniors College. Eighty-two percent indicated they would have no barriers and 18% indicated a variety of barriers. Hearing was the highest barrier noted with a 30% mention. Transportation was noted by 17% as a barrier.

The Business Plan recommended that a logo be developed creating a unique identity for the College and should be designed to be utilized in all College literature, brochures, mailings, course materials and membership kits. A logo designed by Ron and Daphny Irving was adopted by the Steering Committee.

A brochure was developed describing the College and its programs and was utilized in the direct mail outs and distributed through out various medical offices and facilities, government offices, community centers, recreational facilities, libraries, and other public locations. The Business Plan suggested that a key factor in the launch of the College would be the interest generated in its first course offerings, thus, the Curriculum Committee were very diligently. The plan also provided governance suggestions.

The objectives for the first year were:

• To establish an administrative and partnership relationship with the UPEI
• To have an active and functioning Board with productive committees.
• To establish 1998 fall and winter sessions with a minimum of two course offerings each semester
• To recruit 100 members in the first full year of operations.
• To become a recognized and visible entity on Prince Edward Island.
• To become a recognized and visible entity on the UPEI campus.

Long Term Objectives were:

• To develop and maintain three semesters of course offerings to 200 members.
• To establish outreach programs
• To become fully self-sustaining without reliance on sponsorship.
• To establish linkages and networks with other similar colleges and institutes.
• To collaborate with UPEI when appropriate to host a summer program inviting Prince Edward Island visitors to be participants.
• To collaborate with UPEI when appropriate to sponsor an educational conference with a focus on seniors education.

In early August I was interviewed on CBC’s Maritime Noon about our desire to establish a Seniors College which resulted in Sheila Laidlaw from the Third Age Centre at St Thomas University in New Brunswick contacting me. She shared with us a report they had just completed entitled “Seniors Education Centre Report”

In August 1997 a day was set aside to formulate a mission statement, and to develop goals and objectives for the College. This day was facilitated by Morley Pinsent. To further help us we invited Sheila Laidlaw from the Third Age Centre at St. Thomas which brought another perspective to our thinking.

Other activities that were occurring simultaneous including meetings with Vice President John Crossley regarding affiliating the Seniors College with UPEI, meetings with the Director of Extension and Summer Sessions, Bill Robertson to develop a working relationship with UPEI and to help forward our Memorandum of Understanding. Ongoing research around other learning opportunities for seniors was helping us decide the model we wanted for our Seniors College. One of our contacts was the Elderhostel Institute Network (an affiliate of Institutes for Learning in Retirement) to inform them of our plans and to seek assistance. Their reply was enthusiastically welcoming and included valuable information and materials.

After much deliberation it was agreed that the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island would be affiliated with UPEI but would be an autonomous membership based, peer governed organization. A Board of Directors would be the governing body and courses would be facilitated by peers. By-Laws and Constitution was developed and the Memorandum of Understanding was reviewed and revised and presented to the University by Bill Robertson our liaison.

We signed our first Memorandum of Agreement with the University on July 8, 1998. This agreement includes responsibilities for both the Seniors College and the University and they are in part as follows:

The responsibilities the University agreed to include:

• The services of a part-time (1/3 person year) Coordinator to provide general management and administrative support.
• Adequate classroom space and associated facilities for study groups and classes.
• Recognition that the members of the Seniors= College are non-credit students of UPEI
• Appropriate marketing and promotion services through the Department of Extension
• Space for Seniors College Board and committee meetings and social events.
• The cooperation and assistance of the Director of Extension and other personnel at the Department.
• Liability insurance coverage under the UPEI insurance program for Seniors College and University jointly sponsored on-campus and off-campus activities.

The Responsibilities the Seniors College of Prince Edward Islands agreed to include:

• To provide UPEI with an education program and forum for older adults to share mutual interests in intellectual stimulation, cultural enrichment, and volunteer opportunities.
• To support UPEI's educational and cultural initiatives and it=s efforts to promote its community ties and build community support.
• To abide by the rules and regulations of UPEI and to be responsible for policy and to communicate any policy changes to UPEI officials.
• To coordinate Seniors College daily activities and programs at UPEI through the Coordinator and to liaise with the University by having an Extension Department representative as an ex-officio member on the Board of the Seniors College.
• To collaborate with the University to develop and deliver tourism-related learning opportunities for mutual benefit of the Seniors College and UPEI.
• To reimburse UPEI at the rate of $50 per course per student, plus $60 of the membership fee to defray the cost of services, facilities and supplies provided by UPEI.

The agreement was signed by Dr Elizabeth Epperly President of UPEI and Olive Bryanton as Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Seniors College of PEI

In a press release announcing the launching of the Seniors College on September 1998 it was stated that AUPEI is pleased to partner with community groups in the fulfilment of learning needs, as stated by Dr. Lawrence E. Heider and Dr. John Crossley, as UPEI supports the involvement and leadership of seniors in the planning and delivery of education programs designed for seniors.

The three non-credit courses chosen for this semester were:

• Genealogy,
• Getting to know your Brain, and
• Beginners Computer.

On December 9, 1998 a special event was held to recognize the first students to complete courses through the Seniors College. Dr Lawrence Heider Acting President of UPEI presented the certificates.

By-Laws and Constitution were developed by David Boswell and Dale Maddock and the first Annual meeting of the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island was held May 27, 1999. By this time we were in our third semester and had offered 12 courses.

At the first Annual meeting on May 27, 1999 a 12 member Board of Directors was elected by the membership

• Olive Bryanton was the first President,
• Ron Irving the 1st Vice President,
• Inga Blackett - Secretary and
• Bruce Garrity - Treasurer.

Other members of the first Board of Directors were:

• Greg Hughes,
• Connie Auld,
• Bruce Barrett,
• Bernice Bell,
• Mary Gallant,
• Mary Beth Harris,
• Dale Mattock, and
• Libby Smith.
• Bill Robertson, Director of Extension & Summer Sessions was ex-offico, as was
• Thomy Nilsson, who was considered our mentor.

As the number of courses began to grow a Facilitators Handbook was developed to provide guidelines for new course facilitators. Bruce Garrity took the lead in the development of this handbook.

We held a very successful brainstorming meeting in July at Dale Mattocks home. We invited a number of retired folks from UPEI to pick their brains and to seek advice. This proved to be a very positive meeting with a great flow of ideas and a great start to building a positive relationship with some of our retired faculty.

We made positive changes to our fee structure - membership fee was changed to $100.00 per year and entitled students to take as many of our full semester courses as they could fit into their schedule.

Course facilitators was another issue - it was becoming clear that we are asking too much of people to expect them to teach courses on a volunteer basis. Therefore, we looked at offering a small honorarium to help cover the cost of travel.

We developed a Seniors College Web Site which could be accessed through UPEI's home page. We purchased our own display board which was useful for attending trade fairs or workshops. We also purchased our own colour printer which was used for small batch items that need to be printed in colour.

In 1999 Rita Saunders became our Coordinator. Rita worked with Extension and Summer Sessions and I think she had the Seniors College added on as extra duties.
Without her I don't know what we would do, she thinks of all the minute details and is always smiling and willing to help in any way possible - in fact you can even tell by her voice on the phone that she is smiling.

Bill Robertson, Ian MacDonald and Olive Bryanton reviewed and revised the memorandum. Bill met with Vianne Timmonds, Vice President Academic to advise her of the pending changes and for her input. Bill, Ian and Olive then met with Vianne to further refine the agreement. The major changes in the Memorandum of Agreement were:

• the amount of money the university received
• the Seniors College will need to hire its own staff person (see new MOU).

These changes enabled the Seniors College to be more independent.

On October 1, 2001 International Day of Older Persons, the 2nd Memorandum of Agreement was signed by Olive Bryanton, President of Seniors College and Wade MacLauchlan, President of UPEI. Ron Irving, 1st Vice President, of Seniors College oversaw the signing and Connie Auld, Board Archivist, took pictures for our history. Pictures were also taken by the University Public Relations department.

The Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island was invited to become patron of the Seniors College of Prince Edward Island and he graciously accepted our invitation. He wanted to be more than a name on stationary and invited our Board members and spouses or a guest to dinner at Government House.

On October 13, 2001 at our 3rd Annual meeting my term as President was completed and Ron Irving capably fulfilled the role of President.

The College is a membership-based, self-directed organization and that means members have a right to decide what courses and other activities occur and a responsibility to help ensure those courses and activities happen.

The Seniors College belongs to the membership and its possibilities are as broad as their imaginations.

The successive Boards of Directors have continued to build the Seniors College of PEI and you will hear more about the progress and achievement from my colleagues.

In closing I agree with Art Linkletter’s quote of February 2007 when he said:

“The Seniors College of Prince Edward Island has proven to be a rare gem and successful model for communities throughout North America"