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.

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!!

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 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.