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.

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.

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

On-Line Registration

On-line registration is now available for the regional conference on learning for those age 50+.
Hosted at UPEI August 26-28, 2007 and it will be held on campus in Charlottetown.

UPEI Hosts Regional Conference - Best Practices for Seniors Learning

Peer learning for those 50+ is a growing area of activity and interest in Canada and internationally. With the success that PEI has seen with Seniors College of Prince Edward Island, the choice of PEI as the location of a regional conference on seniors learning is very appropriate. The dates are August 26-28, 2007 and it will be held on campus at UPEI in Charlottetown.

It is hoped that through the conference a stronger regional network within the Atlantic region will assist with development of new opportunities for seniors.

A website has now been established for the conference. All suggestions are welcome.

Please spread the word to anyone that may share an interest in establishing a seniors college in their area - or sharing with other how their current program is going.

It's Never Too Late to Learn

Seniors College of PEI continues to sees tremendous growth with numbers climbing to over 400 members in the fall 2006 enrolment.

Programs in both Charlottetown and Summerside, welcomed returning members, and new members for a great fall start. Programs are offered in eight week segments, with courses starting in September, January and the spring.

Her Honour, Barbara A. Hagerman, the Lieutenant Governor, is the Patron of Seniors College, which is affiliated with UPEI. Kinsey Smith, MD is the President and Bruce Garrity the overall coordinator. He is assisted by Summerside coordinator Don Anderson. With growing interest throughout Kings Co., efforts are underway to develop programming in Montague in the future.

The College is continuously striving to keep programs offerings exciting so are on the look out for new courses and facilitators to present new offerings. The coordinators welcome any suggestions. With no exams, tests or homework to worry about, learning is purely for fun. Most members find this approach very satisfying, and that learning new skills is easier with others.

Besides offering courses to members in the age 50+ range, Seniors College also has social events from time to time. The fall social which is held on campus, includes readings from students in the Life Writing class, and coral music from the Voices 50+ class.

Locally the name Seniors College is used, and the program is affiliated with UPEI, but in other places programs have grown in unique ways. The Canadian Network for Third Age Learning, acts as a point of contact among the various programs and operates an email newsletter and listserv called CATALIST.

Canadian programs tend to have unique names like: Of Course You Can, Learning in Retirement,
L.I.F.E Institute (Learning is For Ever), ElderCollege Chilliwack, Université du 3ième âge – Sudbury, Later Life Learning Kingston, Creative Retirement Manitoba.

On the international level, many programs use the terminology related to Third Age - which derives from the roots of the program in Toulouse France, in 1972 and the name Université du 3ième âge. The name relates to the idea of distinct stages of life with retirement following both childhood and the adult years when work is often the major focus. The founding of AIUTA (International Association of Universities of the Third Age) in France, maintains a connection among similar programs internationally. U3A is the terminology that is often used in the UK and Australia.

Programs all use peer-learning in which facilitators bring their passion and knowledge of their subject, and students bring their life experience and interest in learning new things. The College has been extremely lucky that PEI is an attractive retirement location, and thus retired professors from several Canadian universities, are currently offering classes at Seniors College of PEI. Other instructors who are working, take time off, in order to teach.

While peer-learning for seniors began before the Internet existed, at a time that baby boomers were beginning careers, the future may be quite different than the past. Rapid growth in the numbers of individuals aged 50+ , could expand the concept far beyond the current success it enjoys. This will require solid planning, and innovation to ensure quality programming continues.

Learning from similar organization elsewhere and their best practices may help existing and new organizations get started and flourish. Currently other universities in Canada have learned of the success on PEI and are interested in learning how to establish a similar program. Past president of Seniors College, Ivan Dowling is much sought after, as a speaker, by retired faculty in other universities keen to learn about the PEI model. A video also provides an overview of the program on PEI.

Addressing the intellectual needs of seniors in residential care, by expanding learning opportunities for individuals who no longer living independently, could be an important, and growing area to examine in the future. Individuals who are care givers at home likewise have special needs, but limited time away from their responsibilities.

In Australia where geography can be daunting, U3A Online was created as the world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet. They state that “All that's needed to study online is access to a computer with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills. Our courses are open to all older people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including careers).”

In China the Association of Universities for the Aged, (CAUA) has an important role in developing programs. With 19,300 programs and 1.81 million members now involved, Chinese retirees are very active in enjoying education opportunities.
Publish
The Seniors College web site, www.upei.ca/seniorscollege is a good resource.

For anyone interested in learning more or signing up it is a simple as calling either Bruce Garrity at 894-2867 or Don Anderson at 436-9575 or emailing Seniors College of PEI

And yes - it's never too late to learn.

2007 is 35th Anniversary Internationally

The Université du 3ième âge - is a concept that has circled the globe and flourished since it first developed in Toulouse, France, in 1972. It is often called U3A in the UK and Australia.


AIUTA (International Association of Universities of the Third Age) was founded in France, and now maintains a connection among similar programs internationally.

In Australia where geography can be daunting, U3A Online was created as the world-first virtual University of the Third Age delivering online learning via the Internet. They state that “All that's needed to study online is access to a computer with an Internet connection - and some basic computing skills. Our courses are open to all older people anywhere in the world. They are especially suited to older members of the community who are isolated either geographically, or through physical or social circumstances (including carers).”

In China the Association of Universities for the Aged, (CAUA) has an important role in developing programs. With 19,300 programs and 1.81 million members now involved, Chinese retirees are very active in enjoying education opportunities.

Around the World -- Learning in Retirement

The concept of peer-learning for retirees and those approaching retirement is not new, although the organized approach involving universities has roots in conference held in 1972 in France. A British organization called the U3A Trust, helps to connect various local efforts. Many international organizations use terminology which translates in English as the University of the Third Age - and is abbreviated as U3A.

In Canada each organization seems to have a unique name (as unique as the regions of Canada themselves). Some of the names include

• L.I.F.E Institute -- Learning is For Ever
• Of Course You Can
• Learning in Retirement
• Université du 3ième âge – Sudbury
• Later Life Learning Kingston
• Creative Retirement Manitoba
• ElderCollege Chilliwack
• ElderWeb Alberta
• National Academy of Older Canadians

The organization in Canada, which is uniting similar educational organization for 50+ learners, is CATALIST

Welcome to Seniors College of Prince Edward Island

Seniors College of PEI - is affiliated with UPEI, and offers a variety of educational opportunities for member of the 50+ organization. Based on the peer-learning model it is a great way to have fun and learn new things.
Check it out through our website.