GRUNDTVIG PROJECT

Learning in Later Life: Students to Senior Citizens: ICT and Inter-Generation Communication

LESSON PLAN TEMPLATE

Title: Level:Beginners Prepared by: Marja Liisa Toivanen

Subject: New techonoly	Technology/Equipment/Supplies needed: 11 computers
Topic: How to use my computer
Lesson lenght: One session: four lessons each 45 minutes	Notes: Age of the participants:65-86. They had never used computers. Many people get a computer from their children, but are not able even to open it.
Task/Objectives: To make the participants familiar with computers
Description of Activity/Activities There was a short lecture about computers, what they are and what are the names of various parts. The tuition was started by opening and closing the computers. Handling the mouse was practiced. These activities took the two sessions in the forenoon. After the lunch writing and saving a short message was practiced.

Verification (steps to check for student understanding):

The participants were asked to tell as soon as they did not understand the teachers. The teachers moved all the time round the class-room to help with individual problems. The participants worked in pairs and the aim was to form the pairs so that at least one of them was somewhat familiar with the topic.

Resources: The two voluntary workers of Foibe. Computers in the classroom, 1-2 for two participants. A computer with projector for the teachers.

It is very important that the teachers understand the needs and possibilities of the participants. No jargon and the atmosphere must be joyful and relaxed.

Students are engaged in:

x independent activities

cooperative learning

x peer tutoring

visuals

simulations

x pairing

x hands-on

x whole group instruction

others

Author Notes:

Proceeding very slowly is a must. No jargon can be used. Not necessary to tell how computers function, but just help to learn how to write a document. Even internet is left for a more advanced course.

The problem was that handling of the mouse was very difficult for some participants. Some of them do not yet have a computer at home so there is very little possibilities for individual practicing.

The positive result is that almost everybody found the session rewarding and they look forward to new courses.

For these beginniner a course of let say 5 sessions might be useful.