But then I put thegoggles on one of the residentsand sent him to Rome.
There is a screen, so everyone else can see what he sees as he explores the city streets.
Then everyone was asking to go next.
I work as a technology concierge at the Watermark at Napa Valley in California.
Its a three-story retirement community with about 40 residents, ranging from their 70s to 90s.
But the jobs become different as they learn more.
I helped her with social media and email so that she could transition to the digital world.
Another resident is an artist and author.
I helped herscan and print documents, and did some research for her work.
I also created videoslideshows out of some of the residents old photos.
They have had really interesting lives so far.
Its really nice to see them opening up to technology and each other.
Its also rewarding to see a resident take what I taught them and use it.
I see them start to order their own things online, and they know where their passwords are saved.
I think people around my age expect older learners to understand instantly, like its nothing.
But they have to learn about the icons and the symbols we grew up with.
To them, its almost a different language.
Teacher learns value of patience
The key is to be patient.
Otherwise, they get turned off to the idea, and they wont want to touch technology.
A lot of residents apologize when they ask for my help with technical problems.
There is no need for that.
They dont need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Its what I am here for.
And they teach me things, too.
I take as much advice from them as I can.
We may approach the idea of learning technology as something formal, serious and arduous.
Chances are it will then incite a sense of apprehension or fear.
But even small improvements can be a great confidence booster," he says.
“My top tech tip for older learners is to treat the experience like playing.
“Start by setting a goal and visualizing what ‘winning’ would look like.
Have fun with it.
Learn more:Senior Planet offersfree online classesand has a technology support hotline at 888-713-3495.
