JACKSON, MI – As the world becomes more and more technology-centric, a Jackson County university has opened up its services to ensure no one is left behind, no matter their age or experience level.
Free weekly “Technology Help for Seniors” sessions pair Jackson University Solution Center student employees with senior members of the broader Jackson County community. The program was launched in the summer of 2023 by Kathleen Crowley, Jackson College's senior community affinity liaison, and has served residents in the 65 and older age group each semester this school year.
“Jackson College is very committed to serving the senior community, and one of the things we're seeing is an enthusiasm and willingness to learn technology,” Crowley said. Told. “For a lot of (older adults), it's something new. It's something they didn't grow up with, but it's something they're very interested in.”
For many seniors in the Jackson County community, gaining experience with technology opens up a “whole new world” of being able to more effectively connect with family and feel less alone, Crowley said.
Sessions are held every Tuesday from 11:30am to 3:30pm in the university's William Atkinson Hall. Sessions will be held until April 30th at the end of the semester.
The university's Student Success Center has proven to be a valuable resource for seniors seeking technical assistance, Crowley said.
Crowley said many of the help session participants are looking to colleges instead of talking to family members who don't have the time or patience to resolve laptop or phone issues with older family members.
This was one of the reasons Wanda Beavers initially sought help from the university.
“I have grandchildren who help me with this, but they don't have the patience,” Beavers said. “They're like, 'Grandma, do this, do that,' and I'm still stuck there. I didn't know how to use a computer at all, and I never tried. After that. , (smartphone) phones came out, and now you can do everything on your phone.”
Beavers, known to many in Jackson as community activist “Mama Tutu,” has been learning new technology tricks each week in April with the help of Jacob Smith, an IT assistant at Jackson College.
Beavers said he has benefited greatly from Smith's guidance, as the 23-year-old helped him navigate the apps on his phone. Mr. Beavers, an avid attendee at his Cascade Baptist church, is especially grateful to be able to read Bible verses on his cell phone.
“The younger generation is very quick at texting and they know a lot about phone calls, but I don't know anything about it. I can't even put people on hold if I wanted to,” Beavers said. “This new technology is great, but we know we're going to have to have it sooner or later, because it's going to be a world of computers and new technology.”
Crowley said the weekly schedule maintains a “relaxed” atmosphere as students work one-on-one to address each senior's individual needs.
On average, about three to four seniors sign up each week, and some, like Beaver, choose to attend almost every week.
Registration is required to attend each session. If you are interested in receiving technical support or advice, please call Crowley at 517-325-3364.
Jackson University plans to continue offering sessions next summer term and beyond, but another date and time may be announced at a later date.
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