quick tips for a senior friendly computer classroom a toolkit for trainers

Quick Tips

FOR A SENIOR FRIENDLY

COMPUTER CLASSROOM

A Toolkit for Trainers

5 Quick Steps

Create an Environment for Learning

Present Information Clearly

Help Students Stay Focused

Help Students Retain Information

Accommodate Physical Changes

Create an Environment for LearningPut Students at Ease

Introductions, accomplishments, use of technology, sturdiness

Tell Students What to ExpectAgenda, hands-on, truth about frustration

Make It Easy to Ask for HelpClassroom aides, inconspicuous help, written questions

Present Information ClearlyMake Sure You are Understood

Talk slowly and clearly but not down

Use pauses, preview upcoming activities

Encourage QuestionsAsk for questions, time to formulate, no “stupid” ones

Everyone should hear questions and answer

Demonstrate answers if possible

Help Students Stay FocusedStay Focused on the Goals

Stay on Task

Keep Discussions on Track

Minimize Distractions

Help Students Retain Information

Repeat and Reinforce

Use Written and Visual Information

Provide Hands-on Practice

Schedule Sessions Close Together

Accommodate Physical

Changes:

Vision and HearingArrangement of classroom, monitors, specific web sites

Sound check, hearing aids, face class

Motor Skills and Other Physical Changes

Eye-hand coordination, arthritis, tremors

Temperature, wheelchair/walker, stretch breaks

High contrast with large labelsBraille

Accessible keyboards

Trackballs