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August 17, 2008 Volunteers invaluable in helping others learn computer skills
Since April of 2000 the volunteers at SeniorNet have been performing a labor of love. Over 2500 students have passed through the doors of the Southwest Michigan SeniorNet Computer Learning Center. The interesting thing about this group is that many of the volunteers began in 2000. They stay because they enjoy what they do and because they see people benefiting from their efforts.
The volunteers don’t need any prodding. They are pretty much self-directed. There is a Volunteer Coordinator, but all he has to do is send out an email saying an instructor is sick or “we need a coach on Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 to 4:00” or “we are having a mailing party to get these 1400 newsletters out”. Once the need is known someone volunteers right away.
A group of seven or eight of the SeniorNet volunteers comprises the SeniorNet roundtable, which meets once every three months to determine which courses will be offered the next quarter. They consider student requests, evaluate the equipment in the lab, and determine which of the volunteers has the appropriate expertise. There is usually a discussion of national trends for home computing. Then the schedule is set.
Many of our courses have been written in their entirety by the instructors. Putting a course together, along with the many handouts is not something that is accomplished overnight. Many hours of writing, reviewing, and practicing the presentation are needed for a successful course. Then the volunteer coaches get in the act. They have to practice all the lessons so they can answer questions based on their knowledge of the subject.
Many of our volunteer coaches were former students. The coaches, by the way, are folks who stand behind the students watching to see if they are following what the instructor is saying. If they notice a student who appears to be falling behind, they point out what the instructor wanted them to do. As a last resort the coach might offer to drive (handle the keyboard and mouse) just long enough to catch the student up to everyone else. If the coach sees a student who is hopelessly lost they have the authority to stop the class until they can bring them up to speed. That way everyone has an enjoyable lesson.
The instructors are usually retired folks who worked in information technology or who learned computers on their own. They have a certain area they know well and want to share that knowledge.
Our volunteers seem to like each other’s company. They enjoy good camaraderie and some close friendships have been formed.
If you think you might be interested in being a volunteer give us a call. You can call 269-983-4232 to talk to Dennis at the St. Joseph classroom or call 269-757-0218 to talk to Mary Ellen at the Benton Harbor classroom. We also have laptops and a projector. If you want to volunteer to teach one of our mobile classes contact me at 269-982-7742.