Intergenerational Learning: College Students and older Adults

Abstract

This chapter describes the successful formation of an intergenerational computer-tutoring project between college pre-service teachers and senior adults living in a retirement community. Service-learning methodology used as a framework is described and the results of the first year of implementation is documented. The authors hope that this can be a model for other universities interested in community-based learning projects. First, the authors give the need for computer training for senior adults. They describe the process of matching college students enrolled in technology courses with residents of a local retirement home. They explain the knowledge, skills, and dispositions gained by the college students in the process of tutoring and the project benefits enjoyed by the senior adults. Popular Internet sites for the elderly user are listed and improvements for future implementation are noted.