RETIREES ARE FASTEST GROWING GROUP OF INTERNET USERS
UNIVERSITY OUTREACH AND EXTENSION RESPONDS WITH IN-DEPTH TRAINING

The subject matter is new. The program delivery method has a history of more than 75 years of success.

Since the early 1900's University Extension has had a history of success teaching early adaptors and community innovators about farming practices and family living practices that would improve lives. In turn, the early adaptors and innovators tried the new methods and then turned around and taught their friends and neighbors about the new practices. Today the cutting edge subject matter is computer technology and the Internet.

"It is a pleasure to work with retiress and to see how the Internet helps people keep in touch with family members coast to coast and around the work. Thanks to the Internet they can communicate in a very cost effective manner. In addition, Seniors are interested in information available from the Internet. They’re enthusiastic learners," comments Don Day, class organizer.

The retirees enrolled for a number of reasons, including to learn and understand the Internet and E-mail, to learn how to access the Internet and appropriate computer equipment needed.

The classes focused on knowledge and use of the Internet. Were the retirees and instructors successful? "Absolutely!" says Cynthia Crawford, program evaluator. When the level of knowedlge and use of the Internet by the learners before attending classes was compared with their self ratings at the conclusion of class, there was no doubt the sessions were effective. There was a statistically significant increased in knowedge and use of all major instructional areas:

• the Internet
• Internet service providers
• E-mail
• searching the World Wide Web
• downloading files from the Internet
• understanding advertisements for computers
• browser programs
• virus protection
• evaluating information on the Internet

Retirees reported they really enjoyed the classes. They appreciated all the computer demonstrations and learning not only from the instructors but also from each other. Nearly half of the class is already asking for further instruction on computers and the Internet.

(Programmer: Don Day. Cynthia Crawford - evaluation and reporting)

University Outreach and Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.