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Welcome to the
Hot Springs SeniorNet Learning Center
Our
Mission
The Hot Springs SeniorNet Learning Center is one of over 140
SeniorNet locations throughout the U.S. and is based on the belief
that helping older adults to acquire and then apply computer
literacy skills will not only enhance their self-esteem but will
also allow them to have access to a world of information available
in today's technology oriented society. The Hot Springs SeniorNet
Learning Centers 100% volunteer staff is intent on carrying out the
SeniorNet National organizations mission to provide older adults
education for and access to computer technologies to enhance their
lives and enable them to share their knowledge and wisdom.
SeniorNet also operates the SeniorNet web site at
www.seniornet.org. SeniorNet
is the only organization to recognize that the key to getting
seniors online is to teach them how to use a computer! Older adults
have special needs and SeniorNet has been the leader in developing
curriculum and tools to accommodate this audience.
Our History
In 1993, St. Joseph's Mercy Health Center and SBC had
the vision to bring a SeniorNet Learning Center to Hot Springs,
Arkansas. With space and computers donated by St. Joseph, Hot
Springs SeniorNet opened its doors using 5 computers and the
teaching and learning tools provided by SeniorNet. For
the next several years with just 4 dedicated instructors, classes
ran at full capacity. In 1996 a second learning center was opened in
the St. Joseph's McAuley Senior Center to accommodate Hot Springs
Village area seniors.
In 2003 the original Hot Springs Learning Center was relocated from
St. Joseph's Hospital to their sponsored Senior Center in Hot
Springs on Woodbine Ave. At this new location expansion quickly
increased from 5 computer's to 9 and then, in 2005, by and adding
another classroom with 8 additional computers. New courses were
added and an increased number of volunteer instructors enabled
expanding the available class days and times. From 20-30 students
per session in the early 90's, the program has grown to a record
average of 170 students per session.
Our Programs and Our Technology
Our overall programs are based on
the national headquarters guidelines. We have three sessions
annually. Each session consists of an eight week series of classes.
Each class is approximately one and a half hours long. All classes
are hands on, so each student has use of a computer and our 17
classroom computers all have the same program formats. All students
are provided with a manual specifically written for each course
subject. The manual is included in the course fee which is nominally
$20.00 per course subject for each eight week session plus a $40
annual membership fee to SeniorNet National.
In addition, several ½ day workshops on computer related topics are
scheduled during the year. All of the classes and workshops are
taught by volunteer instructors and coaches who are in the same age
categories as the students. In fact most all staff members are
former students. The lessons are also structured for the learning
pace of the senior student. In addition to our courses and
workshops, we offer several seminars a year that are held off site
at the Garland County Public Library.
The 50+ age group is a generation of American's that, typically,
left the workplace before computer literacy was a required job
skill. Now, they see their children using computers at the home and
at the office; they see their grandchildren doing homework on
computers; they hear and read about the Internet - and they feel
left behind. We provide the students, even those who have never
before used a computer, basic computer skills such as: how to turn
the system on and off; how to use the mouse to "drag and drop" and
"point and click", how to write, edit, save and print a letter; how
to manage personal finances; and how to access and use the Internet
and other online services to send e-mail to family and friends. In
addition to learning basic computer literacy skills, students are
offered a variety of additional advanced courses offered at our
learning center. In addition to teaching the basic computer skills,
we also introduce the student to the utilization of peripheral
equipment such as scanners, printers, external drives, digital
cameras and similar equipment, as well as types of software that are
available in the marketplace.
SeniorNet is a remarkable organization and we here in Hot Springs
are proud to be able to offer all that they do for all of us to you!
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