More seniors navigate the information superhighway
By Susan Nienow CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Bob and Virginia Bossong learn the basics of Microsoft Word during a class offered through the Lifelong Learning Institute of Chesterfield.

Seniors are getting caught up in the World Wide Web in greater numbers every year, using computers to buy collectibles on eBay, e-mail their grandchildren and research their family histories. Even the skeptics are joining classes so they can keep in touch with family members electronically even if they leave the more complex tasks to others.

Joanne Lurie is a computer instructor for the Lifelong Learning Institute of Chesterfield (LLI) and says seniors are "wonderful students." They want to know how to "e-mail their grandchildren and look up information. They want to know how to organize their files so they can find information they save." About 50 percent of her students shop online even though many have to first get past their fear of putting their credit card numbers online.

Lurie includes information about Internet safety, virus protection and firewalls in her classes. Another computer class offered by the county school system's Office of Adult Continuing Education called "Fear of Internetting" covers similar topics.

Pam Bachman, assistant manager of the Chester Library, teaches computer classes at that branch. The classes are one-hour, small, restricted to six students, and free. "Meet the Mouse" is for beginners with exercises that teach the basics like how to scroll, fill in forms, drop down menus and cut and paste. Her oldest student was 90 years old.

Seniors often come as couples - they bring a friend or they are mothers and daughters. Some repeat the class several times until they feel comfortable.

"It opens up a whole new world for them. There's a sparkle in their eyes," explained Bachman.

Mike Sowden teaches intermediate computer and digital photography classes at LLI. His digital photography class answers the question: "once you take the picture, what do you do with it?" He keeps the classes a manageable size so he can accommodate the various skill levels. "I find the students to be really fun," Sowden added.

Ellen Pinnow is an example of the many seniors who are now online. She shops on eBay and other sites about once a month, usually for small things. Many seniors find it easier to shop online because there is no walking or bags to carry and gifts can be sent directly.

Pinnow also uses the Internet to make travel arrangements, but points out, "Some things work out well, and with others I hit a brick wall and have to pick up the phone. There is no learning curve," said Pinnow. "It changes all the time."

Other common uses for the Internet for seniors include accessing medical information, sending and receive photos, researching vacation spots and communicating with their peers. Where to learn Chesterfield County Public Schools'

Office of Adult Continuing

Education off ers

computer classes at

reduced rates for

seniors ages 60 and

older who have a Super Senior Passport. Some classes are free

on a space available

basis. Fees may be

charged for supplies

or other expenses.

For information on the Super Senior Passport, call 748-1405, and for Adult Continuing Education, call 768- 6140 or visit www.chesterfield.k12.va.us and click on "Instruction" and then "Adult Continuing Education."

The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) also off ers computer classes to members. Students can learn about Internet safety, how to save files and how to use the computer to enhance their lives. The computer classes are held at John Tyler Community College's Midlothian campus. Yearly membership at LLI is $100. For information on LLI, call 378-2527 or visit www.llichester field.org.

The Shepherd's Center of Chesterfield off ers computer classes for small groups of no more than six seniors. The classes are held at the Chester Library. For information, call 706-9198 or visit www.shep ctrchesterfield.org.

Chesterfield libraries also off er computer classes. For information, call 748- 1601 or visit www.chesterfield.gov and then click on "County Departments," followed by "Libraries" and "Library Programs."