New Skills for the Next Step You can help close the gap in computer skills for mature adults.
The "digital divide" is a reality for many Americans. Computer and Internet skills are becoming essential in our society, but people age 65+ are still catching up. Just 33% of adults over 65 were using the Internet as of December 2006, compared to over 80% of younger people, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
You can help people develop computer skills to stay in touch with their family and friends, engaged in the community and up-to-date in the workplace. A good working knowledge of how to use a PC is important,
but you do not need to be a computer 'guru' to help someone learn; your enthusiasm and patience are what matter most!
OASIS Connections is a curriculum of computer courses for mature adults designed to build confidence and success. Classes serve a range of participants, from new computer users to people who want to update their existing skills. OASIS offers courses on introductory computer skills, email, searching the web, word processing, spreadsheets and more. With support from the AT&T Foundation, we have expanded our offerings beyond OASIS centers to community facilities where we can help people in underserved neighborhoods.
Please consider becoming part of our Connections team and sharing your computer skills with others. We will train you in our curricula and teaching methods and provide the course manuals and support you need. Volunteer opportunities include:- Instructor
- Assistant instructor
- Lab coach
- Facility liaison
- Program coordinator
If you're still unsure of what you can offer (it's more than you think!), you can check us out by sitting in and observing a current OASIS Connections class. Or learn more about the experiences of a few of our instructors, Emily Lovberg, Don Piller and Dian Odell. For details on local opportunities please see the volunteer listings in your community: