Learning to click after 50!

By V. Geetanath

HYDERABAD, DEC. 15. They all sat huddled in the small classroom listening attentively to their teacher. The striking aspect was that the teacher was half the age of his `students' who were all well past their retirement.

So, what is it that has made this 20-odd elderly persons return to the classroom, ideally a place for their grandchildren? Computers! This senior citizens' group had joined a unique three- week computer learning course being conducted for those above 50 years at the Heritage Hospital in Somajiguda.

The classes were part of its newly-launched `Third-age school of learning' where basic computer skills are taught. With the four- hour course, two hours of lectures and equal time on the computer daily, these elderly persons get to learn how to operate a computer, making files, sending e-mails and Net browsing.

Says Mr. K.R. Gangadharan, Director, Heritage Hospital, "We wanted to provide an opportunity to the senior citizens to become computer literate and also the prospect of a second career on the Internet. It also gives them a sense of independence." Plus, of course, the chance to be in sync with the present computer savvy generation.

One of the reasons why these elderly persons had enrolled themselves in the course (costing Rs. 1,000) was because they were too embarrassed to seek the help of their grandchildren. Recalls Mrs. Sarojini, a student, "I was abashed when my grandson wondered how I could have been a graduate without knowing anything about the computer!"

"A cyberworld is in the making with the Net being used for many works like banking or purchasing goods. It is essential to know these skills," avers Mr. V. Guruswamy, a retired executive. While Mr. V.C. Rao, former railway engineer, thinks it helps him send e-mails, the cheapest form of communication these days.

Another student, Mr. Vishwanathan, puts things in the right perspective, "Since we are going to live for at least for 10 to 15 years, we cannot afford to be computer illiterate." Learning is a never ending process and one has to keep learning till the last breath, says Mr. Krishna Ajay, another retired technocrat.

The role played by the computer as a companion cannot be undermined either. As Messrs. Vishwanathan and Rao point out with a laugh: "After this, we do not need to search for partners to play chess or bridge". They all, however, agree that "it is wonderful to be back in the classroom".

A few of the students already have computers in their houses but those are operated by their younger family members. Once, they complete the course some of them who had joined along with their wives intend to buy a separate computer, all for themselves.

What does the young teacher has to say about his older students. "Many are familiar with the computer but not the Net. They are enthusiastic and do not feel shy in asking questions. But, I have to be more patient with them," says Krishna, instructor.

The hospital director says he intends making the course a continuous one upgrading the content if necessary. These senior citizen students are making a very valid statement in their resolve - that they want to be part of the new generation economy.

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Section  : Southern States
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