Yesterday, I went to Lutheran Services Society for my first service learning experience. It was a church that had various classes offered to senior citizens. I was in a computer class for beginners. The program has been operating since 2000 and it is part of Senior Net. The website for Senior Net is seniornet.org. Norm Mass the supervisor of the center said they only allow between 7-8 students at a time to ensure that everyone can be helped with one-on-one coaches. The class had an instructor and two coaches that walked around the room to help assists students if they needed help. The instructors and coaches all must complete training before working in the class this is why I can only observe due to the fact that it would take me more time then allowed. Also Norm stated that they prefer to have seniors teach the class due to the compatibility with the students in terms of age. They did let me come in to observe which is normally against their policy; for which I am grateful. Students were given a handout which consisted of how to turn on the computer, how to use the mouse, and how to open/close a document, and how to play solitaire. The class was focused on the very basic computer operating skills. The class is two-hours long and students were given a 10-minute break. After the break the instructor went over what was learned. The learning environment was meant to be very relaxing, and when students asked questions their questions were put down but instead encouraged. The instructor encouraged the students by stating that the questions were not stupid, and that is why they are here to learn. He further went on to help students when needed. The instructor’s background is in Firefighting. I didn’t have a chance to ask a lot of questions due to time, and other matters. Students do have a chance to come to open lab hours during the week to practice what they learned. A couple of students stated they were retired teachers. One was a speech teacher, and the other lady was a retired teacher from the University of Pittsburgh where she worked as a teacher in the education department. The classroom itself looked very much like a regular computer classroom. The instructor gave instructions on how to use the keyboard in case there were some students who couldn’t use the mouse. One student had a hard time operating the mouse due to not being used to operating it. The exercised were designed for this.
After the class was over, I did want to scream. At the end of the class the instructor took wanted a picture of everyone, and they wanted me in it to. I complied but I did not feel comfortable since it was the first time meeting them. The lady that was the retired teacher from Pitt wanted me to help her with an online resume. I felt I could not do this due to the fact that I was there to observe (not permitted to help out), plus time constraints (I had to go to class and I am very busy during the week), and I felt after the classes are over she should be able to do it for herself. After I got home, I did feel a bit used, or like she was trying to take advantage of me, because I was there. I would be glad to help, but I do have other responsibilities. I immediately took my seventeen month old daughter for a walk just to clear my head, and relax.
Reflection: I am not sure why I felt used. The class was like any other class I have been in. Learning is learning no matter how big or small it may be.
