COMPANIONSHIP WHILE LEARNING ICT

Purpose

The purpose of the program is intergenerational cooperation in an activity that benefits both generations.

The student and pensioner, who did not know each other before, get to know each other and connect through work which is beneficial for both. The older person learns the necessary skills of using a computer, tablet or smart phone. The student tries on the role of a teacher as he/she passes on his/her computer skills to the older person. At the same time they learn from each others life experience, memories and life events. Young people learn about aging and about elderly in a positive light, and the elderly learn from their young teachers necessary computer skills. The program also contributes to the promotion of useful and quality volunteering and solidarity among generations.

Implementation

The program starts each autumn, and then takes place throughout the school year. The students and the elderly attend a short training before starting their learning companionship. Throughout the school year, pairs spend time together learning computer skills or other ICT - each student teaches only one older person how to use the computer or other ICT. Couples usually meet at the premises of the high schools and secondary schools or at the premises of the Anton Trstenjak Institute. The coordinator from the Institute monitors couples during the year and advises them on possible problems and answers questions by e-mail or phone. The coordinator also visits each pair from time to time. Once a year, the coordinator organizes a supervision meeting - separately for the elderly and for the young people. At the end of the school year, there is a festive joint meeting of all the pairs in one of the participating secondary schools or gymnasiums.

Results

Analysis of the evaluation students and retired people performed at the end of each school year showed, that over the year both of the two main objectives of the program Companionship while learning computer skills and other modern ICT were met: 1. The student taught the pensioner how to use a computer, 2. both parties experienced a good intergenerational relationship.

Here are some examples:

"I liked that I established a good relationship with an older person, the fact that I learned to speak slowly, to listen and to be patient."

"I very much enjoyed the intergenerational gatherings - Mrs. and I shared a lot of experiences."

"The Intergenerational companionship enriched me; it is an experience I would gladly repeat."

 "The meetings were great, I taught her a lot and I learned a lot myself. I liked that in addition to observing the functioning of a computer system we talked about all sorts of things, from philosophy to cooking. "

"I wanted to be like her, I also want to be active at an older age as she is."

"The preparation for this companionship was very useful, because I realized that something can also go wrong in the relationship. I did not expect a relationship without problems. I thought that we wouldn't get along so well and I was positively surprised. "

"I think it was the most useful for me to do something that is beneficial to someone else and to me at least one hour per week instead of wasting time.  I love that I experienced how it is to be a teacher. "

Some of their statements:

"I liked the individual approach. My teacher fulfilled my wishes and we expanded my horizons. It awakened abilities in me which I didn't even know I had. He introduced the computer to me particularly well and in a way I could understand it. I got a different view on this matter. I learned a lot, because the teacher has an extraordinary ability to pass on knowledge, and work with a person. "

"All meetings were very nice and I must say that I am happy with the experience and it was very nice for me. It was great. I had a pleasant and above all a very smart teacher. "

"I had a great time and enjoyed the company of the younger person. «

"I liked the way of the teacher: She was always ready and with patience she helped me to get hold of the content. I would like to continue learning with her. "

"The companionship was very nice. I learned many new things about computer science; I also learned many interesting facts from the life of young people. My companion is full of knowledge that interested me as well. "

"I learned a lot of new things and above all I communicated with the younger generation in a relaxed way."

"Orderliness and serenity of this young person while spending time with me has contributed to my better self-esteem and partly to the progress in my treatment."

"I especially liked that I was personally prepared for the meetings: I tried to focus on the other person and the topic of conversation. I note that I "lean" towards distraction, short attention, and poor concentration. Meetings were also an interesting experience from this point of view; for me they were a challenge, a training of self-discipline and communication"