Classes, Training & Services
Description of Service
Senior Surf’s aim is to decrease the digital divide that exists among the elderly population in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We will carry out this goal by providing affordable, in-home, mobile computer classrooms to retirement centers and senior homes throughout the region. Additionally, Senior Surf offers one-on-one private lessons covering all facets of computer literacy, all customized to meet your needs and interests.
Senior Surf’s aim is to decrease the digital divide that exists among the elderly population in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. We will carry out this goal by providing affordable, in-home, mobile computer classrooms to retirement centers and senior homes throughout the region. Additionally, Senior Surf offers one-on-one private lessons covering all facets of computer literacy, all customized to meet your needs and interests.
Our multi-pronged service is to provide senior citizens with:
- On-location Computer and Internet Classes
- One-on-One Computer Tutoring
- Access to Affordable Computer Technology
- Computer Maintenance, Installation, and Upgrades
- Interactive Website and Learning Center
- Quarterly Newsletter
1) Computer and Internet Classes
Senior Surf’s approach to instruction is a fun, focused and experiential approach to learning. Furthermore, we make the foreign language of technology as accessible and friendly as possible.
Senior Surf’s approach to instruction is a fun, focused and experiential approach to learning. Furthermore, we make the foreign language of technology as accessible and friendly as possible.
Through example, visual aids and lecture, the instructor illustrates the “how-to” of the lesson by demonstrating a step-by-step procedure on how to complete the exercise. The student, after the instruction, is asked to complete an assigned exercise on his or her own based upon the lecture and demonstration. We have customized handouts and tools for each lesson. Experiential learning is the key, where the student applies what has been presented to them and learns through doing.
The Classes
We offer Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced classes. Students can take each level as many times as they like. Course offerings include, but are not limited to:
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A full lesson plan summary is available here. Or you can contact us if you would like to receive a copy.
Macintosh/Apple computers and lesson plans are also included.
The Instructors
Senior Surf computer trainers consists of both paid staff and volunteers from the local community. Instructors are specially trained individuals who are knowledgeable of key Internet technologies; demonstrate the ability to instruct on the topic of computer education; and show a fundamental ability to instruct computer technology to an elderly population with creativity and compassion.
Senior Surf computer trainers consists of both paid staff and volunteers from the local community. Instructors are specially trained individuals who are knowledgeable of key Internet technologies; demonstrate the ability to instruct on the topic of computer education; and show a fundamental ability to instruct computer technology to an elderly population with creativity and compassion.
The Technology
Each class is taught and assembled “on-location.” This means that Senior Surf provides the technology, computers, internet access, software, hardware, etc. and installs them wirelessly through wireless routing technology on-site at the client site. The technology used for each classroom consists of laptop computers, wireless routing technology, internal wireless networking cards, wireless broadband routers, high-speed modem, specialized keyboards for seniors, specialized software for the visually impaired, an external mouse for each computer, and general operating Windows software.
Each class is taught and assembled “on-location.” This means that Senior Surf provides the technology, computers, internet access, software, hardware, etc. and installs them wirelessly through wireless routing technology on-site at the client site. The technology used for each classroom consists of laptop computers, wireless routing technology, internal wireless networking cards, wireless broadband routers, high-speed modem, specialized keyboards for seniors, specialized software for the visually impaired, an external mouse for each computer, and general operating Windows software.
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You will receive your OWN laptop computer for the class. plus a keyboard and mouse for ease of use.
In order to address the Senior Surf company mission of affordability and convenience, the technology is provided by Senior Surf, and is also delivered and installed by Senior Surf. The site, nor the student is expected to provide any of this technology
Instructors are linked up to the same network as the students, through the wireless technology and laptops. Instructors demonstrate the lesson through LCD projectors linked to their computers, where each student is taught visually, through the teacher’s example on projection screen.
The Students
Senior Surf students are senior citizens (aged 60+ years) of the San Francisco/East and South Bay Area. Our main target market includes but is not limited to local retirement homes and the surrounding communities. Although there are varying levels of residents within each retirement home, our focus is on Independent Living seniors. Our concentration is senior citizens with little or no experience with computers or seniors who would like to enhance their already existing knowledge base. An emphasis is put upon low-income senior citizens.
Senior Surf students are senior citizens (aged 60+ years) of the San Francisco/East and South Bay Area. Our main target market includes but is not limited to local retirement homes and the surrounding communities. Although there are varying levels of residents within each retirement home, our focus is on Independent Living seniors. Our concentration is senior citizens with little or no experience with computers or seniors who would like to enhance their already existing knowledge base. An emphasis is put upon low-income senior citizens.
Please check out our mini slideshow and "Flash" presentation here.
Classroom Setting
Classes are held inside the Activities Hall of each retirement center. Rooms or facilities are to be equipped with high speed internet access that Senior Surf’s network will be linked to in order to instruct the class.
Classes are held inside the Activities Hall of each retirement center. Rooms or facilities are to be equipped with high speed internet access that Senior Surf’s network will be linked to in order to instruct the class.
Classroom size is limited to twelve (12) students per classroom, each with his or her own laptop. Instructors are equipped with laptop, wireless technologies and a projection machine that is connected to laptop for visual instruction.
In order to address any type of disadvantage among the population, Senior Surf has adapted technology that facilitates usage and the mastering of computer technology. Each student computer comes equipped with the following senior-tailored tools:
- Software designed especially for those with visual impairment
- Oversized keyboard for ease of typing and visual aid
- High resolution computer configuration
- Mouse configured to address motor skill issues
- Large monitor screen
2) One-on-One Computer Tutoring
Students and course material corresponds with the aforementioned classroom services with variations. This service is specifically designed for individual learning with a more direct focus on that particular student and his or her needs. The technology is provided by the student (or by Senior Surf if necessary), and the coursework is instructed on-site at the retirement home or the home of the student. Senior Surf also assists with computer purchase, installation and maintenance.
Students and course material corresponds with the aforementioned classroom services with variations. This service is specifically designed for individual learning with a more direct focus on that particular student and his or her needs. The technology is provided by the student (or by Senior Surf if necessary), and the coursework is instructed on-site at the retirement home or the home of the student. Senior Surf also assists with computer purchase, installation and maintenance.
3) Access to Affordable Computer Technology
In order to allow students to follow up on the learning that takes place in the classroom, Senior Surf will work to acquire computers for students at the lowest affordable rate working with computer donations, discount dealers and retailers. Furthermore, Senior Surf works to furnish retirement homes with computer technology allowing their residents easy access to computers. This allows for widespread access to computers for senior citizens within the retirement home.
In order to allow students to follow up on the learning that takes place in the classroom, Senior Surf will work to acquire computers for students at the lowest affordable rate working with computer donations, discount dealers and retailers. Furthermore, Senior Surf works to furnish retirement homes with computer technology allowing their residents easy access to computers. This allows for widespread access to computers for senior citizens within the retirement home.
4) Computer Maintenance, Installation, and Upgrades
Senior Surf provides general computer services including maintenance, installation, and upgrades to students' computers as needed.
Senior Surf provides general computer services including maintenance, installation, and upgrades to students' computers as needed.
5) Interactive Website and Learning Center
Senior Surf website consists of a computer learning center that acts as a virtual computer tutor for our students. It consists of a web glossary, sites of interest section, newsletter, mini-classroom lessons, references to other sites and continues to expand.
Senior Surf website consists of a computer learning center that acts as a virtual computer tutor for our students. It consists of a web glossary, sites of interest section, newsletter, mini-classroom lessons, references to other sites and continues to expand.
6) Quarterly Newsletter
Senior Surf newsletter will be published quarterly and distributed to all retirement home clients and each individual student. Additionally, the newsletter will be available over email and in print. The contents will cover senior-related interests concerning general computer information, senior-related statistics, relevant sites, tips on computer use, testimonials and success stories.
Senior Surf newsletter will be published quarterly and distributed to all retirement home clients and each individual student. Additionally, the newsletter will be available over email and in print. The contents will cover senior-related interests concerning general computer information, senior-related statistics, relevant sites, tips on computer use, testimonials and success stories.
