Old school class gets new school lessons
Posted on January 31, 2008
Some people just never want to leave school. Even with gray hair, thick glasses and hearing aids, they still bring their notebooks and pens into classrooms.
Monday’s PC Computer Maintenance and Operation class was like any normal class, except for these students. They still paid attention to their instructor and asked questions, but the atmosphere was different in Blue Ridge Hall.
These students are members of the Lifelong Learning Institute, a program for nontraditional students over the age of 50. Started by the department of social work eleven years ago, the program has grown to over 500 members. It has gone from four original courses to 27.
“Anybody feel like you’re technically challenged?” instructor Mac McMillen asked the class. Only a few raised their hands, fewer than might be expected with this age group, and everyone laughed.
“There is recent research about positive aging which promotes active engagement socially, physically andintellectually,” Director Nancy Owens said. “In many ways, we fulfill all of these areas. If nothing else, it gets people out of their house.”
LLI offers two sessions each semester with a variety of non-credit classes. In addition to the computer class, some classes are focused on World War II battles, meteorology, watercolors, evolution, French and Mennonites, along with many other topics. The curriculum committee helps develop class ideas. Most classrooms are located in the Gilkerson Activity Center and Memorial Hall.
There are also periodic brown bag lunches where speakers discuss issues pertinent to the age group and the region, including one with Harrisonburg’s mayor. Throughout the year, members can go on field trips to places such as Mount Vernon and JMU’s Masterpiece Season performances.
Charles Henderson, a retired radiologist from Rockingham Memorial Hospital, was one student in the computer class. A member for at least five years, he estimated he has taken more than 10 classes.
“This is a good educational opportunity, and when you’re retired it’s good to have things to keep you occupied,” he said.
McMillen designed the computer course last year and is offering it for the second time this semester. He works with JMU’s Information Technology Support team on east campus. He is retired from the Navy and has 15 years of teaching experience.
“A lot of students have a very good background in this area,” McMillen said. “They have a handle on what’s going on and just want to refine their skills. They’re fluent in applications like Word and e-mail already.”
Despite this background, instructors must still adapt their teaching for older adults. McMillen creates step-by-step handouts to explain how to set up programs on computers, use additional hard drives to back-up data and run updates. Though the class will only meet for four days, McMillen believes that it provides a better environment for the participants.
“I don’t talk technical jargon, and I bring it down to a level they understand,” McMillen said.
Many instructors are current or retired JMU or other university faculty. Other community leaders, experts and members also teach classes. Owens said instructors have more flexibility through LLI than in traditional classrooms.
“They’re hopefully passionate about the topic, and they can teach without a set agenda from a department,” Owens said. “But they also have to be prepared for different types of students who are more experienced and anxious to participate. There’s also an exchange of information between the two because these older adults are more experienced in these areas than the traditional students.”
Henderson said he appreciates the instructors.
“It’s a good thing that JMU instructors are willing to give their time,” Henderson said. “Many of them are close to retirement too.”
Without tests to create a formal structure for the classes, there are more opportunities for discussion.
“This program has a dual purpose,” McMillen said. “Students accomplish what they want to learn, and it’s a good social outlet for them as well.”
Member Robert Miller agrees. Retired from the Navy, he has been an LLI member for three years and estimated he has taken about 15 classes. He is currently in McMillen’s computer class.
“This is good because of the camaraderie,” Miller said. “We joke around like this and have fun. We’ve checked our calendars and we’re all in the same classes this semester.”
Miller drives from West Virginia for the classes since there are no comparable programs in the area. However, Owens estimates there are 400 similar programs at universities across the country.
Though word of mouth is the primary mode of advertising for LLI, membership continues to increase. Membership fees are $15 annually, and courses in both sessions are $35.
“I hardly have to encourage them to come,” Owens said. “Our members are rather healthy. These people are pretty self-motivated to remain active and to keep learning and socializing.”
McMillen stressed the importance of continuously learning, despite age.
“I don’t think you should ever stop learning,” he said. “Learning is like breathing; it’s something you have to do to live.”
