Comments on: Senior citizens and computers http://tips.vlaurie.com/2008/12/senior-citizens-and-computers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=senior-citizens-and-computers News, commentary and tips for safer and easier computing Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:48:26 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Joel May http://tips.vlaurie.com/2008/12/senior-citizens-and-computers/comment-page-1/#comment-5179 Joel May Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:03:40 +0000 http://tips.vlaurie.com/?p=3139#comment-5179 "Windows Vista for Seniors" is apparently one of a series of books subtitled "In Easy Steps." The series includes "Internet for Seniors" and "Computing for Seniors." The book in question is described on Amazon as "This practical guide explains the latest Windows operating system in a clear, concise manner, without resorting to esoteric computer jargon. It concentrates on the activities that seniors are most apt to use, including email, the Internet, digital photography, music, video, and networking, and is appropriate for those upgrading from earlier version of Windows as well as those completely new to computers. Readers learn to customize Vista and to configure the desktop, sidebar, and hardware elements to suit their own particular way of working. Other topics covered include security and maintenance, Vista’s applications and games, and additional sources of help and support." I don't consider this "infantizing seniors a little bit" any more than our SeniorNet mantra, "Seniors teaching seniors." Gerogogy (senior teaching) requires a different approach than does, for example, pedagogy and these books are trying to take that appproach. “Windows Vista for Seniors” is apparently one of a series of books subtitled “In Easy Steps.” The series includes “Internet for Seniors” and “Computing for Seniors.”

The book in question is described on Amazon as “This practical guide explains the latest Windows operating system in a clear, concise manner, without resorting to esoteric computer jargon. It concentrates on the activities that seniors are most apt to use, including email, the Internet, digital photography, music, video, and networking, and is appropriate for those upgrading from earlier version of Windows as well as those completely new to computers. Readers learn to customize Vista and to configure the desktop, sidebar, and hardware elements to suit their own particular way of working. Other topics covered include security and maintenance, Vista’s applications and games, and additional sources of help and support.”

I don’t consider this “infantizing seniors a little bit” any more than our SeniorNet mantra, “Seniors teaching seniors.” Gerogogy (senior teaching) requires a different approach than does, for example, pedagogy and these books are trying to take that appproach.

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