Computer for seniors - Characteristics of a successful course

• Main Authors: Maria Helena S. S. Bizelli, Sidinéia Barrozo, Julia Sawaki Tanaka, Daniela Corsino Sandron
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Universidade Estadual Paulista, Pró-Reitoria de Extensão Universitária 2010-04-01
• Series: Revista Ciência em Extensão
• Subjects: Informática Básica. Terceira Idade. Windows. Word. Internet.
• Online Access: http://ojs.unesp.br/index.php/revista_proex/article/view/43

The increase in life expectancy of humans brings new demands, particularly in the areas of health, which must be planned actions to ensure the elderly healthy ageing. And among these are the actions that stimulate mental and social activities of the individual, slowing the degenerative processes of the mind and depression due to isolation. In this sense, the computer courses have been of great importance to this age group, providing both benefits. However, activities geared to call elderly should be specific to it, so as to meet their needs without causing discomfort and/or feelings of failure. This article reports a study that is being developed in a course in basic computing for the elderly, offered in the Institute of Chemistry of UNESP, campus of Araraquara, whose proposal is focusing in its planning and development, the peculiarities of the elderly. Therefore, the methodology adopted for the teaching-learning is different and the material is adequately prepared for the course.