Distance learning for enhancing senior productivity

The present paper discusses computer literacy as a tool for enhancing senior productivity or as a useful skill in managing day-to-day activities, which include e-mail, word processing, electronic banking, and surfing the Internet. In a pilot program at the Research Center for Senior Productivity at Stony Brook, a hybrid of hands-on learning followed by distance learning is proposed. Distance learning has the dual advantage of (i) obviating the need for the student to travel to a learning center, and (ii) exposing the student to newer user-friendly communication technology. The group of elderly persons to benefit the most from the distance learning program would be the physically handicapped with difficulty in moving around but who are otherwise of sound mind and interested.