Information for new members         

 

Background to Courses Available in 2012 at SeniorNet Warkworth Inc.              Click for more detail here

Welcome to computing.   At SeniorNet Warkworth Inc. we offer a series of courses and talks aimed at getting those people over 50 years to a high standard of self-confidence, and competence in the use of their home computer  We cannot possibly cover every computer program that has been produced but aim to give you the knowledge of the principles so that you will want to learn more, and in turn, possibly to share it with us.  So, those programs we use are usually the most popular commonly available. Read the attached summary of our courses and talks very carefully as it states the program used for each course.

We aim to tutor most courses on a ratio of 2 to 1 (i.e. one tutor to two students), and our talks are in small groups with a minimum of 2, to allow questions and exchanges of experience and ideas.  The workshop presenters, and volunteer tutors offer their services free, their only reward being to see others in their peer group advancing in this relatively new and potentially complex environment.  We are indebted to them for this most generous gift of their personal time and their willingness to convey their knowledge to students in a patient, under-standing way.  Our 'Membership Year' is January to December, and we have 5 Terms, each of 8 weeks (see Page 11).  In turn, these are further divided into two halves as many courses are only 4 weeks.   Some courses can be taken in 2-hour modules provided that you have the appropriate basic computer skills.  So consider this option if you have missed an earlier lesson or wish to revise.

There are no exams but we usually ask you to evaluate us so that we might improve.  We want you to enjoy the experience of making mistakes and learning among others in a similar situation.  Our courses are structured so that each lesson builds on the last, therefore once the enrolment is confirmed the student is expected to make a sincere effort to attend the classes that have been booked in order to gain the utmost learning experience.  Missing a class makes it very difficult for your tutor.  Manuals, disks, or talk notes usually accompany each lesson or course and make valuable reference material when at home.  Repetition is the best way of retaining the knowledge gained so you will be expected to help yourself by repeating your last lesson at home as soon as possible afterwards.  The manuals are protected by copyright and are only available to you as a member of SeniorNet. Keep our regular newsletters in your file as they contain many helpful computer hints and tips and list the many modules, workshops, and other learning opportunities scheduled for the impending term.

You will see that most of our courses are not specifically structured in an employment-related way as we do not have approved formal courses for these.  If you want to signify your interest in a course, please phone our Course Coordinator on Ph. 422 3728 during business hours and leave a message, if unattended.  We will note your details for the first vacancy in our 5 Term year, and if you are new to SeniorNet, will forward you a Membership Application Form for your completion and prompt return.  Membership is a requirement before applying for courses.

We feel sure that you will enjoy the fun of being among others of your own age group, all intent on sharing the same learning challenge at our Learning Centre at 3 Matakana Road, Warkworth. We look forward to meeting you there on a future course, workshop, or social event.

The Secretary,
SeniorNet Warkworth Inc.

If any of the Courses on the following pages are of interest please contact the Course Co-ordinator promptly to ensure that your name is included for the next scheduled opportunity. Depending on the availability of volunteer tutors some classes are restricted and fill quickly, while other classes need to build in numbers to a minimum of 2 students together.  Plan ahead!  The closing date for requests for places in the initial courses is around 10 days before the starting date for each term.  Refer to the 2011 term dates on Page 11, and the term timetable guide included in each newsletter.   Days and times on our term timetable are for your guidance only and may be altered by the Course Management team when establishing classes.  There is a group of “on demand” courses (see Section 4 of this Prospectus) which you can also attend.
There are 5 main categories of courses:

1.         Foundation, which introduces you to the computer and are “must know” for your confidence.
            Even if you have used a computer before, you should know all of these listed subjects well.

2.         Development, which builds skill in essential areas, turning confidence into computer competence.  Make sure that you observe the prerequisite knowledge before tackling these.

3.         Interests, which allows you to use your new skills in the pursuit of your own special interests.  Our 2-hour modules and regular weekly workshops are also in this category – building knowledge.

4.       Available on Demand, are courses which are still available but are not now in the “mainstream” of our teaching subjects.  Read the list, and consult the Course Coordinator if any are of interest.

5.         Workshops differ in format, depending on their nature.  Attend these as a way to keep up to date.