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Computer training for seniors
Posted: 12.09.2010 at 6:28 PM
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MARQUETTE -- Ann Lindstrom of Marquette is 75 years old.  She taught a computer class from 1968 to 1998 but now says she's lost when trying to operate her laptop.

"I want to learn how to use the computer again, and I know the kids know how," said Lindstrom.

Her goal:  to learn how to navigate on Facebook.

"Everybody else got Facebook in the family, and I have to call them to bring me the pictures they've got,” Lindstrom said.  “So I really would like to learn how to do it myself."

Students at the Marquette Alternative High School want to help.  They've come up with an idea to give back to their community through their Pay It Forward Alternative Style Program, offering free assistance to anyone over 45 who want to brush up on their computer skills. 

The students are teaching the seniors simple things like how to operate Word, PowerPoint, open their email, create a Facebook account, or edit photos with programs like Photoshop.  The class is offered every Friday morning the school is in session through April.  Teacher Cindy DePetro says it's going better than expected.

"I am proud of my students for the fact that they came up with this; that they want to give back to the community,” said DePetro.  “That they want to meet and get to know their community better and that they think of others."

The students are getting something back, too.  They're learning how to teach.

"It makes me feel good that I’m helping other people in our community and helping them how to use computers and how to use Facebook and everything,” said student Jessika Touchinski, “because I think it's big important in our community because a lot of people use Facebook."

As for Lindstrom, she says once she masters Facebook, she'll start tackling PowerPoint.

"I might be here the rest of my life," Lindstrom said.

But at the rate she's going, it doesn't look like it will take her that long.

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