Westwood Seniors Have An Edge

This story is an extension of an article published in Brainstorm in October, 2004.

"If they have the courage to walk through the door, I know I've got it made." These are the words of Jacque Cook, lab coordinator at Westwood Heights Computer Center in West Seattle. Jacque teaches beginner's classes for seniors.

"We focus here on training seniors, aged 50 and over, as defined by AARP. Eighty percent of the students who come here have little or no computer knowledge. Most have none," she said.

One student, Clark, shows up to stay abreast of the constant changes he encounters in computing. "For me, this is a refresher course. My first computer was a Tandy, but there is so much stuff that I have just not used. I've fallen behind because things change so quickly. The teacher is exceptional. I'm grateful to Jacque for bringing me up to speed. Outside of our learning a great deal, it's a lot of fun."

Another student, Lillian, said, "I'd still be a beginner if it weren't for this lab."

Students are free to take the class as often as they'd like until they get comfortable with using a computer. They might get temporarily bumped if there aren't enough computers to accommodate new students, but they can come back at another time.

According to Jacque, "I will never be bored in this business. It's great to get a 90-year-old going on computers. It's very affirming to me. I was born a teacher, but never had any formal teacher training. It's what I love to do and who I am. I enjoy empowering people and helping them. Computing is such a powerful tool. I tell my students, if you don't get at least the basics, you're going to be illiterate in a few years."

"My most inspiring anecdote is the story of a 63-year-old resident who grew up in Harlem. I began giving him a tour of the Internet, but after 15 minutes, he told me that he never learned to read. I had a good budget at the time, and found an online literacy tutorial that cost $150 for a one-time use. He was so eager that I spent the money. He worked an hour a day, five days a week to complete it. I eventually got him enrolled with Goodwill, which offers a literacy program. It changed his life."

Asked about any needs she might have for the lab, Jacque said she'd like more information on how to raise funds. She could also make good use of some free computers, and would like access to free Windows 98SE operating systems.

"I have 30 machines to refurbish, but no legal operating systems," she said.

Jacque and Westwood are looking for partner organizations that want to use the center. They're also looking for volunteers. "What is required first is patience, she said. "After that, volunteers will need good communication skills. They'll teach basic computer skills, plus email and web techniques."

"This is a powerful tool," according to Jacque. "In order to use it well, you have to learn. I tell my students that if they've taken lessons elsewhere and didn't learn anything, try a class somewhere else. The problem might be with the teacher and not the student. Many seniors thinks that young instructor go too fast. The problem is that they have no patience with beginners. It's important to teach computing one step at a time, so the students can absorb the lesson."

Westwood Heights is a "senior preference" Low Income Public Housing building, owned and managed by the Seattle Housing Authority. This building offers an affordable combination of independence and nearby services. Rental priority is given to people who are 62 years of age and over. The building was recently renovated to 21st century standards with an investment of approximately $7 million dollars, and boasts many thoughtful amenities. It's conveniently located near bus lines, has mature trees, lawn and plants, has wheelchair-accessible paths that wind through the property, and a sunny patio that stretches out from the dining room for easy outdoor access. Secured entrances, fencing and landscape lighting also provide further piece of mind.

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