Cyber-Seniors Project: Connecting Generations

The idea for Cyber-Seniors program came from a high school project that was launched by 16-year-old Macaulee and 18-year-old Cassaday in 2009.

The sisters started Cyber-Seniors to help seniors get online after they witnessed first hand how the internet transformed their grandparents. They started by recruiting friends, but since that time Cyber-Seniors has grown into an international organization with an award-winning documentary that encourages involvement.

In Olds, the Connected Community Committee of the Olds Institute (OldsCC), the Olds Library, and the Olds High School have partnered up to bring this program to its residents.

The goal of this campaign is to inspire older adults to tackle the digital divide and encourage tech-savvy youth to make a difference in their community. We aim to spark a conversation about tech literacy and stimulate action through inter generational collaboration and the use of technology.

Become a Senior Participant

If you like what you’ve heard so far, you may be interested in signing up. Being a part of this program can help you feel more connected to the outside world through online interaction with family members and other online services. However, you will also be helping high school students gain valuable career and life skills. We thank you in advance for your interest!

What is the time commitment?
Participants are expected to be in attendance during the meet and greet at the beginning of the program. However, if you start the program after the initial meeting, we will make every effort possible to help facilitate the introduction between you and your mentor. After the initial meetings, youth mentors and senior participants will come up with their own time frame for completing the training. It is strongly suggested that mentors meet with their students at least once a week for two hours, or twice a week for one hour each. However, the official requirements for completing the program will be 20 hours of instruction. The program will last 10 weeks, but mentors who wish to continue the training if your youth mentor is willing. Students gain credit for participating, so it is important that you put in at least 20 hours with them.

What will I learn?
Youth mentors will be equipped to show you the basics of home computer use and/or tablet and smartphone use. We have several guidebooks that you may choose to go through together. However, we encourage participants to go above and beyond in their learning process if they feel comfortable. Mentors are happy to show you more about the Internet, and we encourage you to ask questions. The point of one on one training is to provide a unique experience for everyone.

What if I don’t have a computer or tablet?
The Olds Library has a number of computers, donated by the Olds Institute, available to borrow for the duration of the program. There are also tablets and computers free to use at the Olds Municipal Library.

Where will the training happen? Can the student come to my home?
Mentors will be happy to come to your unit if you are in a closed and monitored facility, (i.e. Sunrise Village, Sunrise Encore, etc.) However, if you are not in a close facility, training will take place at the Olds Municipal Library.

How do I sign up?
We’re happy you’re still interested in the program! To sign up, all you need to do is phone the Olds Library. There will be a few questions we need to ask before you are officially registered. If there are no Mentors currently available, you will be added to the waiting list and will be paired with a mentor as soon as one is available. Alternately, you can sign up for the program by filling out the Online Sign Up form.

What if I have problems or questions after the program begins?
We are here to help! You can contact Lesley Winfield or Ceima Kemaldean at the Olds Municipal Library and we’d be happy to help you with any issues that may arise. We can also offer tips and advice if you are struggling with the material or the teaching process.

Becoming a Youth Mentor

Youth mentors are an important part of the program! Passing on your knowledge of technology can make the difference in a seniors quality of life. Your contribution can help seniors gain more connection with the outside world, as well as provide them with ongoing contact with outstanding members of the community; that’s you!

What is the time commitment?
Mentors are expected to attend a four-hour training session before the program begins as well as being in attendance during the meet and greet at the beginning of the program. After the initial meetings, youth mentors and senior participants will come up with their own time frame for completing the training. It is strongly suggested that mentors meet with their students at least once a week for two hours, or twice a week for one hour each. However, the official requirements for completing the program will be 20 hours of instruction. The program will last 10 weeks, but mentors who wish to continue the training for more credits are welcome to do so as long as their senior participant is willing.

Can I get credit for my hours?
Yes! The hours in this program are eligible for high school credit. Other options for hour credits are also possible, (i.e. Grad Bucks), at the discretion of the school administration. Mentors are required to check in with their student at the end of each session using the online check-in form. We recommend showing your senior how to fill in this form as part of their training. (Hours that are not logged will not be counted toward high school credit).

Who can participate?
Students age 16 or older are welcome to participate in the program.

How do I sign up?
Mentors can contact Tane Skotheim at the High School or Staff Members at the Olds Library to sign up. If we don’t have a senior for you now, we will place you on the waiting list and get you started as soon as a new senior participant is ready! You can also sign up right now by filling in the sign up form!

Cyber-Seniors is brought to you by the Olds Municipal Library and the Olds Institute for Community and Regional Development