Oldnet Learning Lab Bridges Both Digital and Generational Divides in Brazil
6/12/2007
Senior citizens and youth swap roles and prove that education is more than math and science.
Oldnet and 50x15 have launched "Oldnet in a Box" kits, which allow communities around the world to leverage the unique lessons obtained through the Oldnet Learning Lab. To view the kits, visit www.Oldnet.com.br.
Photographs by Damian.
While there are many digital inclusion programs targeted at professionals, adolescents, and children, senior citizens are a key demographic that has been largely overlooked in the digital revolution. This issue is magnified by growing life expectancies around the world that will inevitably lead to a large number of unconnected seniors. To address this issue, 50x15 joined forces with Cidade Escola Aprendiz to collaborate on a learning lab project for digital inclusion of seniors in São Paulo, Brazil: Oldnet.
Oldnet is based on a compelling methodology that calls for volunteer students from the surrounding communities to train seniors to be computer and Internet literate. This collaboration allows seniors to expand and maintain the social contacts vital to their longevity while establishing closer connections with the youth in their community. Socially, Oldnet is an enriching and humanistic experience that promotes a connection between different generations. Oldnet not only bridges the digital divide, but the generational divide as well.
"I have been involved with Oldnet for three years and have seen a lot of things happen here," said Cláudia Donegá, former program coordinator for Oldnet. "Media Player lessons have evolved into a dance lesson, a far-away relative was found through Instant Messenger, students and young volunteers shared excitement after finishing a tough task, and more. After some time, seniors become more than just the elderly to their young teachers, they become real people. A young volunteer is no longer just a boy or a girl, but a teacher."
The benefits experienced by both the seniors and their youth teachers are plentiful. For seniors, digital inclusion enables social integration. They are able to stay in contact with far-off relatives, visit Web sites that are of interest to them (health, diet, etc.), and indulge in hobbies. The Learning Lab acts as a center for meeting people and social interaction. Most importantly, self-esteem is greatly increased because seniors feel relevant in the eyes of the youth that are training them.
For the teachers, acting as educators helps young people in their maturation process and instills a sense of responsibility, self-esteem, and the capacity to empathize with the elderly. It is also a way of encouraging them to become more involved in the community and engage in civic activities using the program as a way to build identity. Not only does it encourage community involvement but it helps to elevate their views of the teacher’s role in the community.
The Oldnet program was launched in São Paulo, Brazil, by the NGO Associação Cidade Escola Aprendiz with the hopes of empowering seniors with computer and Internet literacy. The program is tailored individually, assigning one educator for each senior. While the length of the program varies from individual to individual, for most seniors, it lasts between one and two years.
Originally, the program launched with one site with classes being held at Café Aprendiz, a cyber café. While this original site is still up and running, the program’s popularity has led to the launching of seven additional sites in the São Paulo area. To date, more than 600 seniors have completed the program.
Oldnet and 50x15 have launched "Oldnet in a Box" kits, which will allow communities in Brazil, other South American countries, and the rest of the world to leverage the unique lessons obtained through the Oldnet Learning Lab in their own communities. The kits are available in Portuguese, Spanish and English.
As part of the 50x15 Initiative, AMD joined Associação Cidade Escola Aprendiz in its efforts to spread Internet usage throughout the senior community. Specifically, AMD upgraded the Oldnet Learning Lab at Café Aprendiz and is supporting Casa Redonda in refining and disseminating the methodology throughout São Paulo, Brazil, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.oldnet.com.br.