Earn-Your-Own-Computer:

DANEnet helps Grandparents and teens team up

“There’s a myth going around that seniors and teens don’t mix. But I found that the kids were very respectful and helpful.” This is how Evelyn Burns describes her experience being part of DANEnet’s Earn-Your-Own-Computer project at MASH, the Middleton Alternative Senior High.

During the 2004-05 school year, eight older adults rolled up their sleeves and teamed up with students to refurbish used computers. Once they had learned about new ways to make use of them, the seniors took their fixed-up computers home. Students also earned their own computers, and they provided some to other MASH students too.

Both young and old got hands-on familiarity with computer hardware, and, as they worked together, they had an opportunity to develop inter-generational connections. Grandmother Juanita Wilson says, “Working with the students was a pleasure and a blessing for me. High school youth don’t always have patience, but they were supportive and we had lots of fun.”

With funding support from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the service learning project also involved staff from MASH and RSVP of Dane. DANEnet provided planning and training, and arranged for the donation of used computers.

Evelyn and Juanita both volunteer in Madison public schools and in their neighborhoods. During the project, they learned about different kinds of software, and they’re now making good use of their computers at home. Evelyn already had a computer at home but it didn’t work very well. Now she’s using her refurbished one for email and recreation. Juanita uses her computer for email, recreation, and to do the minutes for her residents’ council meetings.

The young people also benefited. “Students helped plan the project”, reports MASH teacher Jim Mathews. “For some students, this was their first opportunity to work with computer hardware in a structured environment. For students who were already interested in computers, this project was another step toward career exploration.”

He notes that tight school budgets mean limited opportunities for such hands-on learning outside the four walls of the classroom, but there is a growing demand in the business world and beyond for graduates with computer skills. “DANEnet and RSVP—were crucial to this project’s success because they brought in the technical expertise and the used computers, along with recruiting the senior volunteers.”

Nowadays the generations often don’t connect. But with this project both young and old gave it a try. As Evelyn says, “You can’t know how it’ll go unless you both reach out.”

Your tax deductible donation can help supports DANEnet's programs for youth and seniors like Earn Your Own Computer.