UNCA Teaching Fellows Teach Computer Skills to Seniors

Andrea Rhyne with Computer Literacy Class Participant Barbara Williams

Becky Guy Hunter, Ashley Lusk and Andrea Rhyne were among a group of UNC Asheville Teaching Fellows who recently taught computer skills to seniors at the N.C. Center for Creative Retirement's free computer literacy class. Funded through a grant from Salomon Smith Barney, the classes are designed to reach local low income adults ages 50 and older. 

"I was very excited about the opportunity to work with an age group that I hadn't worked with before. The students were glad to be in the class and made the experience lots of fun," Rhyne said.

To date, four computer literacy classes have been offered. Classes are taught by skilled UNCA undergraduates who are trained and supervised by campus experts. Participants learn basic computer skills, how to use e-mail and the Internet. They also receive information on how to access free public computers in their area.

Among those taking the course was John E. Lane, 85, of Black Mountain, N.C. Lane, who worked for the Employment Security Commission and helped recruit staff for UNCA's 1970s expansion, was pleased that UNCA students teachers were patient and understanding of beginners. "I tried taking a class elsewhere, but it went too fast. I've learned more in this class already," Lane said.

NCCCR Director Ron Manheimer believes the ongoing program is consistent with UNCA's mission to be a multigenerational campus. "I'm thrilled that UNCA students are sharing in the rich lives of older people while assisting them in learning a new skill that will help them stay connected," Manheimer said.

The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is designed to attract high school seniors into the teaching field. Each year the program awards 400 North Carolina high school seniors a $26,000 scholarship for four years of undergraduate study. In return, students much teach four years in a North Carolina public school. At UNCA, the scholarship funds much of the college experience. Additional scholarship money is provided by the university for Teaching Fellows to visit schools in large American Cities and for travel and study in Cambridge, England. UNCA is one of the 14 public and private North Carolina colleges and universities approved to participate in the Teaching Fellows Program.

For more information about UNCA's Teaching Fellows Program, call Brenda Hopper, Teaching Fellows Program director, at 828/251-6901.

Media Contacts:

• Brenda Hopper, UNCA Teaching Fellows Director, 828/251-6901
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526