SUMMER 1999

In this issue Family development approach builds on family strengths 'It's fun and you could learn a lot' -- Kids teach seniors about the Internet IMTC Y2K program goes national Extension attracts new state funding SF 361 helps strengthen Iowa families Special events set K-12 youth discover science, technology through E-SET Cultural communications workshops build understanding with service providers, Hispanic populations CIRAS product design and development -- Working to improve Iowa's future __________ The Extension Connection homepage

'It's fun and you could learn a lot' Kids teach seniors about the Internet Grace Otting, a senior citizen from Maquoketa, recently learned something new and she learned it from a 12-year-old -- Internet skills. Both Otting and her teacher, sixth grader Jason Willcox, were a part of a Jackson County intergenerational Internet program. A committee of professionals, kids and senior citizens designed a six-week program in which the young students became the teachers, according to Kate Carinder, Iowa State University Extension media specialist. The senior citizens learned how to navigate the World Wide Web, send and receive e-mail and search the Internet for information. "Learning these skills enables older adults to use the public access Internet systems available at local libraries, ISU Extension offices and schools," she said. "It's also a great service-learning opportunity for the kids." For Otting, the experience was successful. She was mostly interested in learning about e-mail and since finishing the program has used e-mail several times. "He did a very good job, was polite and I enjoyed it without reservations. He knew what he was doing and I didn't." "I had to teach her a lot of stuff; it was interesting," said Jason in describing his experience. He learned the Internet at home with the help of his older sister and when he read about the chance to teach someone else, he thought he would enjoy it. Grace Otting, left, and Jason Willcox teamed up for an intergenerational Internet experience. Maquoketa Middle School teacher Jane Schmidt, retired attorney Asher Schroeder and ISU Extension specialist Carinder led the pilot project and hope to share the curriculum with others around the state. Jason would recommend the program to other sixth graders. He said he would tell them, "The best part is teaching the Internet; it's fun and you could learn a lot." Otting agrees. "My comfort level with the computer is much higher."