“Each student worked one-on-one with a resident,” explained Frank Back, LHS business teacher and FBLA advisor. “Our students first asked a set of questions of the residents to find out what they already knew and what they wanted to learn. The students then created an individualized curriculum based on each resident’s level of experience and background knowledge. Some of the topics covered were basic computer concepts, creating and using email, password protection, sending and downloading pictures, internet search basics and tools, online banking, online shopping and how to use Facebook, Google, YouTube, Skype and Pinterest.”
Otterbein Campus Life Coordinator Stacy Black noticed their community had several residents needing extra guidance maneuvering around the internet, checking email and using social media outlets. She contacted Back about a possible partnership. He was eager to bring his Millennials alongside members from the Greatest Generation.
“One of the primary goals of our district is to build community,” Back said. “Our students met the residents where they were in terms of abilities and worked with them to improve their quality of life by using the technology resources available to them. Residents will be better able to communicate with family members and complete various tasks related to personal finance and their hobbies. The project allowed our students to see the value of being a lifelong learner that was modeled so well by the residents, and the students got to experience the enjoyment that can come from using their skills and abilities to help others.”
Sophomore Hope Feldkamp said she liked the role reversal.
“I enjoyed having a different classroom experience. Instead of being the one learning, I was the one teaching,” she said. “However, through teaching I also learned a great deal, which was really cool.”
Students learned about teaching others, the importance of being patient and adaptable and how quickly technology has transformed the world during the residents’ lifetimes.
“I enjoyed helping the Otterbein residents learn how to use technology. This will allow them to better communicate with family members who live far away and to learn about new things and stay up to date with what is going on in the world,” said senior Jared Mehnert.
“I learned from this project that we are lucky to grow up in a time with so many conveniences,” added senior John Allen. “Computers have made life in general easier.”
Sophomore Kelby Caplinger said, “All in all I learned a lot about myself through this experience when it comes to handling pressure and dealing with adversity. I also learned a lot about the importance of teaching and explaining a concept in a way that people will understand. I very much enjoyed it and hope to do it again in the future.”
Black said she hopes to see the intergenerational project grow.
“This (was) our first attempt, but my hope is … we can attempt to continue to do this for years to come in the fall and spring with Lebanon High School,” she said.
Sophomore TJ Lane would like to see it continue, too.
“It felt great teaching and training the people,” Lane said. “I hope we can keep doing it; it was a very nice thing to be able to do.”
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