In a world where technology is constantly evolving, senior citizens might require help navigating and understanding the changes.
Scotts Valley High School freshman Ayan Patel is helping seniors at the Scotts Valley Senior Center with just that.
The 14-year-old has spent the past several months upgrading hardware and software on the senior center’s seven Dell desktop computers and preparing lesson plans to teach seniors everything from Internet and email basics, to how to use programs such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.
With hopes of beginning the first classes in May, Patel is meeting regularly with local technology experts and educators to design a lesson plan that allows for maximum learning efficiency.
“I like technology, and I like teaching,” Patel said. “So this is a great opportunity for me.”
Patel was first recruited to help with the center’s computer lab by his uncle, Nevil Patel, who is well-acquainted with the center’s director, Darshana Croskrey.
The younger Patel said he quickly jumped at the chance, seeking input from senior center members by devising surveys asking what they would like to learn.
“I thought it would be a good option for me to figure out what I need to teach,” he said.
Patel is also trying to raise money for the center’s computer lab to purchase current copies of software, such as Photoshop — which can cost several hundred dollars apiece.
Patel, who wants to pursue a career in engineering, said he was excited about the program getting off the ground.
“I think that seniors need to be exposed to computers,” he said. “It’s a great way to communicate with other people and the rest of the world.”
Croskrey concurred with Patel, saying that improvements in technology — particularly the iPad — will allow seniors to better manage their schedules and coordinate their health care.
“I feel it’s going to be a really good thing,” Croskrey said. “(Patel) is really dedicated — he’s a good kid.”
She said that she’s been impressed by the way Patel has worked with technology experts, as well as the seniors.
“I think everybody’s excited,” Croskrey said. “Everyone’s been really, really generous with donations.”
Croskrey added that classes will likely be over the course of three days and cost a nominal fee.
“It’s good to not have the computers sitting here not being used,” she said. “We want to see the computer classes thrive.”
For more information or to donate, email sv******@gm***.com or call 438-8666.
