U3A Sutton Baldoyle & DCU-ILP

INTER-GENERATIONAL INTER-CULTURAL LEARNING AT

DUBLIN CITY UNIVERSITY.

In 2010 U3A Sutton Baldoyle wanted to add 'something new' to its monthly presentations/talks and 'away from base' activities.

As with any self-help learning co-operative each individual member contributes to the running of the learning co-operative to the extent that he/she can. Individual members who have, or know someone who has, a passion for a topic, suggests this to the group. If there is an interest in such a topic then these individuals come along and share this passion with the rest of the group. The group is always looking for suggestions and volunteer presenters and organisers.

In Summer 2010 U3A Sutton Baldoyle linked up with the Intergenerational Learning Project (ILP) organised by the School of Education, Dublin City University, Dublin.

The aim of this ILP is to bring together people from different generations in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities. This particular project concentrates on the generations working together to learn new skills in Information & Communications Technology. It is inclusive, building on the positive resources that both the younger and older generations have to offer each other and those around them. With the continuing speed of change in ICT members wanted to keep up with these changes.

In particular, a number of members were keen to learn how to keep in touch with family and friends via emails, on line photos, online voice/video calls; how to use the internet for purposes such as travel/holidays, research, web links, and generally understand new things which they did not have time to concentrate on before now.

Some wanted to know all about how to use their own individual laptop more effectively and efficiently and particularly their software packages while others just wanted to learn about social media, and how to participate in blog conversations through comments and links.

All wanted to be able to access Age Action/U3A Ireland's wide range of information on the Web, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and read U3A Sutton Baldoyle's recently set up monthly email update.

With such a diverse range of U3A Sutton Baldoyle members' interests, levels of knowledge and skill and a preference to share the learning experience at the same location at the same time it was apparent that something different was needed. The question for the U3A Sutton Baldoyle group was 'Could the DCU ILP cater for this diversity?'

We met Trudy Corrigan of the School of Education, DCU, to learn about the concept and structure of the DCU ILP project. Following this discussion the answer to our question was a resounding, 'Yes!'

During Winter/Spring 2010/11 our members attended Dublin City University. Saturday mornings at the Henry Grattan Building on DCU campus has at least four generations of learners. We notice children from Age 8 with their parents, student volunteers in their 20s/30s, mature student volunteers above that age, and then older learners like us in the 50/70 and 80+ age group. There is an great energy about the place which is contagious – a truly inter-generational learning atmosphere!

So what do we do? Under the guidance of tutors who facilitate classes from Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced to a class on Social Media, Learning all about Google and Blogging, and aided by DCU third level student volunteers from BRIC countries, Africa, Europe and Ireland we cover different aspects of ICT in a very relaxed and enjoyable environment. This innovative learning model with your own individual student volunteer is exactly what we wanted – this design caters for us as individuals and as a group. Depending on our interest and level of knowledge and skills we participate in the class that suits us. On occasions we move between the classes. All have an opportunity to work with applications to generate documents, spreadsheets, photo galleries, navigating our way around the internet, and so on. We conduct practical tasks online and learn how to access and listen to YouTube videos, or radio and TV programs on line.

We come together as a total group for mid-morning break where there is lots of social chat and exchanges between the generations and cultures; for presentations/seminars on 'How to use Information Communication Technology to build your family tree'; for short seminars on topics such as Creative/Life Writing; Internet Security and analysing specialist blogs and diary blogs for writing. There is no 'generational gap' here. A number of these presentations, can be viewed on the DCU website.

Being on campus has prompted some of us to explore the option of attending one of the many other courses on offer at the University. This is an overwhelmingly positive and energising experience suited to each of our individual requirements and expectations within the context of a University campus and atmosphere. The benefits of this are obvious to everyone there. Our thanks to DCU, Trudy Corrigan, the tutors and student volunteers.