Digital Class Certificate Presentation

11/04/2018

Spring AY17/18 tech programme certificate presentations

On April 9th 2018, Professor Kerstin May, Vice-President Academic and Student Engagement and Dr. Bernadette Walsh, Director, Student Affairs attended the presentation of certificates to over 40 senior citizens from Limerick and Clare.  For the past eight weeks these citizens attended the 1-2-1 tech programme managed by the Community Liaison Office and delivered by student volunteers at the University of Limerick.  This programe is in its fourth year.  To-date, 160 learners have completed the programme that is delivered free of charge because of the committment of over 180 student volunteers.  The 8 week tech programme is designed to empower citizens in the use of new technologies (mobiles, smart or otherwise, ipads, laptops and the broad range of new online communication mediums and social media outlets).   Student tutors work individually with learners who are encouraged to drive the learning environment.  This one to one teaching and learning approach to a practical subject enables the learner to learn at their own pace and at the same time creates an opportunity for siginficant mutual intergenerational exchanges.     As such tutors and learners in their respective roles as both provider and receivers of information and support and encouragement repeately report significant increases in self confidence.  At the 2018 presentation of certificates tutors and learners again reported that the joy of teaching and learning alongside Prof. May's and Dr. Walsh's public acknowledgement of their achievement and contribution further enhanced their sense of self.   The next programme begins in September 2018 and already there is a waiting list.   Contact pva@ul.ie for further information.