Bernice Jorgenson can’t sit still long enough to use a computer.

When she’s not golfing, gardening or baking for her children and grandchildren, the 72-year-old Thunder Bay woman volunteers for Meals on Wheels.

And oh yes. She played volleyball until three years ago and – she still does the books for a couple of organizations in town.

Bookkeeping the old-fashioned way that is, with a pencil and ledgers and columns for accounts receivables and payables.

“I just feel that I can do a ten times better job writing it all out, doing it by hand instead of letting a computer do the work,” Jorgenson says. “In a way, I don’t quite trust them. It kind of scares me the things that can happen, like viruses, inaccurate information, identity theft.”

Time. Trust. Fear of the unknown. Lynda Flintoff says these are all valid concerns, and she hears them all the time at the Scholars Education Centre, which provides tutoring and training for children and adults across the province.

That’s why Scholars has just developed ABC – The Absolute Basic Computer Program.

While it’s open to all ages, ABC is really targeted to seniors who have zero computer experience.

“It’s tailored to meet the unique needs of our senior citizens,” explains Flintoff, Director of Franchise Operations for Scholars. “The classes are small, there’s lots of one-on-one instruction, and repetition. Our senior students leave our program willing and able to use the computer. Not only that, it keeps them young, keeps the brain functioning helps them stay current and educated. It’s all about lifelong learning.”

That’s exactly why Gerry Cullen can’t live without his computer. The 74-year-old retired school principal is on it every day, sometimes for hours at a time.

He has an email and Facebook account. He checks the weather, books flights and hotels, stays in touch with family and friends. He listens to music and explores the world through Google Earth. He even brushed up on his French recently, using a CD program.

“I use my computer for just about everything,” he says. “Technology has benefitted me by challenging my brain and making me feel more competent. It has become one of my main hobbies. Even my grandchildren are impressed.”

Cullen understands why others might be nervous or resistant, but he urges his fellow senior citizens to embrace technology, not be afraid of it.

“One of the insidious tendencies that comes with aging is to stop learning, especially using new technologies. When that happens, a senior can lose touch with an enormous part of modern-day life,” Cullen says. “It’s essential for seniors to stay relevant because we have a great deal to contribute to society and to our own community in particular.”

For her part, Jorgenson is adamant. No need for a computer in her busy life.

But she does admit to owning a cell phone. She got it a couple of months ago, “in case of emergencies.”

Is this the beginning of the slippery slope? Only time – and technology – will tell.

Published in the New Horizons publication from the Chronicle Journal on July 10, 2010 by Kellie Hudson. 

Get ready for the upcoming School year!

More than just tutoring

Enhance your Skills

Testimonials and Confidence Building #2

computer training for seniors

Finally, you can get comfortable in front of a computer!

Our knowledgeable, patient teachers deliver personalized instruction in small classes to help take the fear out of using a computer.

Our Absolute Beginner Computer Course is the perfect way for you to connect with family and friends …….. near and far.

Course Starts Monday, July 19th and will run on Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon.

Seating is limited, so call today to reserve your spot at 519-307-7000

Our centre is located at 15 Elizabeth Street, Unit L-14, Orangeville

Absolute Beginner Computer Course

This program addresses the most basic computer skills for individuals who have little computer expereince or have not used a computer.

All this and more will be offered at our 30 hour program.

Course starts Monday, July 19th

Course will run 2 days per week on Monday and Wednesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Our knowledgeale, patient teachers will deliver personalized instruction in small class sizes to help take the fear out of using the comptuer.

Seating is limited to reserve your spot today by Calling 519-307-7000

Location: 15 Elizabeth St., Unit #L-14 Orangeville, Ont.

Get Inspired! 

Next Grade Preparation

Reading Readiness Camp

Summer Sizzle 4 hrs. wk

Summer Simmer 2 hrs. wk

College Preparation

Math Camps

Reading Camps

Writing Camps

Computer Certifications

Call us today at

705 941 9491

www.scholarscanada.com

Real Life Results!

Scholars is now enrolling for all summer programs!

Scholars Summer Hours -Lifetrack Tutoring and G.A.P Program

Mon-Thu 9am-12pm

Mon – Thu 4pm – 6pm

Closed Jun 28 – July 4th

Summer Sizzle Grade Prep          $479

4 week program- 4 hours per week

Your child is getting the grades, but is worried about next year. You hear that the Canadian Curriculum keeps increasing in difficulty making it difficult for students to learn all of this new material. Summer Sizzle Grade Prep teaches your child the core concepts he or she will be learning in the upcoming year and prepares him or her for what they will see in September.

Summer Simmer Grade Prep       $479

8 week program – 2 hours per week

You know how important it is for your child to keep up with learning over the summer, but with basketball camp, friends and vacation, where’s the time? Let us help stimulate your child for only 2 hours a week to help keep up with their learning for September. With similar programming to Summer Sizzle, your child will be ready to face the new year!

Accelerated G.A.P Upgrading

July-August – 5 hours per week

Are your children struggling at school? You know they have the potential, but they’re just not achieving the grades that they are capable of? Let Scholars create individualized programs for your children to help them fill in their weak areas so they can preform at the level they’re capable of achieving. Imagine how confident they’ll feel come September!

Introduction to Computers Program

The Introduction to Computers Program addresses the most basic computer skills for individuals who have little computer experience or have not used a computer.

Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) Program

The IC3 Program provides the fundamentals of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook and is the global standard in computer literacy. It is recognized by employers throughout the world as a benchmark in computing skills. This program ensures that individuals are fluent in key areas of computer literacy.

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) Program

Microsoft Certified Application Specialist (MCAS) designation can be earned in any five Office 2009 Programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook). Scholars is a designated Microsoft Test Centre and provides individualized programs for completing course material

Summer Programs

Summer Grade Prep :    4 week program – 4 hours per week

….. . .. . .. .. .. . .. .. .. ……. . .. 8 week program – 2 hours per week

Whether your child needs to get caught up or wants to get ahead by preparing for the next school year, Scholars has a fun, flexible program to meet your needs. Catch up, get ahead and have plenty of time to enjoy your summer.

Accelerated G.A.P.: July – August – 5 hours per week

Is your child struggling at school? Do you feel they are not achieving their potential? Our G.A.P program begins with an academic assessment to evaluate your child’s strengths and skill gaps. From there we create an individualized program. This summer, for as little as 4 hours a week, your child can increase their grade level by one full year in reading, writing or math.   More about G.A.P

Fast ForWord

A new program at Scholars for children with learning disabilities, ADD, ADHD, auditory processing disorders, dyslexia and autism.

The Fast ForWord family of products accelerates learning by developing the student brain to process more efficiently, providing struggling readers with computer-delivered interventions and intensive exercises that build the cognitive skills required to read and learn effectively. The products and the science behind  them have been the subject of numerous national news articles including features in Time and Newsweek magazines, and The Wall Street Journal.

The Fast ForWord software is used for students in K-12. The products feature interactive, animated exercises and use patented technologies to adapt to each student’s skill level. Students work on Fast ForWord products 30 to 90 minutes a day, five days a week for four to twelve weeks. Each day’s results are transmitted via the internet to Scientific Learning which produces reports that on-site professionals can use to guide a student’s progress.

Scientific Learning products are based on more than 30 years of brain research and cognitive research by world-renowned scientist Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California at San Francisco and a member of the National Academy of Sciences, and Dr. Paula Tallal of Rutgers University. The products have also been featured nationally in Science, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and ABC’s Nightline.

Parents who are interested in learning more about the Scientific Learning Fast ForWord family of products can contact Brian Nashman at (705) 742-4152 or visit the website   www.scilearn.com

Twyla Brinklow, Centre Director

Twyla has been a teacher at Scholars since August 2007 and took over as Education Coordinator in 2008.  Twyla has an Arts degree from Trent University where she majored in English Literature and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University.  Twyla worked as an occasional teacher with the Hastings Prince Edward School Board; her interest is in Special Education.  Twyla’s heart is here at Scholars working with students, parents, classroom teachers and a talented teaching staff.

Brian Nashman,  President

Mr. Nashman is a certified provider of the Fast Forword Program from Scientific Learning Corporation in Oakland, California. Fast ForWord is based on 30 years of research relative to how the brain learns. Fast ForWord was designed to improve language by strengthening auditory, memory, processing and sequential processing skills.  He continues to expand Scholars’ programming for students with learning disabilities as well as introducing many new courses for adults

Mr. Nashman has diversified experience in adult education, community economic development, co-operatives, T.E.S.L., financial planning, business consulting, and entrepreneurship. He chose Peterborough in 1988 as an excellent place to raise a family. Formerly he resided in Inuvik, N.W.T., Canso, N.S., Cartwright and Black Tickle, Labrador, Vancouver, B.C., Yellowknife, N.W.T., Guelph, Toronto, and Barrie, ON.

With considerable help with his wife, a primary teacher, he has raised two children, one with special needs.

Brianna Sills,  Teacher

Brianna has been at Scholars since June 2006.  She attended Trent University where she received her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English Literature. She then received her Bachelor of Education from Brock University.  Brianna is currently an occasional teacher for the Hastings and Prince Edward School Board; where she has taken courses in Special Education and Reading.  Brianna has a wide variety of tutoring experience and builds a strong bond with her students.

Amber Clarke, Teacher

Amber is a new member to the Scholars Team.  Amber earned an Arts degree at Trent University in 2008, and is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Education from Queen’s University.  Amber works as a supply teacher in the Hastings and Prince Edward School Board at both the elementary and high school levels.  Amber has a passion for education that she passes onto all of her students.

Melanie Broekema, Teacher

Melanie is also an excited new member of the Scholars team. She holds a diploma in Biotechnology from Loyalist College.  She has also earned a Bachelor of Science from Carleton University and a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University where she graduated in 2009.  Melanie supply teaches in the Hastings and Prince Edward School Board at the elementary level but also enjoys working with high school levels.  Melanie was a National level figure skater and her dedication comes through in everything she does.

John Brewster, Tutor

Biography coming soon!

Darren Macklin, Tutor

Darren has been with Scholars since 2007, tutoring high school math and physics. Darren is a graduate from the University of Ottawa where he earned a degree in Mathematics.  He works for the Canadian Forces as a Logistics Officer.  Darren also has a love for literature, physical fitness and golf.

Abbey Road, Therapy Dog

Abbey was adopted by Brian from the Peterborough Humane Society at the tender age of 7 months. She was found wandering aimlessly around downtown Peterborough.  After years of studying with her mentor she found her calling as a therapy dog at Scholars.  You will find her at either the Peterborough or Belleville centres most days.  Abbey insists that she is a purebred black lab, yet her vet believes that she is a lab/sheppard mix.

Peterborough Location