Page 29 - Storytelling - Storylistening

VII. Reminiscing Ideas for Recovering Golden Memories
As a first exercise in using the computer, residents might write a few paragraphs about one of their life experiences. These initial writings can be saved on a diskette for each resident to serve as a catalyst for beginning their life stories.
The first training sessions should include only a small number of residents who have expressed interest in learning computer skills. As these early trainees express pleasure over their new skills to friends, the popularity of the program will expand and more residents will wish to participate, predict Thorsheim and Roberts.
Elders’ ability to overcome their shyness with computers is illustrated in a story written by one of Barnard’s patients entitled “I will not have a computer in my house.”
Every Christmas and on her birthday, the patient was asked by her son if he could set up a computer for her, and out came the same response, “No!”
Finally the son took matters into his own hands, arriving at his mother’s house one day with armloads of boxes. Without explanation, he carried them into a back room and closed the door. Hours later he emerged and said to his mother, “I’ll give you one month to send me an e-mail.”
After several lessons, the woman responded to his request and now e-mails all around the world, having a delightful time with her computer.
p.25 ©Action Pact, Inc.2005-2006 Porch Swing SeriesTM Culture Change Workbooks