Tech Connects Students and Seniors

In today’s technologically-dependent world, teenagers have been the most adaptable to new technology. In July 2013, a group of teenagers in Cerritos formed a group called Technior to share their knowledge.

Technior is a “non-profit organization that provides senior citizens with guided instruction through a series of technology classes,” which are led by Whitney High School students. Technior’s classes usually hold about twenty senior citizens who come from Cerritos and surrounding cities. The course is focused on iPad use; while some seniors bring their own tablets to class, those without their own iPads are provided with them for the duration of class.

Students alternate as instructors and teach a wide variety of subjects ranging from how to take pictures on the camera to how to use Safari to search. Both the senior citizens and students benefit from the course, as seniors are able to apply their new iPad knowledge to their daily lives and students get the experience of being teachers for a day.

“Through Technior,” said Whitney sophomore and Technior director Sharon Wang in an interview with JSR, “high school students really get to connect with our senior citizens through technology. Technior bridges the gap between generations and provides a truly valuable, and heartwarming experience.”

At the end of their most recent session in May, Technior asked the senior citizens to share their opinions on the course. They received praise and notes of appreciation.

Sondra Cohen wrote, “My favorite part was the wonderful students who helped us to keep up with technology hands on!”

Another participant, Ismile Noorbaksh, left the message, “My favorite part was the help I received from the students and their enthusiasm in teaching!”

Technior will be holding more classes during the summer and is currently reaching out to other schools that might be interested in expanding the program. Their mission is to create branches of Technior at different high schools to open up more opportunities for the senior citizens and students.

Students and seniors interested in creating priceless bonds should send an email of inquiry to technior.org@gmail.com.