Peers teaching peers is an ideal learning environment. This venture owes its success to many who have volunteered their time and expertise since its inception. Earl Watson is one of those. Though he is reluctant to take credit all roads led to him as the founder when I began to research this topic.

Back in the '70's when PC was not a part of our everyday language Earl Watson was building computers from a kit as a hobby so he understands the workings of computers literally from the inside out. 1975 was a big year in the development of the personal computer we know and love today. The first available in the marketplace, an Altair 8800, cost $395 but needed up to $2000 worth of peripherals to run it. That same year Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed the software that would become Microsoft Basic and the first computer store opened in California.

A single computer was purchased by WSSC in 1994 and an attempt to have high school students teach seniors was not successful. Senior volunteers were then solicited by Bill Milsom on a radio show and Watson responded. However, it wasn't until January 2000 that the Board of Directors passed a resolution to develop a computer room, approval was attained at the Annual General Meeting and Earl Watson was appointed the Chair of the Computer Lab Steering Committee. The computer lab had to be self sustaining and would not be subsidized by any of the other activities or the centre.

Instructors had to found. Hans Gelans and Sarah Kee were the first to apply. Kee has been volunteering ever since and was instrumental in developing the manuals which are written by the instructor teaching the course and are provided in the fee. In September 11 courses are offered including Introduction to Keyboard and Mouse, which is free. The volunteer staff numbers almost thirty instructors and co-instructors. Lynn Callon is the present Chair and Scheduling Coordinator who keeps it all humming like the well oiled machine that it is.

The total cost to build the room and buy the equipment was $25,930.00. Much of the work was done by Jack Hammett, Roy Becker and Armand Rochon. Seven computers were custom built. Desks were purchased at a Sheriff's sale and modified by the volunteers to fit the lab. The cost was amortized and repaid by the program fees which were low and are the same today. A three hours course costs $25.00, 6 hours is $40.00 and 9 hours of instruction is only $55.00. This fee structure makes the programs affordable while allowing for upgrades in equipment to Dell Computers with XP and more recently Vista operating systems and flat screen monitors. The original desks have been modified once more by volunteers to lower the keyboard to a more comfortable position. An overhead projector has been installed that allows the students to see on the screen exactly what the instructor is teaching.

The contribution of many volunteer hours and expertise has made the computer lab possible. Earl Watson, and others to whom I spoke, refuse to take credit but those who know Earl, say credit is due. He says "There has been outstanding work done by the instructors and particularly Bernie Major and Terry Lee who provide the technical skills necessary to keep the computer lab functioning."
Others Watson wishes to acknowledge include but are no limited to: Emile Brokx, Gord Funnell, Hans Gelans, Nelda Himmelman Sarah Kee, John Waddington and Bill Workman. Some of these volunteers are so generous with their time that they have gone to the homes of seniors to help resolve a problem. Acknowledgement must also be given to Marie Leduc the receptionist at the centre who handles registration and Greg Murphy, the Centre Coordinator for his ongoing help and support.

Hundreds if not thousands of seniors have been happily tutored and ushered into the computer age by the instructors at the Water Street Senior Centre. Many come wishing only to be able to send an e mail to family. They leave with much more than that including the confidence that comes from learning something new and mastering what they once believed impossible. You could say that Earl Watson and the other computer lab volunteers are in the business of making dreams come true.

Contact information: www.waterstseniors.com , E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , phone Marie at 762-4108 or pick up a course brochure at Water Street Senior Centre 1340 Water Street.

Sept 07-Donna Duke