While young people can learn a ton from their elders, many senior citizens know that teenagers are their go-to source for figuring out the finer points of smartphones, tablets and computers. Wellesley High junior Eleanor Boyd is tapping into that need by doing a Girl Scout Gold Project that builds on an existing tech teaching program for local seniors.
“[2016 WHS graduate] Matt Keep introduced me to this need in the community and I was his assistant for a portion of last year, which gave me insight into the project,” says Boyd, who comes from a tech-savvy family. “I am very excited to continue to expand this class’s teaching tools, which currently include demonstrations, personalized help, and informational sheets.”
Earning a Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can receive, requires the creation of a sustainable project such as the tech class Boyd is working with the Wellesley Council on Aging to deliver.
The free class, taught by Boyd with the assistance of other WHS students (including Key Club members), will be held from 1 – 2:30pm on the first Wednesday of every month. Registration for the Jan. 11 class (“App Recap: Mastering New Apps –and the ones that your manufacturer gave you without asking”) and Feb. 1 class begins on Jan. 4 for Wellesley residents and Jan. 5 for non-residents. Future dates for classes are: April 5 and May 3, and you can register by calling at 781-235-3961 or in-person at the Wellesley Community Center at 219 Washington St.
An expert in areas such as Google tools and Internet security, Boyd taught Girls Who Code classes over the summer at Wellesley Free Library for kids in grades 6 through 12. She says “a lot of the same teaching tools apply, like how to problem solve and engage a group,” in helping younger and older people learn about technology.
MORE: Wellesley Girl Scouts feed your need to read with Linden Square Little Free Library
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