Stony Brook’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) runs educational programs open to all retired and semi-retired people over the age of 50.

So when sweeping limitations to on-campus activities were announced in order to cope with the coronavirus pandemic, the program’s administrators had to react quickly. 

The team found creative ways of continuing  regularly scheduled workshops, committee meetings, elections, art exhibits and the like by leveraging online technologies.

Resilience is the name of the game for this program, part of the School of Professional Development, which has seen its numbers jump from 600 to 950 since June 2019.

“Many of our members have never used their webcam,” OLLI Program Manager Breanne Delligatti said. “But they are learning and even loving it. During the pandemic OLLI members, workshop leaders, advisory board members, staff and student assistants came together and bridged the gap in communications through the use of technology.” 

Delligatti and the administration focused their efforts to keep the community together and continue OLLI’s educational mission. One of the most popular new events hosted via Zoom is “Lunch, Learn and Laugh,” which meets once weekly and epitomizes the social experience.

“We have 36 workshops online now,” said Delligatti. Technology is often challenging to senior populations, and social distancing has required them to become familiar with new technologies such as Zoom.

“Our members are remaining connected as a community of retired lifelong learners through these difficult times. Members are able to interact on this digital platform without the risk of COVID-19,” she added.

“To see everyone through Zoom, to follow up through texting and chats, to have some brief semblance of normality in its newest version: I really could just cry for the gift of it,” said OLLI participant Michele McMath.

Read the full story: https://news.stonybrook.edu/homespotlight/older-learners-embrace-unfamiliar-technology-maintain-community/