A group of Kilsyth senior citizens went back to the classroom recently to learn new digital skills, with help from Primary 6 digital leaders at Balmalloch Primary School.
The project was part of our Driving Digital Locally intergenerational programme, which aims to educate older residents about digital technology through one-to-one training with young people.
To date, three projects have taken place in retirement complexes across North Lanarkshire but this is the first time a project has been delivered in the community.
In partnership with Kilsyth Senior Citizen Group, the four-week project took place at Kilsyth Academy with the seniors engaging in lively discussions with pupils. Topics ranged from childhood memories to favourite songs, then the pupils skillfully brought these stories to life using iPads.
At the end of the programme, pupils interviewed the seniors using iPads, exploring what the seniors enjoyed and learned. These interviews will be compiled and shared with the group at a celebration event this autumn, to look back on what they have taken from the programme and how they have used their new skills since attending.
Anne Miller, chair of the Kilsyth Senior Citizen Group, took part in the programme and said: “I never thought I would enjoy going back to school and into the classroom, but the children were a pleasure to work with and had so much patience with us.
“They explained everything so well and showed us repeatedly. I had great fun learning and I am quietly confident that I will continue to learn more and encourage more of my senior ladies to get involved because if I can do it, they can too.”
John Paterson, Principal Teacher from Balmalloch Primary said: "The Intergenerational Project has been a real highlight to the pupils involved, working with their partners. The pupils have really enjoyed teaching digital skills to the older generation and have gained from the project also by learning all about the life of their partner. The pupils are looking forward to working with their partners in the future."
P6 pupils from Balmalloch Primary School who took part were Finlay, Billy, Joshua, Ruby, Emily, Sophia, Charlie, Carson, Holly, and Olivia.
"The best part of the project was doing a PicCollage with my partner,” said Holly "and being able to meet with them and teach them new skills."
Charlie said: "I enjoyed the first day of meeting my partner and getting to know all about them and their past. I always looked forward to seeing my partner again to teach them new skills."
