Computer U offers help to seniors

     By Tina Allen
     View staff writer
      Local senior citizens are finding "Windows" of opportunity through the Computer U learning center, which caters to mature adults.
      The company specializes in hands-on training for those who own or want to purchase a personal computer. Courses range from a two-hour introduction to computers to a 12-hour in-depth Microsoft Windows 98 session.
      The California-based operation was founded in 1992 by Vicki Beckner after teaching her own parents how to use a computer. Currently there are four company-owned Computer U centers in Southern California and franchises in Las Vegas; Tucson, Ariz.; Palm Springs, Calif.; Connecticut; and Florida.
      "It was a niche that wasn't being serviced," said Patrick Sauter, president of the Las Vegas franchise. "(Seniors) are probably the largest group getting into computers right now, and it is probably the most difficult for them to learn how to use a computer because they have no experience with it whatsoever. It's a whole new world to them. What I hear the most is, `I feel like I'm being left behind.' "
      Sauter, the first to open a franchise center, has teamed up with Senior Friends, a division of Columbia-HCA Healthcare Corp., which serves as a campus at three locations in the valley. Classes are limited to six, and prices vary, averaging about $25 for a two-hour lesson.
      About 700 students have passed through the Las Vegas Computer U since it opened one year ago.
      "It's the biggest retirement area in the country," said Sauter. "It's a great market."
      Current projections from the state demographer's office show that 22 percent of Clark County residents will be age 55 and older by 2000, a percentage predicted to increase over the years.
      Retired seniors ages 65 to 75 account for the school's largest group of students. Many are seeking instruction to manage investments, entertainment and enrichment, or to stay in touch with family and friends via e-mail.
      "The Internet is probably the biggest reason most of the seniors are wanting to get into computers," said Sauter, recalling the time one student found a Packard car fender he had spent three years looking for in five minutes on the Internet.
      "It's amazing to see their eyes light up when you show someone what you can do on the Internet," Sauter said.
      Northwest resident Hazel Sykes said she originally took a course to learn about e-mail in order to correspond with friends across the country. Writing letters by hand became too difficult because of an arthritis condition in her hands.
      "I don't like to send or get typed letters, but when you have to, you have to," she said.
      Since, she has taken a number of classes offered by the learning center, including introductions to the Internet and Microsoft Windows, and plans to take more. The 72-year-old also belongs to Computer U's computer club, the Vegas Internet Group of Retirees (VIGOR), which meets once a month.
      "He's a great instructor for anyone, but particularly for older people," she said of Sauter. "He makes it fun. If you make a mistake, it's laughable. He goes slow and makes sure you understand, and that I like very much."
      Those interested can call Computer U at 220-9495. Its Web site can be accessed at www. computeru.com.