Updates to Leisure World of Maryland Technology Resource Center
New Acquisitions and Plans for Educational Features
Dave Merritt, president of the Technology Resource Center in Clubhouse II, recalls a visitor learning to use email. A Center monitor guided her in sending her very first email to her granddaughter, whom she used to only call or send letters.
“The look on that woman’s face was priceless,” Merritt relates. “I wish I had a camera. To look at the look on her face, how excited she was that someone had taken the time to show her how.”
Fixing devices and training people to use them are “not for everyone,” Merritt says, but he both enjoys information technology and finds reward in people’s individual victories as they accomplish new things. He and other Center staff are working on not only offering ample equipment for residents’ use but also encouraging their comfort with it.
The Center has been making changes using funds from a Leisure World Trust grant and a Service Award from the Foundation of Leisure World.
The purchases include equipment set out for visitors’ use, but Merritt explains at a time most residents have their own devices, the Center is expanding its scope towards providing more educational resources, including classes as well as equipment for self-paced learning. Residents and their guests may visit Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 2-4 p.m.
Information about upcoming classes is available at (leisureworldtech.org).
Center recently installed Mac and Windows desktops with fresh upgrades such as a curved screen on one of the Macs and the operating system Windows 11 Pro on the Windows computers. Headsets are now available, and new panels foster a sense of privacy. Hidden from public view is a ‘master machine.’ When Center staff update or install programs on the master machine, the changes apply to the rest of the computers. Previously, staff would need to separately make changes to each computer in the room.
Merritt introduces “Print Corner.” The three printers have unique capabilities. The left printer can take input from a USB drive, the middle printer can print up to 45 pages a minute and the right printer can accommodate larger paper sizes.
The “Knowledge Nook” computer will be loaded with self-guided tutorials about technology topics.
“Smart Corner” is the first of a collection of learning stations in the works. Eventually, Technology Resource Center users will be able to practice speaking to Amazon Alexa virtual assistant devices and other ‘smart’ devices while receiving instruction from an e-learning course on the computers. Merritt is writing the course along with other Center volunteers and expects it to be finished before the end of July. At his own home, he uses a smart virtual assistant, doorbell, vacuum cleaner and thermostat. The Center is planning another learning station about cybersecurity.
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