Baby Boomers and older adults are becoming increasingly computer savvy, and they continue to fill technology-related continuing education classes at local colleges.

“There’s a generational difference in how people approach new stuff,” said Keith Krieger, program director of technical training, workforce and staff development at Johnson County Community College. “With this cohort over age 65, they are more attuned toward classroom delivery.”

Both JCCC and Neosho County Community College, which has a campus in Ottawa, continue to change their computer and technology courses to meet the changing and increasing demands from seniors.

According to the Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project, people over the age of 65 are the fastest-growing group on social media. In addition, sales of Apple’s iPads will surpass 200 million in 2014, according to industry estimates, so many seniors are embracing those tablets, along with smartphones.

Neosho County Community College offers courses in computers and digital photography in its Lifetime Learners program and does not charge tuition.

“The computer class is generally modified to meet the needs of not only beginners, but also those who would like to move their skills to a higher level. We plan to add a new unit to the computer course that will cover iPhones and iPads and how to manipulate them. If interest is high enough, we will offer this as a break-off course,” said Karen Bertels, assistant dean of outreach and workforce development at NCCC.

Krieger said that adults in their 70s and up tend to be brand new to computers, so they are looking for basics such as JCCC’s classes about how to use email or how to use Windows 8. Adults in their mid- to late 60s generally have had some work experience with computers, he says, but they want to learn about social media or photo and video editing.

“It’s usually been family, friends or grandkids that are motivating them to see what’s going on,” Krieger said. “The grandchildren are saying, ‘Grandma, Grandpa, you have to have a computer so you can see my pictures.'”

Despite the burgeoning social media and push toward adapting new devices, Krieger said that JCCC’s most popular computer course for seniors has been and continues to be the introduction to Excel.

Bertels says that NCCC’s Lifetime Learners computer instructors are adept at catering to the wide range of ages and technical abilities and strike the right tone with students.

“The instructor has a very good understanding of the differing needs and interests of the group, and the atmosphere is always light and fun, with lots of laughter,” she said.

Both Krieger and Bertels say that their courses must find a balance between keeping up with rapidly changing technology and meeting their students at their skill level.

Krieger said that “curation,” a new Internet buzzword that means creating a list of worthwhile resources on a given topic, is definitely something that JCCC senior students are seeking.

“I think people are looking for that type of support — giving people a fundamental level of knowledge of how to do something, then giving them a list of places to go for additional help or information. We really try to provide that,” he said.