Shyra Allen says despite some knowledge, computer work gave her anxiety.

“Queasy,” she says. “I feel queasy when i'm told to email a document. Or, at my job we just started in Outlook probably a year ago. And, now we've moved into something called SharePoint, and so I was scared until about two weeks ago.” 

Allen says after attending a senior computer literacy class she's more confident.

“Now, i'm like click, click,” says Allen. “And i'm really prompted to do research on my own.”

Pyramid Community Development Corporation just finished up its latest digital literacy session in partnership with AARP. Linda Nelson from Pyramid CDC leads the course being taught out of the Linden Transit Center on Columbus' North side.

“Now, these individuals are learning new skills that can get them back into the marketplace, adapt to the new workforce that is coming,” says Nelson, who spent her career working in Information Technology for government agencies.

The two--week class teaches basic computer navigation skills, programs like Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as how to email and the internet. The U.S. Department of Education reports 16 percent of adults are unable to use computers or digital technology.

“These skills are extremely vital,” says Nelson. “When you get into the workplace, you're going to find out that you're going to need these skills more heavily because everything has turned technology. Everything is placed upon a computer, you're going to have to use these skills to communicate with coworkers in the workplace.”

Nelson says this program is a part of a three-tiered program to educate youth, adults and seniors on technology. South Linden Area Commissioner Sheila Whitehead-Evans says these classes help Linden residents prepare for new opportunities.

“When I think about this community, it's very important,” says Whitehead-Evans. “We're a satellite for Smart City. Soon we'll have cars without drivers. The technology is there, the I.T. world is already here, now we need everybody to catch up.”

But beyond work, getting seniors connected has other benefits – such as access to online shopping, online banking, and other digital services.

“If I don't have a car, and can't go to the store, but I have a credit card and debit card, I can go online order things online and bring it to my front door,” says Allen, who has now gone from learning, to teaching others – like her elders.

“I have a father that's 82 years old, I've been able to gain confidence already in the classroom to help others women in the classroom, and it's empowering.”