Computer tutor
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Murray Weiss helps produce a new generation of computer-savvy seniors. |
Longtime Fair Lawn resident Murray Weiss has much to be proud of.
“I’ve taught over 1,000 students,” said Weiss, associate coordinator and instructor for the JCC on the Palisades Computer Learning Center for Adults 40+. “And I’m not the oldest instructor either,” said the 84-year-old, assigning that distinction to Jerry Fleischer, 86, one of the group’s 40 volunteers and also a Fair Lawn resident.
Weiss said the center trains about 300 people each year, with an average class size of nine. While the average student is in her 70s, “one of my students was in his 90s,” he said.
Weiss, who has taught at the center for 13 years, said he entered the program as a student, looking to learn more about Windows.
“They realized that I knew more than the instructor,” he said. “So they made me a coach, and then an instructor.” He explained that four coaches are present at each class to help students with specific problems.
“Most [students] come to learn how to access e-mail and reach the Internet,” he said. “I also teach digital photography,” he added, joking that he teaches students to use Adobe Photoshop “to cut out a picture of the first husband and substitute a picture of the second.” Still, Weiss said he most enjoys teaching the “Introduction to Computers” course to raw beginners.
“It’s a lot of fun. At 84, it gives me the feeling that I’m still a little bit useful.”
For more information about the center, call (201) 569-7900, ext. 272.
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