Photo: WaLLi member Gloria Lawler learns how to use her smartphone with the help of instructor Jamie Fallin.
HANCEVILLE – Just in its first semester, the new Wallace State Lifelong Learning Institute, or WaLLi, is proving to be a big hit with local citizens age 50 and older.
“It’s marvelous,” Melinda Edwards said of the success of the program. Edwards, Wallace State’s Dean of Institutional Outreach, is in charge of the Lifelong Learning program. “We have nearly 200 WaLLi members signed up so far who are enjoying the programs and perks we offer them.”
WaLLi members are allowed access to the Wallace State Wellness Center, including the gym and weight room and health and wellness activities offered there. They have access to a number of classes and lectures, travel opportunities, social gatherings, and more.
“Everyone has responded very well to all that we have offered them so far,” Edwards said. Participation in some classes has doubled as WaLLi members take advantage of the program’s offerings.
One of those classes that received a bump in enrollment is the Smartphone and Tablet course taught by Jamie Fallin. More than a dozen sat in on the most recent classes; doubling the usual number of attendees.
Gloria Lawler of Smokerise was grateful to get the opportunity to better learn how to use her electronic devices. “I really wanted to know what all my iPhone could do,” she said, “Other than asking my kids what’s this and what’s this, and it’s been very informative.”
Lawler said she learned more about the App Store and what all it can offer. She said she wasn’t worried about spending a lot of money on apps, though, because most of the ones she’s interested in are free.
“It’s been wonderful; I love it,” she said of the class, adding it also helped her understand more about operating her Kindle Fire.
“I may not be using the grandkids as much now that I’ve learned more about it,” she said of whom she usually turned to when she had questions about her electronics.
Judy Jones, of Holly Pond said the class helped her figure out some things about the Android smartphone she acquired a couple of weeks before the class and a tablet she has. “I just never had messed with it that much,” she said of the smartphone. In the past, she would call on younger family members to help with any issues she may have. They would fix the problem, but she said she didn’t really learn anything that would help her the next time. “So this has been a lot better,” she said.
Geneva Moore, of Arkadelphia came with her Android table to learn more about operating it.
“I’ve never set up one,” she said. “My grandkids, my son and his wife, have always done it for me. There were things like apps; I didn’t know how to set up one.” During the class she downloaded some apps for her grandkids to play and a few for her. “I put Wheel of Fortune on there and bowling.”
Lawler said she’s interested in taking some of the other classes offered through the WaLLi program, specifically one of the upcoming painting and photography classes. Jones has signed up for the painting class. Both have signed up for three trips they’ve planned.
WaLLi is open to those who are 50 and over. The fee is $40 per semester (Fall, Spring and Summer) or $99 per year, starting each fall. The fee affords members unlimited access to the Wallace State gym, unlimited access to WaLLi courses, seminars from community partners, trips and social lunches (some limits or additional costs may apply), and a free WaLLi T-shirt.
Call 256-352-7826 for more information about joining WaLLi and upcoming classes and events, email mandi.perkins@wallacestate.edu or visit www.wallacestate.edu/ce.
