HOWELL -- Local senior citizens looking to boost their computer savvy are getting some help from Howell students.

The first of three free computer classes for seniors was offered last week by Highlander Way Middle School's eighth-grade technology literacy class. The classes pair seniors with student mentors as teacher Carole Colburn walks them through the fundamentals of using Microsoft Word, searching the Internet and using e-mail.

"I figured there was a lot I could learn," said Agnes Grieve, 93, of Howell, who is attending the classes. "I've been very interested in genealogy, and the computer brings up a lot."

The sessions are part of a service-learning project by Colburn's class called Student Knowledge Inspiring Lifelong Learning. The project began with a discussion about the challenges facing many seniors, including difficulty using new technology.

Out of that discussion came the decision to offer computer classes to seniors.

"Technology changes so fast, you have to get used to learning, unlearning and relearning skills," Colburn said. "I wanted the kids to connect with seniors and their community. I want them to understand you can make connections through technology."

During the class, Colburn taught the five visiting seniors the basics of using Microsoft Word, demonstrating each step on a large computer screen projected at the front of the classroom. With a student mentor talking them through it, each senior typed a brief letter and then saved it into an electronic folder.

"We got to teach them new things and help them overcome their technical problems," said Hannah Zerbel, 13, who was paired with Grieve. "I thought it was fun."

"She was really nice," Grieve said of her mentor. "Every time I got caught, she showed me what to do."

Mary Peckens, 84, of Cohoctah Township attended the class to learn more about Internet research and saving documents. She uses Google to find recipes but said she "needed to know a lot more about computers."

Her mentor, David Hurley, 14, "was very attentive" as she got comfortable using a mouse, Peckens said. "That double-click business was hard for me."

As part of the project, the 28 students in the class are using computers to make and edit slide shows, brochures and public service announcements about issues facing seniors.

Previous projects Colburn's quarter-long class has taken on include raising money for the American Red Cross and working with Habitat for Humanity. The projects emphasize collaboration, integration of core areas into technology, connection with the community, service learning and authentic assessment, Colburn said. Students write reflections on what they've learned throughout the class.

Colburn said she expected the project serving seniors to be a hard sell, but instead, she said, the students "were so engaged. Seniors and this age group have a lot to learn from each other."

For students like Hurley, it's an opportunity to try out a new role.

"Helping them was fun," he said. "It was good to get out of class and teach other people for a change."

The last two classes, which will teach basic Internet research and how to use e-mail, are still open for enrollment.

Alexa Stanard is a Metro Detroit freelance writer.