Outdated. Antiquated Technology in T.V

[golferling]

Today began with an attempt to register for a class at The Lifelong Learning College. The "College" needs to learn that it is 2013, not 1980. There are two ways to register: Call the college's one number (line busy for the first three hours, so far) or take your registration personally to the office. There are over 110,000 here and online registration is NOT AVAILABLE. And... I am still amazed there is no WIFI at the Neighborhood Rec Centers. Unbelievable .

[justjim]

OP Iam inclined to agree---I do think TV could use a shot of technology! However, Publix could use some self checkout lanes too---at least for those with 10 items or less.

True story: Last winter while standing in line I said something to one of the managers about self checkout lanes---he actually said that seniors didn't know how to use them--that it had been tried before. Unbelievable! Sorry didn't mean to pirate your Thread but maybe that has something to do with the thinking about on-line registering?

[BettyCrocked]

OP Iam inclined to agree---I do think TV could use a shot of technology! However, Publix could use some self checkout lanes too---at least for those with 10 items or less.

True story: Last winter while standing in line I said something to one of the managers about self checkout lanes---he actually said that seniors didn't know how to use them--that it had been tried before. Unbelievable! Sorry didn't mean to pirate your Thread but maybe that has something to do with the thinking about on-line registering?

He's absolutely correct. Ever stood and watched the self checkout lanes at Wal-mart?

[mickey100]

Today began with an attempt to register for a class at The Lifelong Learning College. The "College" needs to learn that it is 2013, not 1980. There are two ways to register: Call the college's one number (line busy for the first three hours, so far) or take your registration personally to the office. There are over 110,000 here and online registration is NOT AVAILABLE. And... I am still amazed there is no WIFI at the Neighborhood Rec Centers. Unbelievable .

I agree. These days you have the option to register for almost everything online. I'd love to see village-wide wifi available.

[justjim]

He's absolutely correct. Ever stood and watched the self checkout lanes at Wal-mart?

Your kidding aren't you. Self checkout isn't rocket science. Maybe the first time it's a little slow but..... :posting:

[golferling]

Yes, but my post is ONLY about Rec Centers and The Lifelong Learning College, not the businesses and chains outside TV. I think most residents own computers, and when given a chance, they use their devices for convenience. Can you imagine a college or university where this antiquated, outdated method would be used to register students ? Let's keep this thread for those who would like to comment on the need for more wifi areas in The Villages proper, as well as the College.

[JB in TV]

Edited to allow thread to stay on topic.

[Peachie]

And... I am still amazed there is no WIFI at the Neighborhood Rec Centers. Unbelievable .

If you get your wallet out, you can have just about anything. That would be an additional charge in your amenity fees and I, personally, don't think going to the Regional Rec Centers in The Beautiful Villages is too much of a hardship to use WIFI.

[golferling]

I think some people are on Talk of The Villages to change the subject... Look, it is not about Publix or the Post Office, it is about The Villages and their antiquated technology.... Now you can redirect these comments off on a tangent, but the bottom line is that TV could easily install wifi in every Rec Center and Town Square and install software at The Learning College and it has NOT been done .

[Peachie]

I think some people are on Talk of The Villages to change the subject... Look, it is not about Publix or the Post Office, it is about The Villages and their antiquated technology.... Now you can redirect these comments off on a tangent, but the bottom line is that TV could easily install wifi in every Rec Center and Town Square and install software at The Learning College and it has NOT been done .

At an additional cost to the residents, correct?

[golferling]

Peachie. Do you work for TV in public relations? The neighborhood rec centers could swipe your card so easily if they had wifi. Also Grandparents would not have to stand in line 2 plus hours in the summer for activities for their grandchildren. Give me a break. The cost would be absolutely minimal. I am tired of hearing excuses as to why we have to jam up the Regional centers for things like these .

[graciegirl]

He's absolutely correct. Ever stood and watched the self checkout lanes at Wal-mart?

Are you talking about older people again?

[memason]

I tend to agree with the OP.... TV seems to be stuck in [I'll give them the benefit of the doubt] 90's technology. You can see in the AM radio station, that they refuse to steam online and the local paper that is "minimally" available online.

The app they developed for the squares is better than nothing, but...

I don't believe installing WiFi in the Rec. Centers & the Squares would be a big deal. Installing TV wide WiFi would be a huge deal. These types of networks (mesh networks) are very expensive to install and maintain.

TV needs to hire a couple 20 somethings to direct their technology department...

[Peachie]

Peachie. Do you work for TV in public relations? The neighborhood rec centers could swipe your card so easily if they had wifi. Also Grandparents would not have to stand in line 2 plus hours in the summer for activities for their grandchildren. Give me a break. The cost would be absolutely minimal. I am tired of hearing excuses as to why we have to jam up the Regional centers for things like these .

No, it's more like many of us are on retiree incomes and have seen many of our expenses shoot up this year and I would sooner wait patiently in line with my grandchildren than see amenity fees keep spiraling up for all the extras that could be added. Guess I'm too frugal for your tastes, eh? :icon_wink:

If it's any consolation, I do think the Learning College should upgrade.

[JB in TV]

I think some people are on Talk of The Villages to change the subject... Look, it is not about Publix or the Post Office, it is about The Villages and their antiquated technology.... Now you can redirect these comments off on a tangent, but the bottom line is that TV could easily install wifi in every Rec Center and Town Square and install software at The Learning College and it has NOT been done .


Sorry, I will edit my post.

[BettyCrocked]

Sorry, I will edit my post.

I didn't find it to be off topic at all. You were simply offering a possible reason as to why they may not have online registration.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Your kidding aren't you. Self checkout isn't rocket science. Maybe the first time it's a little slow but..... :posting:

I don't think he's kidding. I use self checkout whenever possible and I can't believe some of the people I see in front of me. If they don't know how to use it, they shouldn't get in that line.

[mac9]

I don't think he's kidding. I use self checkout whenever possible and I can't believe some of the people I see in front of me. If they don't know how to use it, they shouldn't get in that line.

But, then, how are they supposed to learn to use it?

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Peachie. Do you work for TV in public relations? The neighborhood rec centers could swipe your card so easily if they had wifi. Also Grandparents would not have to stand in line 2 plus hours in the summer for activities for their grandchildren. Give me a break. The cost would be absolutely minimal. I am tired of hearing excuses as to why we have to jam up the Regional centers for things like these .

Which brings up the point as to how bad the scanners that are used to scan your ID card in the rec centers. I would guess that half the time they are not working at all and the rest of the time cards have to be scanned three, four, five times. There is certainly better technology out there that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg.

[Indydealmaker]

Why would anyone want to drive to a rec center to go online? If you use the internet that infrequently, dial up service is virtually free.

Not to mention there are several restaurants in The Villages with free wifi. Just google "free wifi".

As far as the rest of the technology concerns, those of us who use the internet on a daily basis for both work and play tend to forget that although most seniors use email on and off, many are not yet comfortable with putting out personal information online. As the demand grows, I am sure we will see more online access to TV amenities and entertainment.

This could happen sooner if a group of tech savvy Villagers offered to provide the software for free.

If not, I know of a Canadian company that is supposed to be REALLY knowledgeable on setting up intricate websites!:1rotfl:

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

But, then, how are they supposed to learn to use it?

There are usually people there to help you, but most of them are pretty intuitive. You simply follow the instructions on the screen.

[graciegirl]

Peachie. Do you work for TV in public relations? The neighborhood rec centers could swipe your card so easily if they had wifi. Also Grandparents would not have to stand in line 2 plus hours in the summer for activities for their grandchildren. Give me a break. The cost would be absolutely minimal. I am tired of hearing excuses as to why we have to jam up the Regional centers for things like these .

I know Peachie and she doesn't work for anybody.

She doesn't serve on Ghetto pool committees but man she can tell it like it is.

The Internet Technology does need to be updated here in The Villages and it just amazes me to pieces that they have had such enormous success the "old fashioned way". The decision makers on staff may not be computer geeks and I am sure they recognize it. I keep waiting for someone to join them that they TRUST to update their technology.

I find that everything unfolds around here in the most interesting way and part of my joy of living here is watching it. You think it can't get better and it does. This was a MUCH smaller enterprise just ten-twelve years ago and you are right to be thinking that their internet technology should be up to par with everything else they do.

But my money again is on The Morses.

It will come.

[Mikeod]

If not, I know of a Canadian company that is supposed to be REALLY knowledgeable on setting up intricate websites!:1rotfl:

I hear they are kinda busy right now. Best to contact them next year, or the year after, or maybe 2016. :thumbup:

[janmcn]

The system they are using now to register at Lifelong Learning Center will not change anytime soon, IMO, as it would discriminate against anyone not having or using a computer to sign up. The powers-to-be must make it accessible to all on an equal footing, not allowing those with a computer to fill up the classes, while others are excluded.

[Bogie Shooter]

Today began with an attempt to register for a class at The Lifelong Learning College. The "College" needs to learn that it is 2013, not 1980. There are two ways to register: Call the college's one number (line busy for the first three hours, so far) or take your registration personally to the office. There are over 110,000 here and online registration is NOT AVAILABLE. And... I am still amazed there is no WIFI at the Neighborhood Rec Centers. Unbelievable .

I think you should take your concerns to the source. Not sure what you are accomplishing by posting here? Hey, you never know they might actually listen to what you have to say. Right?
The Villages Lifelong Learning College enrichment classes for adults. (http://www.thevillageslifelongcollege.com/about/contact_us.htm)

[JB in TV]

The system they are using now to register at Lifelong Learning Center will not change anytime soon, IMO, as it would discriminate against anyone not having or using a computer to sign up. The powers-to-be must make it accessible to all on an equal footing, not allowing those with a computer to fill up the classes, while others are excluded.

Excellent thought! :BigApplause:

[graciegirl]

Excellent thought! :BigApplause:

I thought so too.

[mickey100]

The system they are using now to register at Lifelong Learning Center will not change anytime soon, IMO, as it would discriminate against anyone not having or using a computer to sign up. The powers-to-be must make it accessible to all on an equal footing, not allowing those with a computer to fill up the classes, while others are excluded.

No one would be excluded. Those without a computer could still call up or do a walk in registration.

[njbchbum]

No one would be excluded. Those without a computer could still call up or do a walk in registration.

But by the time a person gets thru on the phone or takes the time to drive over - computer registrations might have filled up the class - no?

[njbchbum]

snipped
I am tired of hearing excuses as to why we have to jam up the Regional centers for things like these .

And I am tired of reading posts that want to increase my amenity fee with a charge to wi-fi the villages! Snowbirds already essentially 'subsidize' amenities for everyone - no need to pay for more that we don't use.

[golferling]

You people that are worried about amenity fees increasing by installing inexpensive software or a wifi connection at a rec center for under &100. Just crack me up. You would rather hire more people to type up registrations, or wait in line until, like last year, people collapsed in the heat waiting in line to register your grandchildren for summer activities. With your worrying about amenity fees, i think the lack of tech would increase, rather than decrease costs, but, if your looking for an excuse NOT to operate modernly and efficiently, hey, it's as good as any excuse!

[graciegirl]

You people that are worried about amenity fees increasing by installing inexpensive software or a wifi connection at a rec center for under &100. Just crack me up. You would rather hire more people to type up registrations, or wait in line until, like last year, people collapsed in the heat waiting in line to register your grandchildren for summer activities. With your worrying about amenity fees, i think the lack of tech would increase, rather than decrease costs, but, if your looking for an excuse NOT to operate modernly and efficiently, hey, it's as good as any excuse!


I hate it when a post starts with "you people".

I think it could be improved but we don't vote here. This is a CDD so all of this is just air being exchanged. Put it in the survey.

It isn't THAT bad.

We all have indoor plumbing.

[justjim]

I think some people are on Talk of The Villages to change the subject... Look, it is not about Publix or the Post Office, it is about The Villages and their antiquated technology.... Now you can redirect these comments off on a tangent, but the bottom line is that TV could easily install wifi in every Rec Center and Town Square and install software at The Learning College and it has NOT been done .

OP your right and I was wrong. I shouldn't use a self-checkout illustration to make a point about not everyone in TV having even minimum computer skills.

More and more seniors everyday are getting more computer literate. Even old' Justjim!

[jbdlfan]

I would be willing to bet that some of the reluctance to change registration processes and such is due to issues they have encountered at places like Citizens First. Everytime they have rolled out changes in the online banking, they are flooded with issues. Unfortunately, not everone with a computer has the ability to adapt to the changes. While I think it would make a world of sense, it's not my call. Now in response to those that think it wouldn't be fair, why is the tee time system fair? Kind of works on the same principal. I would think that if more folks could sign up for classes at the LLLC online, there would be fewer phone calls. Thus, everyone would get a shot. I have no dog in this hunt so I really don't care.

[mickey100]

But by the time a person gets thru on the phone or takes the time to drive over - computer registrations might have filled up the class - no?

No, that is not so. It wouldn't be any different than the golf reservation system they have in place now. I would think most people make a phone call or would register online, rather than traveling over to the college anyways.

[njbchbum]

No, that is not so. It wouldn't be any different than the golf reservation system they have in place now. I would think most people make a phone call or would register online, rather than traveling over to the college anyways.

perhaps if what you think is true, registration would have changed by now?

does the golf ressie system provide for some options whereas the college course ressie does not?

i don't use the golf ressie system so that's why i'm asking...but i do sign up for llc via the phone or in-person - no hardship there for me.

[graciegirl]

http://www.thevillageslifelongcollege.com/pdfs/replaced/RegistrationFormHGeneric2010WITH%20CALC.pdf

[blueash]

We all have indoor plumbing.

I do feel sorry for those who paid big dollars for a golf course homesite only to have an outhouse planted directly in their view.

[Indydealmaker]

I hate it when a post starts with "you people".

I think it could be improved but we don't vote here. This is a CDD so all of this is just air being exchanged. Put it in the survey.

It isn't THAT bad.

We all have indoor plumbing.

How did you get indoor plumbing??!! Oh, I forgot...you're CONNECTED!:bowdown:

[jbdlfan]

http://www.thevillageslifelongcollege.com/pdfs/replaced/RegistrationFormHGeneric2010WITH%20CALC.pdf

The fax section on this form did make me chuckle a bit. I didn't know anybody faxed anything any more. Not sure I would feel comfortable with cc number on something being sent that way.

[CFrance]

Your kidding aren't you. Self checkout isn't rocket science. Maybe the first time it's a little slow but..... :posting:

I agree. People use them at Home Depot all the time with no problem. Any problems usually stem from the checkout unit itself malfunctioning or needing to be overridden for some reason.

[OBXNana]

It's gotten off topic and I am adding to the problem. Self check out in some stores was eliminated a few years ago because people were stealing when checking themselves out. They opened again when the store had a person standing by the self check out to monitor what the customer was ringing up. For some stores the cost associated with a person standing at self check out was greater than having them run a express lane register.

[CFrance]

I tried to open the online copy of the January to June 2014 course schedule at the LLC web site. When you click on it, it says it's password protected and wants a password. Huh? Obviously an error on their part. So I clicked on the "contact us" button and filled out the form and asked what the password is. That was one week ago. I have yet to receive an answer.

Meanwhile, I had my husband stop in to pick up a paper catalog. the line was out the door. there were no catalogs in view. They were under a bunch of paperwork the one lone woman was working registration had in font of her at the front desk. He walked up to get one and some lady yelled "Hey, there's a line!"

You can do ANYTHING online--why not this! I have a difficult name to spell. I used to have a difficult address to spell. I don't like having to go through all this spelling and reading of cc over the phone. "That's ZKE, not CKE!!!!"

Those who like the charming, traditional way can still have that. I wish the rest of us could have online registration. I'd rather mail it than phone it.

[Indydealmaker]

The fax section on this form did make me chuckle a bit. I didn't know anybody faxed anything any more. Not sure I would feel comfortable with cc number on something being sent that way.

If they could provide an email for the school, then the form could be sent via eFax. That would be somewhat more secure than just letting it get printed out on a fax machine to which many have access.

[JourneyOfLife]

If you think about it, those types of operations will need to have the paper version (at least today)... There are still quite a number of older seniors that do not use computers.

Setting up an "additional" publicly accessible retail system for sales can be costly to setup and maintain.

It usually comes down to money!

However, I am sure they are open to suggestions. Give them feedback.

[pqrstar]

If they could provide an email for the school, then the form could be sent via eFax. That would be somewhat more secure than just letting it get printed out on a fax machine to which many have access.

The completed form may be e-mailed to:
College@TheVillages.com

[LuckySevens]

Peachie. Do you work for TV in public relations? The neighborhood rec centers could swipe your card so easily if they had wifi. Also Grandparents would not have to stand in line 2 plus hours in the summer for activities for their grandchildren. Give me a break. The cost would be absolutely minimal. I am tired of hearing excuses as to why we have to jam up the Regional centers for things like these .

I agree with the OP. The Villages could upgrade several things. Personally I would rather they take out the flowers one time less a year and use that money for new technology. I know I am hijacking, but another important thing they could do is get rid of the plastic cards we have to use to get into the gates and put stickers on car windows where you don't even have to roll down your window....like the I Passes. It IS 2013 and they need to upgrade numerous things.

[mickey100]

perhaps if what you think is true, registration would have changed by now?

does the golf ressie system provide for some options whereas the college course ressie does not?

i don't use the golf ressie system so that's why i'm asking...but i do sign up for llc via the phone or in-person - no hardship there for me.

If what I think is true, registration would have changed by now??? Not really, that is the entire point of this thread! What many of us think would be reasonable in this day and age of technology, is woefully far behind as far as The Villages Learning College.

The golf reservation system gives you two options - you can do it online, or you can telephone in. Every single golfer that I know, and there are many, uses the online system of reservation.

I'm glad its easy for you to go in person to sign up for a course, but there are people who have mobility problems, or other issues, which make an online reservation system preferable to driving way over to the college, finding parking, waiting in line, and so on.

[mickey100]

I agree with the OP. The Villages could upgrade several things. Personally I would rather they take out the flowers one time less a year and use that money for new technology. I know I am hijacking, but another important thing they could do is get rid of the plastic cards we have to use to get into the gates and put stickers on car windows where you don't even have to roll down your window....like the I Passes. It IS 2013 and they need to upgrade numerous things.

Great idea about the stickers! I think we should all remember this thread and when it comes to doing the annual survey, we can put in our two cents about upgrading technology in The Villages.

[LndLocked]

Am I the only one laughing about the rich irony of the "Learning Center" being mired in technology that is at least a couple of decades old!! :024:

[mrfixit]

I tried to open the online copy of the January to June 2014 course schedule at the LLC web site. When you click on it, it says it's PASSWORD PROTECTED and wants a password. Huh?

Obviously an error on their part. .


Since you were trying to sign up one week ago....
...this should not be considered an error on their part....
.....it is built into their software.

Passwords are for Patrons.
Patrons (a.k.a.=donor $) were issued a password.
ONLY Patrons were able to sign up for classes 28-OCT.-thru- 03 NOV.

.......Villagers (who are not Patrons) gained access on 04-NOV.

...........Subscribers to The Daily Sun Newspaper...
.... with addresses IN The Villages, ... received the Lifelong Learning College BOOKLET in the Sunday Newspaper on 03-NOV.

[BobAllen1290]

OP Iam inclined to agree---I do think TV could use a shot of technology! However, Publix could use some self checkout lanes too---at least for those with 10 items or less.

True story: Last winter while standing in line I said something to one of the managers about self checkout lanes---he actually said that seniors didn't know how to use them--that it had been tried before. Unbelievable! Sorry didn't mean to pirate your Thread but maybe that has something to do with the thinking about on-line registering?
I have a serious problem with self-checkout lanes. Every time you use one, you help to put someone out of a job. You get charged the same price for your purchases as if a paid staff member took care of you. I might..and I stress might consider using one IF..and only IF..you were given a discount reflecting the people they were not paying to check you out. But..I never use self-checkout because I will not help the company shove another hard working person out the door.