SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE -- The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at San Francisco State had 250 members signed up for their spring classes before the shelter order went into effect, says director Kathy Bruin. The classes, which cover a range of topics in the arts, humanities and sciences, are a lifeline for many seniors who might not otherwise have many opportunities to socialize with peers. When the shelter order canceled spring sessions, Bruin says she knew it was imperative that classes and lectures shift online.
“It’s been easier for some who are already tech-oriented,” says Bruin. “Those are the people who found us online. Others go to the library for the internet, or have flip phones and are not a candidate for Zoom. We’re trying to figure out how to work with those members because we will have to keep doing this through 2020.”