Short bio

I am a specialist in Information Technologies and a professor of computer science. Also, I am an active member of our EPALE family and, at the same time, EPALE AMBASSADOR OF MONTENEGRO. As part of my competencies, I lead various projects, of which I would like to emphasize EDUCATION FOR DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP AND SAFE INTERNET SURFING.

My story

I am a member of our beloved EPALE family and an EPALE Ambassador for Montenegro. It makes sense to start this entirely true story this way because a flash of enlightenment happened during a working meeting within the EPALE project in Montenegro.

Namely, during a completely ordinary task where participants were randomly divided into groups, I ended up in a group where the members had completely different professions. One member was a journalist, another a lawyer, the third a civil servant, and I was the fourth, what I would call an "always ready for action" computer science professor. The topics were open-ended, and even the age limits for the participants to whom the program should be aimed were not strictly defined, but they all had one common area - ADULT EDUCATION. By now, you can probably guess that "free topics" are always a simpler option at first glance. 

However, when creativity needs to take flight, we often encounter obstacles. It is indeed so.

We sit at the table, looking at each other. In front of us is a huge white paper (in my eyes, never bigger) because we have to fill it all out. We all suggested some programs, but it seemed that I was the most persuasive in knowing exactly how my program should be, so they gladly handed me the marker and "the biggest white paper ever"! The first word I uttered was: "PENSIONERS". Perhaps I was inspired by the husband and wife in their 70s, who I saw through the window that chilly mountain morning. Since I am an ICT specialist, I named the program "Basic Digital Competencies for Older Learners." The outcomes were easy to arrange. It was simply necessary to step into the shoes of a 70-year-old and think about what they would need related to ICT, from starting new devices' basic operating system settings to special programs tailored to each individual. For example, someone has diabetes and needs to learn how to use an app on their phone to monitor blood sugar; someone needs to access the health ministry's website to order regular therapy; yet someone else needs to install and master delivery and transportation apps, and much more.

As I presented the program, I noticed enthusiasm in the looks and approving gestures of those present. This gave me an indication that I was on the right track. At one point, I stated that I believed this would be enough, considering that the program is called "Basic Digital Competencies..." and is about pensioners. At that moment, a wonderful lady stood up and asked me how old I thought she was, saying she might be around 55. To that, she happily replied with a smile that she is actually 67 years old and already retired. She then asked me WHY I THINK THESE OUTCOMES WOULD BE ENOUGH FOR THEM, AND IF I THOUGHT THAT JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE OLDER!? I quickly explained that this is just Module 1 and that after completing it, there is an advanced program, Module 2. I saw that she was satisfied with my resourceful answer. She shared her thoughts with all of us, saying THAT SHE WAS REALLY EAGER TO BECOME A PENSIONER SO SHE COULD LEARN AND MASTER EVERYTHING SHE ALWAYS WANTED BUT DIDN'T HAVE TIME FOR. SOMETIMES, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO EDUCATE AND LEARN ALONG WITH A REGULAR JOB, FAMILY, AND OBLIGATIONS. SHE IS THIRSTY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND IS HAPPY TO HAVE TIME TO READ, TO DEVOTE HERSELF, AND TO LEARN NEW SKILLS. THAT WE SHOULD NOT WAIT A MOMENT BUT TRY TO TAKE TIME EVERY DAY TO WORK ON OUR EDUCATIONAL PROCESS. 

Do you know that feeling when your body trembles and your eyes widen, eager to absorb as much beauty as possible? That's what happened to me while listening to the wonderful lady as she teaches us a life lesson from her personal experience! These pieces of advice are the most effective! A moment to remember, a moment that enlightens! A moment that defends the truth with her life, experience, and existence!

A moment that says, every day is a new opportunity to learn something new! Let's seize it and not wait for another day to pass!

Because a day in which we haven't learned something new is a lost day!