JACKSON - Residents of The Orchards at Bartley assisted living facility recently took a trip back to school.

The Orchards residents' Oct. 17 trip brought them to St. Aloysius School where they met and worked with seventh grade pupils who helped them learn how to use Macintosh computers in the computer lab.

"Although their excursion didn't cover a great distance, it was a journey that would bridge generations," said the school's public relations coordinator Olive Taylor. "Everyone settled into the computer lab as the seniors began working on Mac books and iMacs."

The seventh-graders helped The Orchards residents manipulate the computer mouse, type sentences, make lists, and select and change text, Taylor said.

The session ended with a lesson on the Internet.

"Terminology was discussed and everyone had the opportunity to use a search engine to look up interesting facts," she said. "For fun, everyone googled their name to find information about themselves or others who share their name."

At the end of the 45-minute period it was agreed that everyone was able to learn a great deal from each other.

"The group plans to meet on the third Wednesday of each month to continue the program," said Erin O'Brien, computer teacher. "For as long as I have been involved at St. Aloysius School, the students never cease to impress me. Their generous, helpful spirit is evident in all they do."

O'Brien said this particular group of students volunteered to help without any coaxing or promise of extra credit.

"I believe they truly enjoy sharing with the community," the teacher added.