Creating Successful Technology Programs for Seniors

Hello, CTN blog readers! On Monday November 22, CTN held a special event for people interested in running programs for seniors. This blog entry summarizes the event for your reading pleasure.

The panelists were:

(Chair) Kami Griffiths — CTN; Beth Berenson — Lighthouse; Ella Lee — Self Help for the Elderly; Marie Jobling — Community Living Campaign

They explored the following themes:

1. User-friendly hardware and software
2. Skills for seniors
3. Tools and resources
4. User engagement

Theme 1: How can centers be best equipped for senior users?

The panelists discussed the available access technology.

• Software:
  • http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/worldwide
  • http://microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/citizenship/giving/progr...
  • Zoomtext (www.aisquared.com/zoomtext), a screen magnification system.
  • There is also audio software for people with severe sight loss.
• Hardware: (such as large-type keyboards, joysticks, and touch-screens).
  • Trackballs and touchpads, for example, are easier for seniors because they’re less sensitive.
  • Keyboards are important. Large keypads may be required, and providing a keyboarding class is a good starting point for seniors.
  • Screen contrast is vital for people with visual impairment.
  • It is also important to remember that seniors might already be capable computer users, but it is becoming more difficult as eyesight diminishes.
  • The panelists felt it is good practice to offer seniors a choice of hardware to find what’s suitable for them.

Theme 2: What kind of classes are being offered to Seniors?

Simple skills training is vital: turning on and off the computer and getting online, for example. The first priority is to help seniors set up email accounts. Learners can then go on to intermediate classes that build on these basic skills; for example, once they have set up email, they move onto managing address books, or they learn how to make appointments, access online radio, and so on.

And it is important to remember that some seniors can still be working and may need to update key skills.

The panelists were also keen to see peer-to-peer learning support, older people teaching older people from their community — especially useful if language barriers exist.

What are seniors asking for?

• Troubleshooting — how to work out what is wrong and how to fix it. How to ask if there is a problem.
• Basic tech support — how to avoid viruses and how to be protected online.
• How to subscribe to broadband — consumer advice to enable people to make the right choice of home computers and internet access.
• Specific need — build a website, plan a party, research something. There is a one-on-one tutoring demand.

Theme 3: What tools and resources exist for computer centers in working with seniors?

• Microsoft offers a lot of translated resources.
• Many sites have multiple language translations: Google, Skype, Facebook. (Note: there can be problems with terminology translations).
• www.flying-blind.com/tidbits
• www.afb.org
• The Internet Grandad (YouTube — geriatric1927)
• http://www.magictouch.com/addon.html
• www.gcflearnfree.org

CTN aims to become the gatekeeper for quality resources, and all suggestions for new resources should be sent to Kami at CTN.

What other cool online tools are available to seniors?

• Ning. Create your own social network from scratch. Users don’t have to use the platforms like Facebook. Low cost.
• www.mywayvillage.com
• iPad. So portable and quick. Clear, bright. Great demo device.
• WACOM. A drawing tablet connected to the computer.
• Touchpads to replace mouse pads. Touchscreens that fit on top of ordinary screen, like an antiglare screen, used with a USB.
• Adaptive software that can be downloaded for free for a trial period.
• www.onetruemedia.com.
• www.audacity.sourceforge.net
• Google images.
• Newspaper websites
• www.getconnectedtoday.com
• www.211bayarea.org
• WebMD.

Theme 4: What are some good strategies for user development and retention?

• Easy success — easy programs to show it’s not scary or complicated.
• Connection to grandkids and hometowns.
• Saving money and time (watching TV on the Internet, accessing goods and social services)
• Build community — build programs that include socializing.
• Offer incentives for participation — benefits, freebies, certificates/rewards.
• Giving users what they want and need and empowering users to help each other.
• Ensure regular and reliable access points so people know where and when to go.
• Personal approach. Call users who might have forgotten about a class, for example. Offer transit to and from classes.
• Serve food and refreshments.
• Involve the family, like children or grandchildren, or start a buddy system so that users feel accountable to someone else for their participation.

Creating a community around senior programs will be essential. Activity must be fun and sociable. It will also be important to ensure learners become the teachers.

The meeting concluded with an announcement of another event. Community Technology: Is Access a Game Changer? will be held on December 13, 2010. Details available on the CTN website (see Events page).