Breaking Down the Barriers for the Aging Population

George Head-IT743 Chen, Spring 2014The Practical Use of Technology for Seniors

Winter Texans in Woody Acres RV ParkSeniors with minimal or no exposure/understanding of technologySlightly more affluentThey travel extensivelyGo on cruises and purchase travel packagesAudience Background

Constructivism/Motivational (favors processes over end product, and is learner centered)Social NegotiationEncouraging Ownership in LearningCollaborative Learning and Problem Scaffolding

Learning Theories Incorporated

Some of the biggest interface design barriers that complicate navigation for senior computer users are:1) Disappearing desktops2) Drop down menus3) Overlapping windows4) Missing or disappearing buttons

Barriers that Seniors contend with

Barriers that Seniors contend with

Learning Objectives/GoalsThe Following Goals are Specific for this Group of LearnersIncrease their knowledge of available technologyEncourage Learners to Share Discoveries During TrainingLinking new knowledge gained to what they already haveAssist these senior learners in creating meaningful goals for themselves therefore enhancing their way of life

Increase their knowledge of available technology

Increasing their knowledge of available technology

This falls under assisting senior learners in creating meaningful goals for themselves therefore enhancing their way of life.

Motivational StrategiesThe Following Strategies are Specific for this Group of LearnersUsing group work along with one on one trainingEnhances the experienceAllows for perspective taking and reflectionEncourage Learners to Share Discoveries During TrainingPique curiosity with personal choice and controlPurposeful learning activitiesAccessing Health related websitesCreating online albumsUsing Skype or FaceTime with friends and family

Motivational StrategiesThe Following Strategies are Specific for this Group of LearnersEmpower learners to make choicesHelp them see how outcomes will varyReassure them to continue exploringStay with learning goals as to not discourageHelp the senior learner feel efficacious about the tasks presented and explored

Learning Strategies

Bold Print HandoutsEasy to read for seniorsSimple step by step instructionSupplement with large screen and LCD projection system

Materials for older adults was developed by the National Institute on Aging

Instruction/Demonstrations

List the things they will cover in the lesson/demo

Identify an aspect of the lesson which they think their approach was useful

Ask the learners how they would approach the task differently

Instruction/DemonstrationsSupplemental instruction provided online

Images reflect familiar scenes from the area

Provides links to online resources

Remind learners of their own previous successes at similar tasksUse verbal persuasion to get leaner to attempt a taskHelp students realize that a little bit of nervousness actually enhances performance.Remind Students of the Role THEY Have Had in Their Own SuccessesSharing Time/Reflections

Review of the Process

Thanks for your attention!