digital literacy and older adults

Digital Literacy and Older Adults

Blandin Webinar

Virtual

February 22, 2018

12:00PM CST

What We Do

•Engage• Meaningful participation

•Train• Age-appropriate programs – Adult Learning

Theory•Support• Consistency, patience, availability, transparency

OATS 2004-2009: Redesigning Technology Access

•Training •Technology labs•Personnel •Funding

2010 – 2013: Strategy in Action

• Senior Planet Exploration Center • SeniorPlanet.org• Connected Communities• technology labs• mobile training

Senior Planet Exploration Centers

SeniorPlanet.org

Senior Planet Training Programs

“Senior Planet U”

2013-2017: Engineering Change

• focus on impact areas • metrics project• rural communities • public housing • corporate partnerships

Senior Planet North CountryRural Upstate New York

• Expanded our work to northern NY State in 2015

• Seven counties that border Canada

• Truly rural – dispersed communities, lack of resources, difficult terrain

Making Rural Seniors a Priority

Senior Planet North Country Components

• Live training in Plattsburgh and Malone, NY

• The “Tech Spot”

• Senior Planet @ Home – serving those with mobility impairment

Our Rural Statistics

• Enrollment: 852 (15% of eligible population)• Median Age: 73• With Disability: 40%• Living Alone: 35%

• 83% reported QOL increased• 40% purchased device• 33% signed up for broadband• 98% Net Promoter Score

The Future of Rural Technology Programs for Seniors

• The model is replicable to other states and rural settings

• The federal government should adopt the USDA’s recommendation of securing digital connectivity across rural America

• Technology should be used to empower older adults in rural geographies

Four Lessons About Technology for Social Change

One:Metrics Matter

“Connecting to Community”Reducing social isolation in older adults.

• Isolated, low-income older adults

• Volunteers• Technology and

connectivity

Lessons:

•Define the change you seek•Figure how to measure it•Dialogue program design and metrics•Moving the needle is not easy•Change is possible and measurable

Two:Digital Literacy Is A Design Challenge

Digital Literacy Is A Design ChallengeWhat we’ve learned:

•Think like a designer•Focus on the learner•Shift from service to experience•Effective program design is the enemy of ageism

Three:Technology Is A Means Not An End

Lessons:

•They came for the technology, and they stayed for the community•Expand your definition of “technology” •Group dynamics are powerful•Balance structure and flexibility in program design

Four:Always Be Collaborating

A Tale of Two Cities

Lessons:

•It’s possible to achieve multiple objectives without compromising program design•Design solutions with seniors, not for seniors•Build strong partnerships•Dare great things

Thank You!

Alex Glazebrook, MSW

Director of Operations

seniorplanet.org

oats.org