grandma's got a wii!

Grandma’s Got a Wii!

ALA Gaming Symposium

Presented by

Allan M. Kleiman

November 3, 2008

Allan M. Kleiman, ALA Gaming Symposium, November 2008

Grandpa's Got a Wii!, Too!


Grandma's Got a Wii!

Gaming Discussion/Research/Funding/Interest

Centers Around Children, Tweens, Teens Great Interest Linking to Education, Learning Pew Internet Research Fastest Growing Gaming Segment is Older Adults Wii, Wii Sports, Wii Fit, etc. Gaming For Seniors is MORE Important



Older Adults are my BUSINESS! 30+ Years Working With Older Adults Past Chair, ALA RUSA RSS Library Service

to an Aging Population Committee Worked on All 4 Editions of Guidelines for

Library Service to Older Adults for RUSA Workshops, Programs, Lectures, Courses



Why Wii Gaming in the Library for Seniors?

Mental Stimulation (Using the Brain) Eye/Hand Coordination Social Interaction Inter-Generational Activity Group/Lifelong Learning Exposure to New Technology



The Second-annual “Evercare 100 @ 100 Survey,” sponsored by Evercare, polled 100 Americans turning 100 and older in 2007

1 in 7 had played Video Games 47% of online Games are Downloaded by

55+ Population



June 2007: Opening of “Senior Space: The Library Place for Baby Boomers, Older Adults, the Elderly and Their Families”

Key Component: Experiment, Expose Seniors to New Technology, Web 2.0

Develop a Curriculum That Supports Lifelong Learn, Engagement, and FUN!



Trace Steps – My Personal Experience Last June 2007, ALA Conference Internet Librarian, October 2007 First Gaming Day with Teens and Seniors,

November 2007



How Did we do It? Used Teen Advisory Board Basic Training on how Older Adults Learn Pretend Your Teaching Your Grandma Be Patient, Expect Questions, Keep Your

Cool! After Senior Done—Open Play



First Session: 2 Play Stations Wii Bowling on Large Screen Big Brain Academy Second Session: Added Guitar Hero

Results: FANTASTIC!



Open Gaming Competition Play Seniors Not Interested in TRUE Competition One Event Seniors vs. Teens in Bowling Seniors, WON!



What Have “Wii” Found—

Great Social Interaction Helping Each Other Learn Great Relationships Between Teens and

Seniors Feeling of Accomplishment at Learning New

Technology



Best Games

Wii Sports (Bowling, Tennis, etc) Big Brain Academy



Not So Successful--

Endless Ocean American Idol



Staff Buy-in Staff Day 2008 Gaming in Our Library Gaming For Children, Tweens, Teens Gaming for Seniors Gaming @ Laurence Harbor Branch



June 2007: Opening of “Senior Space: The Library Place for Baby Boomers, Older Adults, the Elderly and Their Families”

Key Component: Experiment, Expose Seniors to New Technology, Web 2.0

Develop a Curriculum That Supports Lifelong Learn, Engagement, and FUN!



Wii and Persons With Disabilities

Visually Impaired (Large Screen) Wheelchair Bound Used in Wiihabilitation, with Persons who

Have had a stroke, surgery, etc. Interactive and Entertaining



Wii and Persons With Disabilities



What are Libraries Doing?

Receive an Average 2-3 Inquiries Per Week How to Set-up a Wii Event for Seniors Cost, Equipment, Staffing How to Train the Teenagers Funding for the Wii and Games Why do I Think They are not Getting Seniors in?



What are Libraries Doing?

Two Brief Listserv Surveys, Total 50 Responses Research Online (Google Search) Feedback, Anecdotal, Not Statistical More Formal Surveys are Needed More Research Release of Pew Study



What are Libraries Doing? Wii on the Move!

Bowling, Golfing, Tennis Tournaments with Senior Groups, Other Libraries Seniors are Playing With Their Grandchildren Library, Nursing Homes & Retirement Centers State Libraries Giving Grants LSTA Funding in NYState



Schedule on a Regular Basis Get the Staff Involved! Publicize the Programs Serve Refreshments Create a “Fun” Atmosphere Seek “Senior” Input – What Works?

What Does Not



Make the Experience Inviting Make the Experience Interactive Make the Experience Fun

Now---Let’s Wii!



Questions?

Comments?



Allan M. Kleiman

[email protected]; [email protected] libraryolderadults.blogspot.com

732-738-5183