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
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