teaching tech to seniors
DESCRIPTION
Stumped on how to teach teach to seniors in a public library? Don't lose hope! Tech education may seem challenging, but it's a great and rewarding service for your elderly community.TRANSCRIPT
Teaching Technology to Seniors(and other tech immigrants)
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Tech natives, tech immigrants, and tech fugitives
Tech Natives Grew up with tech Tech comes naturally
Tech Immigrants Learned or learning tech as adults Tech is a study
Tech Fugitives Want nothing to do with tech Tech is terrifying
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The new role of libraries
Digital Divide Digital illiteracy = general disadvantage
Social, professional, logistical, educational, entertainmsent, legal...
Educational desert Few other organizations teach tech for free
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Why seniors? Seniors are almost 100% tech immigrants
Retirees aren't exposed to tech naturally
Family of natives often can't teach their elders
Successful tech programs for seniors may draw other tech immigrants or fugitives
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Why do seniors need tech?
Staying in touch with family Facetime Skype
Improve quality of life Online news Online shopping
Meet new people & find things to do Meetup
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Three Rules Patience
– Repeat lessons
– Go VERY SLOW Respect
– Patron needs
– Patron ability Ask!
– “How are you doing?”
Being prepared for anything
Popular questions: Ipad, iPhone, and smartphones Email and social media Using an Internet browser Basic computer skills (mouse, keyboard, etc.) Overdrive
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Being prepared for anything
Ways to prepare Be comfortable with the iPad Stay up-to-date on current technological trends
Slashdot.org Wired.com Techcrunch.com
Have a teaching laptop set aside Bookmark Mac and Windows forums Large icons & type
Use technology!
Being prepared for anything
Tech features that seniors tend to like to know about Privacy settings Dictation software and Siri Google Saving pictures from email Desktop shortcuts to web pages Bookmarking Facetime and Skype
Being prepared for anything Tech features that can be useful to seniors
Ad results vs. search results Closing browser tabs and programs Using one browser at a time Connecting to wifi networks The difference between different email providers The differences (and similarities) between different
kinds of devices and networks Smartphone vs. tablet vs. computer Wifi vs. 3G vs. satellite vs. cable
Working with their time restrictions Be present
-Schedule tutoring
-Drop-in tutoring
-Plan classes for ideal hours Daylight Couple with other programs
-Remote stations Community center Senior center Cafe
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Running a class 15 minutes of teaching, 45 minutes of questions Have handouts Get emails if possible Consider placing a one-on-one sign-up sheet
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Running a one-on-one
Maximum 20 minutes Stop often for questions Send them away with your contact information
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Passive teaching tacticsExposure
Loan out devices In-library technology
Low-stress independent learning Games Creativity-focused programs
Drawing on an iPad
Workarounds Siri/dictation One-time modifications
Display magnificationImage by Nemo, bit.ly/O7VDBu
Preparing
Visual aids & reminders Ex., detailing the Overdrive download procedure
step by step Focus on small things that they can take home
Handouts, bookmarks
Note-taking materials Pencil & paper
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Make the space comfortable
Quiet Not overstimulating Handicap-accessible Lots of space to spread out
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