Techniques for Enabling the Older Population in Technology: a case study

Abstract

There is a significant segment of the population which was virtually bypassed by the electronic revolution. These people are primarily retired or close to retirement, and are finding it increasingly necessary to have computer skills to interact with the world around them. However, due to the aging process, learning those computer skills is more difficult for them. This case study details how the staff of the North County Regional Library Computer Center addressed those issues and developed a series of classes for first time computer users. Based on research into issues in gerontology, such as cognitive and motor declines, as well as automaticity and semantic memory, the staff modified materials and techniques to make computer training achievable for many older citizens who were "falling through the cracks." The staff at the North County Regional Library developed a short, beginning-level computer course consisting of four lessons, which has been offered by the Library since early 2003. Results have been very positive. Participants have ranged in age from middle-age to elderly (80+ years). Since participants must go through the instructors to register, classes have been limited to those who were total novices, with virtually no exposure to computers. Sample materials and outlines will be provided, as well as statistical summaries from evaluation instruments.