Technology Literacy for Older Adults
Through Service-Learning
Read.Write.Act Conference
November 1, 2013
Jean F. Coppola
Catharina Daniels
Susan Feather-Gannon
Pauline H. Mosley
Andrea S. Taylor
Background: Pace University
• Private metropolitan multi-campus
university
• Seidenberg School of Computer Science and
Information Systems (one of six schools)
• Variety of technology-based service-learning
courses
Service-Learning Courses
•Computers for Human Empowerment
•IT for Strategic Community Planning
•Web-Design for Non-Profits
•Problem Solving Using LEGO Robotics
•Computer Hardware: Troubleshooting and
Maintenance
•Networking Technologies
•Intergenerational Computing
Conference Presenters
Jean F. Coppola
Catharina (Kitty) Daniels
Pauline H. Mosley
Susan Feather-Gannon
Andrea S. Taylor
First Service-Learning Course:
Computers for Human Empowerment
• First service-learning course in computing at
Pace University
• Emanated from U.S. Dept. of Ed. National
Workplace Literacy grant (1990)
• Original premise—to provide computer literacy
training for women’s shelter residents
• Purpose—to close the gap of the digital divide
Computers for Human Empowerment
• Community partners—Police Athletic League
(PAL), Covenant House, and NYC Parks Dept.
• Tutorial model of service-learning designed to
provide basic computer literacy
Web Design for Non-Profit
Organizations
• HTML primer, Chami HTML-Kit and
KomPozer for Mac, Adobe Dreamweaver,
principles of web design
• Community partner interviews, selection,
teams, project manager
Community Partner Websites
• Brownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc. –
originally worked with them 2007, called
them back in Spring 2013 semester for a
revamp of the site, using new, user-friendly
apps
• Concrete Green and Caracol Interpreters –
Spring and Fall 2012 clients, revamped their
sites using wordpress, weebly, and blogger
Community Partner Websites
Community Partner Websites
Computer Hardware:
Troubleshooting and Maintenance
• Students work on team projects
that “make a difference in the
community”
• Assist in obtaining computer
equipment donations
• Refurbish and set up computer
labs in geriatric facilities and
senior centers
Networking Technologies
• Set up networked labs for community
non-profit agencies
• Build prototypes of assistive devices
• Create Unique Assistive Tech
Devices, i.e., SmileGear
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGCu-2EQC-4
SMILE GEAR for Tablets
10/9/2009
FOOT MOUSE
The Assistamouse
for Disabled &
Autistic Users
Copyright 2009 ©
Intergenerational Computing
• Interdisciplinary course piloted in
Spring 2006
• Intense 5-week student training
• Onsite 7 weeks
• Student readings:
1. Social Gerontology/Aging Process
2. Technology in Action
3. Values of Service-Learning
• Weekly reflective blogs
• Reflection paper
• Pre/Post-assessments for students and
older adults
• Sensitivity training
Sensitivity Training
• Visual impairment
• Glaucoma (squares)
• Cataracts (Vaseline/toothpaste)
• Macular degeneration (dots)
• Dexterity & motor skills
• Arthritis in fingers (masking tape)
• Arthritis in feet (stones/popcorn)
• Poor muscle tone (ankle weights)
• Use of assistive devices
(walker/cane/wheelchair/braces)
• Hearing impairment (cotton balls/ear
plugs)
“Graduation”
•
•
•
•
Older adult “diplomas”
Student certificates
Baked goods
Closure/social event
a
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eTPMJYYHMM
Web Design for Non-Profits:
Student Reflection
“This experience was fun and challenging because all of
us in our group didn’t know how to code or use Photoshop;
however, in the end still came up with something that the
client was happy with. Being a marketing major and
running my own small advertising company, this
experience was very useful in learning about what it is like
to work for a non-profit organization, and also how that
translates to working within a group. In the future, if I
continue to work in advertising, I would like to continue to
work with non profit organizations and charities to both
gain experience and better my community.”
17
Intergenerational Computing:
Student Reflection
“I tried my level best to make Mary aware of many different
functions of the computer. But, what interested her most was
the Internet and email. Her Yahoo email account is a new
home for her. The password is her key, the inbox is her living
room, the keyboard is the heart, and the CPU is the brain. I
have sent her numerous emails expressing my joy to work
with her, but the smile that she brings on my face with her
one-liner emails are [sic] priceless. Her email makes me feel
that the work that I put in is making a difference in her life,
and as a person, I cannot ask for anything better.”
Transforming Your Course
• You don’t have to “give up” anything
• Students get excited and love class!
• What do you need?
• Commitment and understanding of research of
•
•
•
non-profit organizations
Good liaisons and collaborative IT
Engaging projects
Community partner(s) visit your classroom
Benefits to University and
Community Partners
• Lasting partnerships formed
• Collaborations with other university schools
and other institutions
• Grant opportunities broadened
• Community students are introduced to the
university
Lessons Learned
• Success Factors:
– Teamwork
– Communication
– Student journal logs
• Other Suggestions:
– Determine institutional support
– Form groups with four team members
– Reserve time for group meetings in class
Lessons Learned (cont’d)
• Other Suggestions:
– Consider time of day course is offered
– Invite community partners to class
– Factor in time needed to travel to
community partners’ sites
– Keep in mind budgeting issues
Finding Community Partners
•
•
•
•
Idealist (www.idealist.org)
University Center for Community Outreach
School of Education Field Placement Director
College of Health Professions Clinical Placement
Director
• County Department of Senior Programs and
Services
Tips and Keys to Success:
Support, Donation, and Grants
• Top Level Support in CBOs and College/Dept.
• Can start without $$$!!! Then grants will come…
• Donations of Equipment
• Alumni
• Local Affluent Schools
• Students’ Parents and Faculty
• Social Media Networks, i.e. Facebook, Twitter,
LinkedIn
• Pre- and Post-Research Instruments
for Pace Students and Community Partners
Technology Literacy for Older Adults
Through Service-Learning
Read.Write.Act Conference
November 1, 2013
jcoppola@pace.edu
cdaniels@pace.edu
sfeathergannon@pace.edu
pmosley@pace.edu
ataylor@pace.edu
View our syllabi