Technology Literacy for Older Adults Through Service-Learning

Read.Write.Act ConferenceNovember 1, 2013

Jean F. CoppolaCatharina DanielsSusan Feather-GannonPauline H. MosleyAndrea S. Taylor

Background: Pace University• Private metropolitan multi-campus

university• Seidenberg School of Computer Science an

d 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

Catharina (Kitty) Daniels

Andrea S. Taylor

Susan Feather-Gannon

Pauline H. Mosley

Jean F. Coppola

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

10/9/2009

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

FOOT MOUSE

SMILE GEAR for Tablets

Copyright 2009 ©

The Assistamouse for Disabled & Autistic Users

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”

a

• Older adult “diplomas”• Student certificates• Baked goods• Closure/social event

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 andCommunity 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 ConferenceNovember 1, 2013

jcoppola@pace.edu

cdaniels@pace.edu

sfeathergannon@pace.edu

pmosley@pace.edu

ataylor@pace.edu

View our syllabi