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.

1. Teaching Technology to Seniors
(and other tech immigrants)
Image by Bocian,
bit.ly/1a4Vqci

2. 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
Images by Moini, bit.ly/1m0gnZT, bit.ly/1cX2tj5, bit.ly/1ftOzVE

3. The new role of libraries
 Digital Divide
Digital illiteracy = general disadvantage
 Social, professional, logistical, educational, entertainmse
nt, legal...
 Educational desert
Few other organizations teach tech for free
Image by Jportugall, bit.ly/Nafsac

4. 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
Image by Nemo, bit.ly/1cCnx3r

5. 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
Image by OpenClips, bit.ly/1i8msja

6. Three Rules
 Patience
– Repeat lessons
– Go VERY SLOW
 Respect
– Patron needs
– Patron ability
 Ask!
– “How are you doing?”

7. 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
Image by Andrew_R_Thomas, bit.ly/1oUjik5

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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
Image by Nemo, bit.ly/O7TXIa

12. 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
Image by ousia, bit.ly/1m4gjbu

13. Running a one-on-one
 Maximum 20 minutes
 Stop often for questions
 Send them away with your contact information
Image by Fabuio, bit.ly/1gqQONP

14. Passive teaching tactics
Exposure
 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 magnification Image by Nemo, bit.ly/O7VDBu

15. 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
Image by rdevries, bit.ly/1eAK5wQ

16. Make the space comfortable
 Quiet
 Not overstimulating
 Handicap-accessible
 Lots of space to spread out
Image by SteveLambert, bit.ly/1nq01eK