1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Amy VanDeVelde, 314-862-2933 ext 272
avandevelde@oasisnet.org
NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
OASIS Connections Unlocks the Mysteries of Mobile Technology
St. Louis, Missouri, January 8, 2016 -It’s no surprise that the aging process affects hearing and
vision, and as a result puts many mature adults at risk for social isolation. It may be a surprise,
however, that smart phones and tablets—or other hand held devices —have features that enable
users to see and hear better on them, and therefore stay better connected with loved ones.
OASIS Connections, a national digital literacy training program, is working to bring everyone into
the digital age, especially older generations that lack experience with these hand held devices. The
program has just introduced a free e-book, Mobile Accessibility: A Guide to Seeing and Hearing
Smart Phones and Tablets Better, which is available for anyone to download. OASIS Connections
offers training classes nationwide and has helped nearly 100,000 people since 2001.
Amy VanDeVelde, National Connections Program Manager for the OASIS Institute, and David
Newburger, Co-director of the Starkloff Disability Institute and the St. Louis City Commissioner on
the Disabled, are available for an on-air discussion of how your listeners can become more
comfortable with mobile technology and how they can take advantage of the many new features
available today in the iOS and Android operating systems including:
o making text and images larger
o increasing contrast for easier viewing
o configuring audio for greater clarity
o turning on Closed Captioning
o using a device to read text on the screen aloud
o using a device to dictate emails and text messages
o using your voice to operate device features
VanDeVelde and Newburger are also prepared to discuss the widespread impacts of hearing loss
(1/3 of people over 65 and 2/3 of people over 75), vision loss (affects over 12 percent of mature
adults) and the social isolation that sometimes results. Social isolation has even broader health
implications so staying connected to loved ones is vital. When mature adults understand that
they are in good company and no longer need to feel stigmatized by decreased hearing or vision,
they can stay more connected and engaged.
1

2. The OASIS Connections is funded in part by the AT&T Foundation and the Consumer Technology
Association Foundation. In St. Louis, classes are offered at the Center of Clayton, as well as several
area libraries and senior centers. For more information on OASIS Connections, go to
http://www.oasisnet.org/National-Programs/Connections-Technology.
###
2

3. November 18, 2015 eNewsletter
Connections
Fresh Content For Fall
We are proud to announce that the Connections curriculum now includes
Windows 10, iPad iOS 9 and Android Tablet Essentials Lollipop. Spanish
versions of Windows 10 and iPad iOS 9 are published too.
Additionally, we are excited to offer a brand new class Mobile Accessibility:
Making Your Smart Phone and Tablet Easier to See, Hear and Use. This
class is a comprehensive introduction to the most popular features that can
help people make their devices more usable including.
• making text or images larger
• enhancing audio
• turning on Closed Captioning and much more
The student handbook covers both Android and Apple devices. Mobile
Accessibility is the first Connections book that can be downloaded for free
from the OASIS website. Please share this link with anyone you think could
use the book.
The mission of OASIS Connections is to help people gain and maintain
technology skills that are relevant to their day-to-day lives. Relevance is the

4. most important reason people of all ages choose to use any form of
technology. Laura Moreno explains why Connections classes are relevant to
her in this blog post. I also discuss relevance in this interview.
Our goal is to make the Connections program as easy for you to use as
possible. The titles of many of our courses have been abbreviated on our
website to help you find information quicker. For example, The Facebook
Starter Kit has been renamed Facebook 1. The content of the student
handbooks, however, has not changed.
Finally, we would like to give thanks to all of you who help people keep up
with our changing technology landscape. Happy Thanksgiving!
Amy VanDeVelde, National Program Manager, OASIS Connections
The OASIS Institute
11780 Borman Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
314.862.2933
oasisnet.org
Member of the si100.org index of top non-profits creating social impact
Follow OASIS:
View in browser

5. Got a tech question? Ask a techie.
Connections pilot offers one-on-one help
Author: Amy VanDeVelde, Thursday, October 01, 2015 blog
It often starts with a gift; one that comes with minimal instructions.
“A lot of older adults have been given a tablet or
iPhone by well-meaning family members because they want to have a way to stay in touch,” says
OASIS Connections volunteer Jim Salih. “So they hand Grandma an iPad, without thinking that
she doesn’t know how to use it.”
There are classes people can attend, of course. But in bring-your-own-device classes, a working
knowledge of fundamentals, like setting up and retrieving a password is required. Some people
completely new to technology need someone to sit with them and walk them through these
activities. They need a “techie,” like Jim and his founding partners Wally Canis, Parks Smith and
Marge Williams. These OASIS Connections instructors have opted to dedicate even more of
their personal time as volunteers to launch the Ask a Techie program.
This pilot program began in February and has served 178 St. Louisans, giving them one of the
things they need most to function in the digital world: confidence. Ask a Techie is currently
offered free of charge one day a week at two locations in the St. Louis metro area. Online
donations are accepted to help support the program.
People who have turned to Ask a Techie know that no question is too small. Techie volunteer
Parks Smith says questions run the gamut, but most have to do with nuts and bolts: passwords,
setting up new software on iPhones, setting up email, software updates.
“Often people come to us when something doesn’t work right,” says Parks. “We have folks come
in regularly for help. They know they have to wait their turn, but that they’ll get the help they
need. Ask a Techie gives people a place to sit down and get help in a non-threatening way.”
Our volunteers agree that their time and energy is well-spent, as Jim Salih points out:
“Somehow I got started into the digital world, but there are many people my age who, for any
number of reasons, haven’t. They need some help. They are the most amazed with the digital

6. world, much more so than kids, who have grown up with technology. To see the amazement on
their faces is really something.”
The Techie team also includes John Arenberg, Larry Duke, David Mingo and Howard
Nathanson. One of the best parts of my job is working with caring instructors around the country
who help people solve their technology barriers every day. October 3 is National Techies Day, so
it's the perfect time to thank them.
Ask a Techie is successful with help from our volunteer experts! Shown here with National
Connections Program Manager Amy VanDeVelde, are (from left): Larry Duke, Parks Smith and
Howard Nathanson.

7. September 11, 2015 Guest Blog at here

10. Looking for and keeping a job at any age
Labor Day is a nice day off for millions of working adults,
including those who are 50+
By: Amy VanDeVelde, Wednesday, September 02, 2015 blog
Older adults are still working. And that’s not changing anytime soon.
According to a Pew Research Center study released in
January 2014, the percentage of Americans ages 65 to 74 who are still in the workforce is
expected to break the 30% mark in 2022. In the same year, it’s estimated that 67.5% of adults 55
to 64 will remain in the workforce.
The reasons people opt to continue working vary, but a recent article in U.S. News and World
Report identifies four primary scenarios:

11. • They are still rebounding from the financial crisis during which their assets were lost.
• They are catching up from the extended period of low interest rates that reduced the value of
savings.
• The age that people can claim full Social Security benefits is no longer 65 for anyone born after
1937.
• Longevity and good health allow older adults to work longer, providing more time to save for a
shorter retirement.
Whatever the reason for the extended stay in the labor force, older adults often report challenges
remaining relevant in their current jobs or having the skills to find and qualify for new
employment.
“Technology and language tend to be the sticking points for mature workers,” says Frank Alaniz,
Missouri Regional Workforce Liaison of the Missouri Job Center/SLATE American Job Center.
“I tell my mature workshop participants, ‘It’s not how old you are, it’s about how up-to-date you
appear.’ Many in our mature workforce have fantastic skills, but they still think it’s 1999.
Managers are now 30-something and speak a new language. That language is technology, and
older workers need to understand and embrace this new language and thought process to be
successful in today’s job market,” says Alaniz.
He describes how different generations expect to receive messages in the workplace.
“It’s very simple," he says. "We have the Millennials who tell me if it doesn’t show up on their
phones, they will never see it. Next we have the Gen Xer’s who tell me, ‘email it to me, so I can
read it.’ And then there are the Baby Boomers who say, ‘email it to me, so I can print it off to
read it.’ It’s all about understanding the new terms: FAX now = Email; Email now = Text, etc.
As a facilitator, I have to talk to three language groups: 20-somethings, 35 to 45-somethings and
people 50+ in a way that everyone can understand.”
After translating the intergenerational code words for communicating in the professional world,
the next critical step is understanding how to use the new technology effectively. Being relevant
in today’s office means workers of all ages need to continually adapt to a rapidly evolving
technology landscape. The most in demand technical skill for most employers is Microsoft
Excel. Workers in today’s digital society may be tasked with one or all of the following
technological job activities: understanding how to use the Google Drive or Microsoft Office
Online; using smart phones or tablets to text and to order, track or sell merchandise or services;
post and monitor social media channels; use PowerPoint; and manage and send digital images.
The OASIS Connections Program offers in-depth training designed specifically for adults 55+
who are looking to gain or improve computer skills required in today’s workplace. Connections
courses cover a wide range of topics: very basic classes on use of computers, internet, smart
phones and Tablets; use of Google and Microsoft Office business applications; and up to
intermediate level Microsoft Word and PowerPoint. There are currently more than 35 courses
including two focused on helping people with their job search: The Complete Job Search and
Resumes and Cover Letters.
The Complete Job Search is about preparation and planning, identifying your interests and skills,
and the online resources you need to succeed in finding a job in today's environment. The course
introduces students to the realities of online searches, email communication, social media
networking, and cleaning up public social media accounts that might prove embarrassing as a job
applicant. The course also includes two chapters on resumes.

12. Resumes and Cover Letters offers in-depth guidance on creating an effective resume and cover
letters. Templates for both types of documents are available.
Independence Day redefined
July marks 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
By: Amy VanDeVelde, Thursday, July 02, 2015 blog
This weekend Americans celebrate the birth of our nation and the freedom from being under
British authority. It is a wonderful time to be grateful for the innumerable freedoms we enjoy
that simply do not exist in other nations in our global economy.
This Independence Day many individuals and families are
grappling with independence in a different context: the desire to age in place and on one’s own
terms. Most older Americans are very certain about the desire to live in their own homes and
maintain their autonomy as long as possible. All of us who care about a loved one with
cognitive, dexterity, hearing, mobility or vision limitations are familiar with the challenge of
fostering independence.
My first exposure to this was in Patricia Malik, Ph.D.’s 1989 undergraduate Recreation for
Special Populations class. Dr. Malik was patient and unrelenting in providing ‘real world’
experience, albeit temporary. She taught us how to navigate the world in a way most of us had
not yet considered, a world with some type of physical limitation.
We simulated blindness, low vision, and loss of dexterity, hearing and mobility. After I took the
test to identify words through hearing aids, I was humbled and called my Grandpa Ralph to
apologize for hounding him to get hearing aids. He just chuckled.
July 26th marks the 25th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
You may think that passage of this legislation didn’t really impact you, but if you have ever
pushed a stroller over a curb cut or used an elevator, ramp or automatic door that was mandated
by this law, you have benefited from these physical accessibility enhancements.
During the last quarter century, technology has increasingly enabled people living with
temporary and permanent vision, hearing, dexterity and mobility issues to function more
autonomously. Those of us using portable devices (i.e. smart phones and tablets) may notice a
menu items labeled ‘accessibility’ without understanding what that term means.

13. Accessibility refers to the design of products, devices, services or environments for people with
disabilities. The concept of accessible design ensures both direct access (i.e. unassisted) and
indirect access, meaning compatibility with a person’s assistive technology, for example,
computer screen readers.
The OASIS Institute is proud to announce our newest Connections technology class, Mobile
Accessibility: A guide to seeing and hearing smart phones and tablets better. Generous support
from AT&T and the Consumer Electronics Association Foundation make it possible for anyone
to download a complimentary student handbook. Assistive technology can benefit anyone and
we are excited to hear how the book helped you make accessibility features work for you. The
book concludes with a survey or you can send comments to me.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

14. June 26, 2015 Media summary (post event)
Media event summary
The OASIS Institute and AT&T held an event called Better Seeing and Better Hearing with
Technology on Friday, June 26, 2015 at St. Louis Regional OASIS. Participants learned how to
make text bigger, pair devices to hearing aids, use voice commands, flash alerts and more.
“The training was immediately useful. The trainers were well informed and provided great one-
on-one assistance. I can think of so many people I know who could benefit from this,” said
Marylynn Sims, pictured below.
Attendees also left the event with a copy of “Mobile Accessibility: A guide to seeing and hearing
smart phones and tablets better” which is available for free download at
http://bit.ly/ConnectionsTech.
The workshop is part of the OASIS Connections technology training program, designed to help
older adults fully participate in today’s digital society. Connections has enrolled over 98,000
people since it began in 2001.
MEDIA: Amy VanDeVelde, The OASIS Institute, Cell: 636-293-1960
avandevelde@oasisnet.org
###

16. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Amy VanDeVelde, 314-862-2933 ext 272
avandevelde@oasisnet.org
Making Your Phone Easier to See, Hear and Use
AT&T contribution to the OASIS Institute will expand technology training for mature adults
St. Louis, Missouri, June 26, 2015 – The OASIS Institute has received a $600,000 contribution
from AT&T to continue its Connections training program in 2015 and 2016 and keep it current
with technology changes. That support is enabling OASIS to introduce a new course on how to
use accessibility features to see, hear and use iPhone and Android devices more easily.
“Smart phones, tablets and computers are providing more help than ever to make it easy to
see, hear and use these devices,” said Amy VanDeVelde, manager of the OASIS Connections
training program “This class will show people how to use scores of new features and apps that
can help people manage daily activities with more ease.”
“It is very appealing for people to know how to set their device to display larger text size, work
with hearing aids and take voice commands, but they don’t always know these features are
available or how to get started,” said Marcia Kerz, president of the OASIS Institute. “Enhancing
their ability to hear and see reduces isolation and improves well-being.”
AT&T has worked with OASIS to increase technology training, providing more than $5 million
since 2002 to support equipment investments, curriculum development and outreach efforts.
During that time, more than 92,000 participants have taken a Connections class on a wide

17. range of topics from very basic computer and mobile device skills to intermediate Excel.
AT&T support in 2015 will allow anyone to download Mobile Accessibility: A guide to seeing and
hearing smart phones and tablets better from http://bit.ly/AccessMobile. More than 30 cities in
the country will have the ability to offer participants hands on practice from instructors who are
experienced with these features.
“Many people can benefit from features already on their devices but they need someone to
show them. We’re proud to support OASIS Connections because it’s a proven program that has
been showing people how to more easily use their technology for nearly 15 years,” said John
Sondag, president, AT&T Missouri.
“The Connections iPad course is our most in demand course. Older adults continue to adopt
and use mobile technology so it only makes sense to use technology they already own.
Additionally, caregivers are often looking for a tool to help their loved ones use assistive
technology. The free downloadable handbook will make it easy for individuals, family members
and caregivers to start using features to resolve issues,” adds VanDeVelde.
OASIS continues to offer meaningful classroom experiences and create community at OASIS
Centers and partner sites around the country. This new course allows people who don’t reside
in OASIS communities to have access to the OASIS approach to learning.
More information about where Connections classes are offered is available at
www.oasisnet.org/cities.
####
About Philanthropy and Social Innovation at AT&T
AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving
lives. Through its community initiatives, AT&T has a long history of investing in projects that

18. create learning opportunities; promote academic and economic achievement; or address
community needs. In 2014, nearly $127 million was contributed or directed through corporate-,
employee-, social investment- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. AT&T Aspire is AT&T’s
signature education initiative that drives innovation in education by bringing diverse resources
to bear on the issue including funding, technology, employee volunteerism, and mentoring.
About The OASIS Institute
The OASIS Institute is a national nonprofit organization that promotes successful aging through
lifelong learning, health programs and volunteer engagement. The OASIS vision is to see that
adults age 50-plus across the country have opportunities to pursue vibrant, healthy, productive
and meaningful lives. Founded in 1982, OASIS has a national membership of 360,000 adults and
serves 50,000 people annually through partnerships in more than 50 cities. The OASIS Institute
in St. Louis is the national headquarters. For more information, visit www.oasisnet.org.

19. May 21, 2015 eBlast
Connections
Accessibility and assistive technology
The 25th anniversary of passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) is July 26, 2015. You may think that passage of this legislation
didn’t really impact you but if you have ever pushed a stroller over a curb
cut or used an elevator, ramp or automatic door that was mandated by this
law, you have benefited from these physical accessibility enhancements.
During the last quarter century, technology has increasingly enabled
people living with temporary and permanent vision, hearing, dexterity and
mobility issues to function more autonomously. Those of us using newer
technology may notice a menu item labeled ‘accessibility’ without
understanding what that term means.
The OASIS Institute is proud to be a supporting organization for the
mEnabling Conference June 1 – 2, 2015 in Washington DC. If you are
going to be in DC at this time and would like free passes to the mEnabling
Exhibit call please contact Amy directly. If you won’t be in DC, technology
still allows you to learn astounding ways assistive technology is
transforming lives.
Connections intends to be a part of that transformative process and so,
this summer we will be adding a new class on use of accessibility features
in Android and iOS operating systems. These features are useful for
anyone who wants to be able to see or hear information on their devices
more easily. We hope our instructors, partners and stakeholders around

20. the country will be as excited as we are about this relevant topic. Stay
tuned for details on the launch of this new class and student handbook.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Amy VanDeVelde
National Program Manager, OASIS Connections
The OASIS Institute
11780 Borman Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
314.862.2933
oasisnet.org
Member of the si100.org index of top non-profits creating social impact

21. April 16, 2015 eBlast
Connections
Mobile friendly OASIS website designed to
give you more
In late March we launched our mobile friendly website. The responsive
design adjusts automatically to smaller tablet and smart phone
screens. Thanks to all of you who have assisted in the design and testing
process.
This change keeps us current with the increasing use of portable devices. We
have given a great deal of thought to the changes that we made and it was
our sincere desire to give you everything you need to offer Connections
classes successfully.
Instructors, you can once again lead participants to the Connections survey
with just one mouse click by scrolling all the way to the bottom of any OASIS
web page and clicking the Connections Survey link. You can also get people
to surveys as demonstrated here.
If desired, participants may now take their end of class survey on mobile
devices. Results may vary depending on Wi Fi signal. One way to get to the
survey, is to tap the mobile menu in the upper right corner of the screen.
At times, it may be difficult for participants to tap the mobile menu on their
small screen. If that is the case, have people scroll all the way to the bottom
and tap the Connections Survey link.
Each Connections course now has a dedicated page that brings together in
one place all the information you need to plan and offer a class. This includes
a description, copy to promote the class, version information, a table of
contents and class practice files--now called Class resources. People
authorized to download curriculum will also find the curriculum links on the

22. course page. For a tour of these pages click here.
There are two places you can go to keep up with all the most recent
Connections courses and their publication dates.
A list of all courses and their most recent publication date appears on the
Course Descriptions page.
The Connections blog also has a category called Course Updates on the
lower left under the menu which will show you recently updated courses.
Our goal is to make things simpler for you and we welcome your feedback on
these changes.
Wishing you a happy spring (finally),
Amy VanDeVelde
National Program Manager, OASIS Connections

23. Celebrating volunteers
OASIS volunteer Wally Canis stays in his tech-loving world by
helping others
By: Amy VanDeVelde , Tuesday, April 14, 2015 blog
Technology problem solving is a sweet spot for Connections instructor Wally Canis.
“I love getting someone started and helping them increase their
understanding of devices and technology. They are so appreciative,” he says.
Wally’s problem-solving skills come from a long and distinguished career in IT and his “the
machine-never-wins” attitude. The last 10 years at IBM, before retirement, he was on a team that
developed the initial Cloud Computing technology and implemented its first use in very large
environments such as the Department of Defense, global banks, and universities.
Once Wally retired, he started looking for volunteering opportunities that would put a different
twist on his 36 year career in computer technology but it was a challenge to find the right fit. His
wife Janet kept encouraging him knowing that it was essential for Wally to get out of the house
and have a purpose. After discovering OASIS Connections, Wally was able to jump back into his
true calling, his mission-- teaching various digital literacy classes, providing computer and
network technical support, and working with a team in OASIS Connections to share his
expertise.
Last year his expert eye spotted ways to improve technology systems for the OASIS Institute,
earning him a new role as volunteer IT support. He’s managed many projects from start to finish,
making the systems across the national network work more efficiently.
But since a talented IT guy’s work is never done, in 2014 Wally also authored and teaches a
Cloud computing class, oversees maintenance of both St. Louis OASIS computer labs and
provides walk in computer assistance to the public “Ask the Techie” in Crestview Wednesday
mornings.
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we celebrate Wally and the dozens of others who
give their time and talents to make OASIS impactful in the lives of adults 50+. OASIS
Connections is made possible with funding from AT&T Foundation.

24. March 11, 2015 eBlast
Connections
Your opinion matters...
and so do the opinions of every Connections participant. Here's your chance
to help us improve the Connections end of class participant survey. Here is
the proposed survey .
Will this survey give you more useful feedback?
Is there anything else we should consider? Please email me your feedback
no later than March 17.
Course updates
We listened when you told us you needed classes in Korean and Intermediate
Excel. Introduction to Computers and Introduction to Computers and the end
of class survey have been translated into Korean.
Intermediate Excel is nearly complete and the finishing touches are being put
on Blogging with Wordpress and Computer Survival Skills (now renamed
Computer Maintenance for Security and Performance).
New versions of Exploring Google, iPad, iPhone Essentials and Wellness on
the Web have been published. With so many updates, how can you keep
track of what Ken and his team are up to? Simply visit our blog and choose
the blog category Course Updates for a list of all updates that have been
published.

25. Have you heard about the massive changes to Windows 8.1? We have and
an expanded and updated version of Windows 8.1 in the final stages of
review.
New Connections partners
I am pleased to welcome our new partners: Stratford Library Association,
Career Resources both in Connecticut.
New OASIS website
And last but certainly not least, we are nearing completion of our mobile
friendly site. Navigation to your usual links will be similar but stay tuned for
Connections eNews to help you use our new site and features.
Happy Spring!
Amy VanDeVelde
National Program Manager, OASIS Connections

26. Meeting technology demand public library style
Today's library patrons want something more than books
By: Amy VanDeVelde , Wednesday, January 28, 2015 blog
Public libraries just aren’t what they used to be. In fact, they are more.
People still visit in search of good books and general information, but they also seek assistance
getting up to speed and staying current with technology.
Chris Sabin (right) heard about the library’s computer
classes two or three years ago.
“A class at the library was a very comfortable way for me to
learn how to use the computer I had at home but was afraid
to use in case I would mess it up or break it," he says. "I
started with the most basic classes and keep coming because
I always learn something new.”
Sabin, 72, enjoys classes because of the camaraderie he feels with fellow students and the
instructors.
“It’s a really positive environment to be in," he adds. "The instructors teach in a patient, friendly
and collaborative way. Then I go home and use my skills to keep in touch with family, friends
and the outside world. The classes and the relationships I have formed there have changed my
life.”
Hayley St. John-Ayre (left), Community Liaison for Broward County
Library says, “Our partnership with OASIS resulted from budget
reductions, and the need to engage volunteers to deliver services to our
community. OASIS Connections helps us fulfill both of these
conditions while still addressing our goal of meeting customer needs.
Since the inception of the program there have been 17,000 enrollments
for over 2,000 classes. This impressive reach demonstrates the
continuing need for digital literacy in our community.”
About 25 volunteer instructors make up the Broward Connections
Instructor cadre. Instructors run the gamut of experience, and many make their volunteering a
permanent part of their lives.
St. John-Ayre goes on to say, “We have one instructor who had never touched a computer before
taking classes at the library and now she teaches classes she was once a student in. We have
another instructor who has a Ph.D. and authored technical manuals before retirement. They all do
it because they enjoy helping people get comfortable with technology and continue learning.”

27. Peggy Dodd and Arnold Freedman were among the first group of volunteer instructors and have
each taught over 800 students.
Dodd (right) says, “I was always the go-to person for technology
problems during my career, so helping out at the library was an
easy decision. I keep teaching because of how happy I feel when I
see my students realize they are capable of using a computer and to
keep myself current by learning from my students and from the
handbooks I teach from.”
BCL also offers Digital Downloads, a technology initiative that
provides one-on-one help for customers to learn to use their digital
devices more effectively. These classes continue to gain popularity as people adopt more
portable devices.
And last but certainly not least, the library also keeps the public up to speed with emerging
technology through the introduction of maker spaces. Maker spaces are places America’s
students and entrepreneurs can go to use tools necessary to innovate and create in our digital
society—tools like 3-D printers, video editing equipment and the like. In 2014, BCL was
recognized by The White House as one of 125 library systems providing innovative space and
tools like the Creation Station, which hosts STEM-oriented activities for students.
BCL volunteer instructors celebrated four years of keeping people in sync with technology.

28. Too old for Twitter? You bet your magic beans you’re
not
Social media an important tool for seniors
By: Amy VanDeVelde, Monday, April 07, 2014 blog
I had a lovely surprise this weekend at the movie theater when the preview movie trailer for
"Draft Day" played. See for yourself:
Yes, indeed, people over 50 are becoming more engaged with the digital world as a way to stay
connected. According to the Pew Internet Project’s Social Networking Fact Sheet from
September 2013, 65 percent of adults ages 50 – 64 use social networking sites while 46 percent
of people 65 and over do.
Facebook in particular has become an important resource for people over 50. Facebook not only
helps to combat social isolation but also improves memory. A preliminary study conducted at
University of Arizona using the OASIS Facebook course found that older adults who used
Facebook performed about 25 percent better than they did at the start of the survey on tasks
designed to measure their mental updating abilities.
Technology may not be the first language of this group of “digital immigrants," but they are
completely capable of adopting new technologies. Since 2000, the number of people over 65
using the Internet has increased from slightly over 10 percent to 59 percent in late 2013—
incredible progress.

29. To be sure, 41 percent of people 65-plus are not yet online and this certainly limits their access
to information and to staying connected to loved ones. But connected or not, we now live in a
world where technology is evolving more quickly than some people can keep up with. Mature
adults not yet online report that they would need help to learn how to do so.
Although technology is "new school," old school teaching methods rule to learn it. Reluctant
learners with minimal technology experience continue to learn best in a classroom setting of
people with similar technical experience with a patient teacher giving step by step instruction
with plenty of practice time. Workbooks and handouts help new learners retain what they learned
once they have left the classroom. Even people familiar with technology report they will
continually need help to stay in step with these rapid changes. Grandchildren, public libraries and
senior technology training programs are pitching in to help, but more training resources are
needed.
Share your story about how you got started with technology. Who do you turn to for help with
technology? Has Facebook made a difference in your life?
More information:
University of Arizona study on Facebook impact on memory
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