This document proposes having 5th grade students research the technology needs of elderly residents and teach them how to use useful apps. Students would first identify common needs through interviews and research. They would then research apps to meet those needs, choosing ones that are simple and easy to teach. Students would visit a nursing home and present the classes they developed. They would then teach residents one-on-one, allowing practice until mastery. The goal is to bridge generations through technology while providing a meaningful service learning experience for students.

1. Bridging research, intergenerational understanding and service
learning.
Rick Franceschini EDN 595

2.  As an alternative to homework, I prefer to
assign research projects.
 This summer my parents came down for a
visit from New Jersey. Having no technology
experience at all my son elected to give his
grandfather a crash course on using the iPad.
The result was my dad learning to use an app
to help manage his diabetes.
 Is it possible to have fifth grade students
research the needs of the elderly and provide
them with useful apps to meet those needs?

3.  It all begins with the teacher making a
connection with a nursing home or a senior
center.
 The teacher will propose a service learning
program where students will offer residents
lessons on how to use useful apps.
 Boundaries and guidelines are established.

4.  Using computers, the library and by interviewing
relatives, students can begin to identify the
issues and needs of older adults.
 Once students have a grasp of the kinds of needs
the older adults have, they begin to research
what kinds of apps can be used to meet those
needs.
 Apps must be simple to use, and easy to teach.
 Students should also begin to consider
thoughtful manners of address and respect for
residents.

5.  Students create a blog which will not only
chronicle their research experience, but will
also detail their interaction with the nursing
home resident they will be working with.

6.  Bug Me! Stickies – an app where little stickies
appear on your iPad to remind you of important
events.
 Skype – An amazing way for elderly to have face to
face interactions with loved ones.
 iTunes U – an amazing array of continued
education lectures and videos.
 Goodreads- Millions of free books.
 Magnifying Glass – Converts the iPad into a
magnifying glass using the camera feature.

7.  Having developed a menu of apps which
could be of interest to residents of a nursing
home, students take their first visit.
 Students meet the residents and offer a
presentation where the offer their classes.
Residents can request the class and consult
with the student.

8.  Students return to the nursing home ready to
teach They have research the
app, considered their residents needs and are
prepared to instruct.
 Working one on one students instruct their
residence allowing the residents time for
practice and mastery.

9.  Students make one final visit to the nursing
home or senior center to clear up any
confusion or problems. Session end with
snacks and celebration.

10.  In some schools, such as the Athens, Georgia
School I taught in, have iPad carts. With
permission, they could be transported
 I contacted several nursing home in the
Athens Area and found that many of them do
have PCs and iPad’s in the recreation areas.
There are also senior centers that have them
as well.

11.  Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that
integrates meaningful community service with instruction and
reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic
responsibility, and strengthen communities.*
 Apps are a unique way to bridge something second nature to
children with the needs of a more removed generation.
 The time and energy students spend on this project will be
motivated by kindness and great purpose.
 Blogging is a meaningful and create way to express your
thoughts and experiences in writing.
*"What Is Service-Learning?" National Service-
Learning Clearinghouse. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 July 2013.
http://www.servicelearning.org/what-is-service-
learning

12.  Technology is a part of our lives and must be
an integral part of our education system.
 New Media is most effective when it spurs our
students to be creative and when it gives
them a sense of autonomy.
 As we blend technology and the new media
into our curriculum we must be mindful of
when it’s enhancing our instruction, as well
as the times it is only getting in the way.
 How we use and value technology will decide
how important our students see it.