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)Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems 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 appsBrownstoners of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc. Concrete Green and Caracol Interpreters – Spring and Fall 2012 clients, revamped their sites using wordpress, weebly, and bloggerConcrete Green Caracol Interpreters

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 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

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 . Her Yahoo 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 s expressing my joy to work with her, but the smile that she brings on my face with her one-liner s are [sic] priceless. Her 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 ( 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, View our syllabi