Learning with Technology at Any Age
As a college professor I worked with overhead slides, “scantron” exams, marked papers, advised the local police department, mentored and counselled young people, and taught psychology and parapsychology courses. This was a varied and rich career that I thoroughly enjoyed…until I had to use computers. I had never used a computer in 26 years of teaching thus it was time for me to retire! The irony is that once I took early retirement in 1998, I started to get more and more involved with technology, and today I cannot imagine living without my computer - although I am still reluctant to use a cell phone.
Some barriers for seniors accessing technology might be:
they think they are learning a new skill but actually have not understood the concept.
many people, to avoid feeling foolish will pretend they are learning in order to “save face”.
Teaching challenging material for students of any age is best done with an “errorless learning” method. Errorless learning is when the teacher, psychologist or counsellor creates a user-friendly environment and reduce their expectations so that students succeed and gain confidence. This method implies that high tech itself improves and becomes more user friendly as time goes on.
What kind of teacher should you look for in order to learn new technologies?
It’s best to find an experienced teacher that is friendly, tolerant, easy going, having a pleasant disposition, and has lots of patience and empathy with someone who is new to the particular technology.
To assist with learning a teacher should:
speak slowly and clearly
answer questions
allow you to take notes
encourage feedback from you
keep explanations simple
demonstrate instead of lecture
allow hands on practice
reward students by acknowledging their new skills
Seniors with limited computer experience find that computers and other high-tech devices are very intimidating. Developing basic computer skills, can be a great boost to their self-esteem. Self-esteem can be defined as a heightened sense of satisfaction at being able to do things in newer and better ways. As we age, physical and mental functions slow down and it can be difficult to compete with the rapid changes in technology. It is an accomplishment to keep up with the younger generation and interact with children and grandchildren at their level.
Parents and grandparents can contribute to a child’s education by choosing toys that are not only age appropriate but use technology to reinforce learning. The best toys to purchase for young children teach the alphabet, numbers and beginning reading skills as this is the basis for all future learning success. Be aware that most toys have too much stimulation and are highly commercialized. They provide little educational value and are not worth the money!
Research has demonstrated that learning and being socially engaged with others helps improve your outlook on life. Working with computers and other smart devices helps to reduce social isolation and keeps you mentally active. Writing on the computer using spell check while doing research, also helps you to retain good mental acuity and sharpness. Try writing your memoirs on the computer; we all have interesting stories to tell! You are learning and doing things in newer and better ways, and establishing all kinds of new relationships, opening up possibilities at any age. The more you participate in life, the longer your life will be.
Dr. Elior Kinarthy
Psychologist