Digital Citizenship

We all live in a world filled with technology. Understanding how to be safe online is crucial for everyone. As a Digital Ambassador, you will be working with adults whose experience with technology could run from non-existent to being very familiar. Your job is to present the "best case scenario" for being safe online.

The key to success with both groups lies in creating an inclusive, calm, and patient learning environment. By using simple language, providing visual aids, encouraging hands-on practice, and respecting cultural nuances, you can bridge the gaps and give them a sense of confidence. You should be adaptable and sensitive to their needs. It will make all the difference in their experiences.

As you plan your sessions, remember these key concepts about working with older adults. This is a long list, but most of it is a review from previous modules.

If you've completed the Working with Adults module, skip to the next page.

• Don't assume. You will be a better presenter by asking good questions and knowing where your participants are in their technology use journey. You can get a general idea of the skills of a group by asking questions. Ask them to raise their hands or use a stand-up/sit-down approach, if it's appropriate. You will always have different levels of need in the room as well as different questions from individuals.
• Watch your pacing. It's crucial to go at a pace that is comfortable for the people you are working with. If you are working with a group and have some people that need extra help, consider having another Digital Ambassador or someone from the group who is tech savvy help while you keep moving forward with others. If there is no one who can help, consider whether you are moving to quickly. Check for understanding before you move on.
• Demonstrate patience. You will need a lot of patience. Everything will be much easier for you than it is for them.
• Use clear, simple language. Remember to speak and write in short, clear sentences. Don't use acronyms or technical jargon.
• Make it relevant. This can sometimes be a challenge. It might require some research to come up with examples that older people can relate to. Consider asking your parents or grandparents for help. Maybe you can test things out on them first!
• Provide hands-on practice. Go step-by-step. Try the "I Do, We Do, You Do" delivery method. Just telling someone how to do something is not going to teach them the content. Most people will need to practice a skill multiple times before they are comfortable with it. The more difficult the skill, the more time you will need to allow for practice.
• Encourage active participation. Encourage everyone to participate actively. This could include repeating key phrases or engaging in a dialogue about online safety. In groups you can try individual practice or practicing with a buddy.
• Address concerns and fears: Older adults may have specific fears or misconceptions about technology. Be open to their concerns and address them calmly and reassuringly. Assure them that you have designed activities that promote their safety. If someone asks about something you are not sure about, write it down and tell them you'll get back to them. You may want to consider a "parking lot." That's a place where people can write down questions or ideas that you don't have time for but will address at a later meeting.
• Visual Aids: Utilize visual aids like charts, diagrams, animations, videos, or even live demonstrations on a computer or device. Visual aids are especially important if you are working with any English Language Learners. Pictures will go a long way in letting them connect words to objects or ideas. Clear visuals can clear up misconceptions for everyone.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences that might affect understanding or comfort levels. In some cultures, women are not encouraged to speak up. Others have different norms for when older adults are working with younger people. When you run across cultural differences that pose a challenge, work with your teacher/coordinator to identify strategies to respectfully work with the older adults in your group.
• Feedback and Questions: Encourage the people you are working with to ask questions and provide feedback so that you are sure they are understanding the content. When in doubt, have them show you what they have learned. Actions do speak louder than words.

Completing this module will reinforce or help you understand how to do the following:

• Guide participants in practicing safe online habits;
• Teach older adults about protecting their PII (Personally Identifiable Information);
• Understand why older adults are more prone to phishing and scams and how to help them avoid being tricked;
• Teach participants to be safe by creating strong passwords and how to protect those passwords; and
• Help participants navigate social media and online resources by managing their privacy settings, being careful what they post, and understanding how to use social media safely.