Objective 2: Working with Smart Devices

Smartphones and tablets have become indispensable tools that offer a wealth of benefits for older adults. These devices are more than just a means of communication. They offer ways to stay socially connected, preserve independence, and access numerous resources.

With a smartphone or tablet, older adults can video call family members, set medication reminders, monitor their health, access entertainment, play games, and even get groceries delivered right to their doorstep. Learning to effectively use this technology isn't just about keeping up with the times, but about enhancing their quality of life and giving them the independence that they might not otherwise have.

It may be challenging to help participants with their smartphones or tablets since you will encounter a wide variety of devices and operating systems (OS) in the same session. You won't always have all the answers and that's perfectly all right. Be willing to say, "I'm not sure, but let's find out together." Telling someone that you know how to do something on one platform so you're sure you can figure it out on another can put them at ease. These can be powerful teaching and learning moments for you and those you work with and a good opportunity to schedule your next session.

Before you get started, work through these strategies to help make your job easier and your session run more smoothly.

1. Take an Inventory of Your Skills: As a team, discuss who has expertise on which platforms and devices. What strengths do each of you have? What gaps exist? How will you help participants cover topics that few or none of you currently have experience with? For example, if the entire team has iPhones and participants have Android phones, how will you learn the skills you need to help them?
2. Know Your Audience: Conduct a quick survey of your audience before you arrive, if it's possible to do so. Try to gather information about the types of devices participants are bringing. Consider seating people together by device or giving them a colored card or sticker that will give you a visual clue as to who's in the room. Choose a strategy that will work well for the type of audience you have.

What do you, as a group, need to build, learn about, or have in place before you teach a session on smartphones and tablets? If your group has identified any gaps, one of these might become the one-page handout you create for this section of the module. Another option is to create a handout about something you already know well.