Tag Archives: seniors

Just pondering, Technology in Education

Handing Down Knowledge

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I happened to catch a rebroadcast of the December 27th 2015 Cross Country Canada radio show and was intrigued by the topic – “Has the wisdom of older people become sidelined in the age of Google and YouTube?”

I found the commentary from the various participants very insightful and wide ranging.  Some users talked about relationships, comparing face to face ( F2F) to phone, F2F to video call (skype, facetime, GHO etc.), F2F to email – well, you get the picture.  Other comments focused more on the knowledge transfer aspect of the discussion.

One could easily argue that with all of the fantastic audio and video recording tools available now, online storage and search capabilities we have the best opportunity ever in history to capture and publish  and share knowledge, perspectives and stories  from generation to generation.  Perhaps we simply need to be more thoughtful about going about this process of handing down knowledge.

Hands Across Time

I couldn’t help but wonder about  making some more intentional connections to school systems here. What role might students play in making connections with the senior members of society, building relationships and capturing their knowledge and stories for future generations to explore?

Listen to the fascinating CBC podcast  [here].

Note: Image credit Bill Gracey via Flickr creative commons license  (flickr link)

~Mark
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SAMR and Seniors

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My daughter Stephanie, is in the final stage of  completing her therapeutic recreation program at Brock University.  While she was home this weekend with her boyfriend Brandon,  she was sharing about her experiences volunteering in agencies as part of her program requirements.  As I was listening to her talk, I couldn’t help but think about what role technology might play in changing the possibilities for these people who need support and care.

I explained the concept of the SAMR model in the K-12 education framework. The real “win” is achieving the redefinition stage to improve learning and engagement, but certainly one can not estimate the learning and value of moving through the first three stages.

SAMRgraphic

The three of us spent a fair bit of time wondering what would impact on seniors care be if we applied the SAMR model to leverage technology?  Is seems on the surface there is little to no technology available in these care facilities.  Tablets and touch screen interfaces greatly simplify the use of technology and could be a real game changer.

Some of the possibilities we discussed included:

  • increase connections with family using tools such as skype or Facetime
  • pondering the value of increased visual connections
  • increased mental stimulation: simple/appropriate games (self play and/or interactive, e.g. word games/puzzles such as scrabble)
  • improved access to online content – one way (read only)
  • stimulation from interactive content
  • idea exchange (text chat spaces for examples)
  • planning for face to face (F2F) activities (crafts, debates etc.)

Some how the possibilities seemed invigorating and obtainable. It may be about shift, just like in the K-12 education space.  It was a great discussion about making a difference through change.

Just wondering …

~Mark