A huge advantage of the Internet is that you can find information about what interests you directly, easily and with no cost. Elderly people often have many questions about issues they face in their everyday life, but they do not know how to learn more about them. Apart from television and their social network, they have no other way to look for information. This can, of course, be corrected directly by using search engines.
As far as search engines are concerned, Google is the obvious choice because of its ease of use and accessibility. You might want to mention some others that are just as well-known as Bing, Yahoo, Mahalo etc
It seems that anyone can search info online but knowing a few tips would make the process easier and also teaching them on how to distinguish the reliable sites from the unreliable ones is very important.
A high degree of engagement can be achieved by teaching them on how to search and engage in web sites that include topics that are relevant to them, such as medical and health issues, clubs, information sites, delivery, etc. The trainer might take them to a few reliable sites but also make them aware that the best way to know about their discomforts or illnesses is to go to their doctor. Another motivation to engage the elderly is accessing and watching entertainment programs from their computers or portable devices to stay informed and watch their favourite shows and the movies they like.
Other topics of interest could be exercising, hobbies, learning or improving languages, or even looking for old lost friends, etc.
Internet provides unlimited information but as everything else, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
The senior students should be told that opening unknown sites could be dangerous. The existence of malicious websites and links that will be impossible to avoid during the search, will bring unpleasant surprises and can be off-putting but that shouldn´t deter them form their final goal.
They must also be informed that personal information shouldn´t be given online when not required especially to people or websites you are not familiar with, same as in real life. At this stage, a few examples of people who have been targeted as victims of theft of personal data can be shown in class (local news from their country).
Logging out from the unsecure devices they may use is essential in order to avoid problems.
Activity 4.3.1: Suggestions on searching internet for information
Objective: Explain to the trainers our suggestions and listen to theirs. Work with the content by taking into account the characteristics of our future students.
Duration: 60 minutes
IT Trainers group size: 10 maximum
The trainers might work with the seniors on how to:
- differentiate different methods of searching for information on computer networks.
- understand the key concept of browsers and search engines
- access information through the Internet.
- check the veracity of the information located.
- find information, understand information, assess whether or not it is relevant to their context and life.
- identify other interesting services offered by the Internet that are suitable to the interests of seniors.
- learn to use the sites that the group considers most necessary, such as: make an appointment with your doctor, download books, gardening groups, discussion groups, etc.
- not forget to always take security and confidentiality measures into account.
Seniors Group size: 6 maximum, ideally 4
Equipment: Internet access, cannon, computers / tablets / smartphones, whiteboard, sheets of paper, writing utensils, Moodle platform or other, notes with the module information, comfortable chairs and tables.
