Abstract
Nursing and Computer Science faculty created an interdisciplinary Gerotechnology course that prepares students to mentor older adults in computer literacy. The goal of the partnership is to prepare students for a future living and working in a world dominated by seniors. Residents of long term care facilities are matched with students who assist with computer and internet use. The course introduces students to residents with complex chronic illnesses while demonstrating that older adults are vital human beings who grow and change throughout the semester. Students have an aging sensitivity experience and practice communication with seniors. Nursing students assess the physical and cognitive status of the residents. Computer science students adapt equipment to meet residents' needs. Residents are mentored to overcome their computer fears, learn a new set of communication skills, and be mentally stimulated. They confront preexisting attitudes about competencies of older adults while sharing their technological skills. Nursing students monitor ongoing health needs and collaborate with facility staff. As residents gain skill, they are guided to online health information. A pretest-posttest design is utilized. Students are assessed on attitudes toward older adults. The seniors are evaluated on their comfort with technology and cognitive status. Preliminary data demonstrate a statistically significant change in students' attitudes toward older adults, and a more positive perspective of careers in gerontology. Preliminary senior data demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in cognitive function Cresci, M. K., & Jarosz, P. A. (2010). Bridging the Digital Divide for Urban Seniors: Community Partnership. Geriatric Nursing, 31(6), 455-463. Seals, C.D., Clanton, K., Agarwal, R., Doswell, F., Thomas, C.M. (2008). Lifelong Learning: Becoming computer savvy at a later age. Educational Gerontology, 34, 1055-1069. Seelman, K., Collins, D.M., Bharucha, A.J., Osborn, J. (2007). Giving meaning to quality of life through technology. Nursing Homes: Long Term Care Management, 56, 40-42.
Sigma Membership
Zeta Omega at-Large
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
N/A
Research Approach
N/A
Keywords:
Interdisciplinary Computing, Interegenerational Learning, Aging Sensitivity
Recommended Citation
Wexler, Sharon Stahl and Drury, Lin J., "Bridging the digital divide: College students mentoring seniors via an intergenerational interdisciplinary computing course" (2012). INRC (Congress). 92.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2012/presentations_2012/92
Conference Name
23rd International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Brisbane, Australia
Conference Year
2012
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Bridging the digital divide: College students mentoring seniors via an intergenerational interdisciplinary computing course
Brisbane, Australia
Nursing and Computer Science faculty created an interdisciplinary Gerotechnology course that prepares students to mentor older adults in computer literacy. The goal of the partnership is to prepare students for a future living and working in a world dominated by seniors. Residents of long term care facilities are matched with students who assist with computer and internet use. The course introduces students to residents with complex chronic illnesses while demonstrating that older adults are vital human beings who grow and change throughout the semester. Students have an aging sensitivity experience and practice communication with seniors. Nursing students assess the physical and cognitive status of the residents. Computer science students adapt equipment to meet residents' needs. Residents are mentored to overcome their computer fears, learn a new set of communication skills, and be mentally stimulated. They confront preexisting attitudes about competencies of older adults while sharing their technological skills. Nursing students monitor ongoing health needs and collaborate with facility staff. As residents gain skill, they are guided to online health information. A pretest-posttest design is utilized. Students are assessed on attitudes toward older adults. The seniors are evaluated on their comfort with technology and cognitive status. Preliminary data demonstrate a statistically significant change in students' attitudes toward older adults, and a more positive perspective of careers in gerontology. Preliminary senior data demonstrates a statistically significant improvement in cognitive function Cresci, M. K., & Jarosz, P. A. (2010). Bridging the Digital Divide for Urban Seniors: Community Partnership. Geriatric Nursing, 31(6), 455-463. Seals, C.D., Clanton, K., Agarwal, R., Doswell, F., Thomas, C.M. (2008). Lifelong Learning: Becoming computer savvy at a later age. Educational Gerontology, 34, 1055-1069. Seelman, K., Collins, D.M., Bharucha, A.J., Osborn, J. (2007). Giving meaning to quality of life through technology. Nursing Homes: Long Term Care Management, 56, 40-42.