Programs pair teens with seniors to improve digital literacy

Summary

In a Toronto Public Library program called Seniors eConnect, older adults are paired with tech-savvy teens to learn digital skills like Zoom, social media, and navigating the web. As Canada's senior population grows, digital literacy is becoming increasingly important for staying connected and accessing services. The program helps bridge the digital divide, improving seniors' confidence online and empowering them to make informed decisions, especially during the upcoming elections, where misinformation is rampant. It also fosters social connections, offering companionship and learning opportunities across generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Seniors are increasingly engaging with digital technology through programs like Toronto Public Library's Seniors eConnect.
• 😀 Older adults, like Susan and Adriel, are learning to navigate the digital world with the help of younger generations.
• 😀 Zoom is one of the tools that seniors are eager to learn about to stay connected with family and friends.
• 😀 Programs designed to improve digital literacy for seniors help them handle daily tasks and stay more connected in their day-to-day lives.
• 😀 Many seniors over 65 in Canada are already active on social media and the web, making digital literacy an important skill.
• 😀 By 2025, seniors are expected to become a significant portion of the voting population, highlighting the need for digital media literacy to counter misinformation.
• 😀 The rise of misinformation online makes it harder for seniors to distinguish between credible and false information.
• 😀 The assumption that close family and friends wouldn't share false information can lead seniors to trust inaccurate content on social media.
• 😀 The Seniors eConnect program not only helps seniors with tech skills but also fosters social connections and friendships.
• 😀 The increasing popularity of digital literacy programs for seniors reflects the growing importance of digital inclusion in a connected world.

Q & A

Who are the main participants in the Toronto Public Library program featured in the transcript?

The main participants are seniors like Susan Goldstein and teens like Adriel Lanow, who are paired to help seniors navigate digital technology.

What is the primary goal of the seniors eConnect program?

The primary goal is to help seniors become more comfortable using digital technology for daily tasks, social connections, and online safety.

What was Susan Goldstein’s main interest in the lesson with Adriel?

Susan wanted to learn about Zoom and improve her overall understanding of digital tools.

Why are programs like seniors eConnect becoming more popular?

They are becoming more popular due to Canada's growing population of adults aged 65 and over and the increasing need for digital literacy among seniors.

How frequently do Canadians over 65 use social media according to the transcript?

Approximately 5 in 10 Canadians over 65 are regularly on social media.

What percentage of seniors are on the web in general?

More than 8 in 10 seniors are generally on the web.

Why is digital literacy important for seniors beyond social connections and paying bills?

Digital literacy helps seniors recognize misinformation online, which is especially important as they approach elections in the next 18 months in Canada and the US.

What challenge do seniors face when encountering information online?

Seniors may assume that content shared by friends and family is credible, making them more vulnerable to misinformation.

What additional benefits do seniors gain from programs like seniors eConnect?

They can form social connections, friendships, and intergenerational bonds, which helps reduce isolation and improves overall well-being.

How does the program measure success or positive feedback from participants?

Success is reflected in feedback such as seniors expressing enjoyment in learning to use tablets better and appreciating the opportunity to get to know new people.