Increasing Social Opportunities

for
Older Adults Using Skype VoIP Service
PREPARED BY:
JUDY BLACK, HEATHER HORSLEY, TEJU SHEARER, AND KAREN
STAUDACHER

Seniors comprise an enlarging

demographic group with an
increasing lifespan.

Approximately 40 percent of elderly

persons are lonely.

Loneliness and lack of social contact

have been associated with
depression.

 Computers and
application software can
serve as a means for
connecting seniors with
their families, friends,
and peers.
Today, 77% of senior
adults say they would
use digital devices if
they had someone to
walk them through the
process of learning to
use the device and
software.

Increase social
opportunities and
reduce environmental
barriers for older
adults using
computing technology
and Skype VoIP
service.

Four learning modules:

How to create a Skype

account.
How to download Skype
application to computer.
How to create contacts.
How to make a Skype
video call.

The goal: using a Mac computer, learners

will make a Skype call by successfully
downloading the Skype application, creating
a Skype profile, gathering contacts and
making a Skype call to connect with a friend
or family member.

Four learning modules:

1. How to create a Skype account.
2. How to download Skype application
to computer.
3. How to create contacts.
4. How to make a Skype video call.

GOAL: Given a mac computer, learners will successfully complete a skype video call to a
friend or family member.

CONTENT

DESIGN ELEMENTS

The learner will review a

video simulation of the key
points of making a skype
video call.
The learner will watch a
demonstration of how to
make a skype video call.

Layout: 2 column web

page

Left column: checkbox

checklist

Right column: video

container

The learner will utilize a

check list for memory
prompts to initiate a video
call.

Learning Technology:
video, demonstration, and
checklist

The learner will increase

prior knowledge through
video, demonstration, and
discussion.

Cognitive Strategies:
intrinsic

Interactivity: video play

THE GRAPHICS

SKYPE TRAINING
FOR SENIORS

Create a Skype Account

Six unit computer based training
model.

Pre-survey determines learner entry

point.

Use of Skype application through-out

training units.

Extrinsic feedback for the learner

through successful completion of
module

Scaffolding is provided.

Download Skype
Application
Five unit computer based training
model.

Learning technology includes:

demonstration, visual aids, and
hands-on practice.

Learner success is measured

through personal communication,
performance, and observation.

Gather Contacts
Four unit computer based
training model.

Learners will build a Skype

contact list by searching Skype
existing user database.

Learners will view a video and

demonstration to enhance prior
knowledge.

Cognitive strategy combines

intrinsic and extrinsic feedback.

Make Skype video call

Four unit computer based
training model.

Learners will complete a Skype

video call to a recipient of
choice.

Learners will use checkbox

type checklist for recall
prompts.

Learner success is measured

through personal
communication and
performance observation.

 All learners are pre-surveyed prior to

participation in training program to
establish baseline of participants.

Baseline of participants determines entry

into training modules. Scaffolding is
provided to students.

Formative assessments include

performance, observation, personal
communication, selected response.

Summative assessments include

performance and post-survey, and
personal communication.

SKYPE TRAINING
FOR SENIORS
Reunite a senior with their love
ones!

Presented by:
Judy Black, Heather Horsley, Teju
Shearer, and Karen Staudacher.

For more information contact:

Mary is reunited with her sister after 30 years

using Skype VoIP service.