REACHING RELUCTANT LEARNERS – CONNECTING WITH THE BOOMER LEARNER

Sophia Guevara, MLIS

Agenda

Understanding the Boomer Generation Who are they? Technology awareness profile

Getting them comfortable with social technology Strategies Questions to expect

Gathering feedback and measuring impact

Snapshot: The Boomers

Boomer Background

Born 1946-1964 (varies) Ages: 45-63

78.2 million (July 2005 U.S. Census Bureau est.)

Defining events: Advent of television and the Vietnam War

-Martin, J. “I Have Shoes Older Than You: Generational Diversity In The Library.” The Southeastern Librarian, (54)3. Pgs 4-11. - US Census Bureau. “Facts for Features: Oldest Baby Boomers Turn 60.” Retrieved online on April 5, 2008 at: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/006105.html

Understanding the Boomers

Ability to adapt has helped them gain in the workplace This ability along

with a willingness to adapt can be capitalized on to bring the reluctant learner into the fold.

Limited Interaction Among Generations in the Workplace Identified as Key Indicator of Coming Skilled Worker Crisis. May 2008. Retrieved online on August 1, 2009 from: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080527005042&newsLang=en

Technology Profile for the Boomer Digital Immigrant Like to learn new technologies and share with

others Want technology to be safer and easier to use May expect technology to adapt to them Use technology to connect in new ways See technology as a tool, not a tyrant See technology as a force for good Relationship with technology is a work in

progress1. AARP and Microsoft. Boomers and Technology: An extended conversation. October 2009http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/computers/2009_boomers_and_technology_final_report.pdf2. Prensky, M. Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. October 2001http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf

Getting Boomer colleagues comfortable with social technology

How?

Advertise classes for those who are interested in learning more about new technology.

Offer one-on-one training sessions to those who may need additional help with the topics covered. Develop trust with the reluctant learner

Crucial bridge needed to bring them into the fold Help the both of you identify which learning

strategy will work best

Classes and one-on-one

Create homework for attendees to complete beforehand so they can explore.

Once in class, ask attendees to buddy up.

Offer to become a technology mentor and connect regularly to build up skills.

Be very patient and understanding.

Classes One-on-one training

Questions to expect

What’s the purpose? Why do so many of these social

technology sites have such odd names? Why is ________ so popular? Why should

it matter to me? Is social technology really about tools or

toys?

Gathering feedback and measuring impact Provide a survey for learners to comment on

their experience. Continue to connect with your reluctant

learners to observe their evolving relationship with technology Example

Start suggesting the use of social technology as solutions

Come to you independently to better understand new tools they have discovered on their own

Begin to experiment and become technology ambassadors to others, sharing their new found skills

Conclusion

Questions?