Ph: (989) 732-1122 Fax: (989) 731-2739 Contact Us: click here Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to Noon 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday
120 Grandview Blvd., Gaylord, Michigan  49735

Technology & Aging Project (TAP) 

TAP is an exciting new technology training program that was first introduced over a year ago in a research study format to Otsego County older adults (age 60 and older).  The project was backed by the Otsego County Commission on Aging, in partnership with the MSU School of Social Work, MSU Extension, and the University Center at Gaylord. 

TAP1
The purpose of the study was determine if providing technology training to older adults increased their use of technology and whether or not this training impacted other areas of their lives.  After recruiting study partcipants through a county-wide survey, two groups of interested older adults were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. 

Both groups were required to complete surveys at the beginning and end of the training, as well as at three and six months into their training.  The experimental group was given six months of computer training from  November 2008 through April 2009.  This phase of the study was known as TAP1.  

TAP Program Goals

TAP has three goals for its participants:

1.  Increase their comfort with technology (computers)
2.  Increase their awareness of Internet safety and security issues
3.  Provide tools that will help them  connect with family and friends, no matter where they live.



A TAP1 participant learns about
Internet safety and security issues.

TAP Program Topics

TAP covers the following topics in classes that are conducted once a week for approximately six weeks.  Classes last two hours and are conducted at the University Center at Gaylord.

• Basics of using a computer
• Mouse and keyboard skills
• Basic web browsing
• E-Mail
• Typing and storing data
• Internet safety and security
• Evaluating info on the Web
• Voice and video communications via the Internet
• Favorite internet sites
• Reliable online health info
• Genealogy resources
• Enhancing and sharing photos
• Downloading music and books
• Making greeting cards
• Multi-person games and discussion groups
• Family websites and personal blogs
• Online shopping
• Spreadsheet software

TAP1 participants learned about
favorite websites for seniors.

Preliminary TAP1 Results

After three months of training, participants reported the following:

• They felt they had greater social support
• They felt more comfortable with computers and technology
• They reported increased use of information and communication technologies, such as e-mail, instant messaging, etc.

A TAP1 participant
learns how to make her
own greeting cards.

TAP Participant Testimonies

Here's what TAP1 participants had to say about the program:

I'm  now using e-mail to stay in touch with relatives, and I expect to use it even more in the future.

~ TAP1 Participant after three months of training ~

I learned about Care Pages in one of our classes and set up an account to keep family members updated about Dad's health.

~ TAP1 Participant ~

I've shared all kinds of things.  I sent genealogy information to my 80-year old aunt, and she provided me with information she has!

 ~ TAP1 Participant ~

TAP2
In November 2009, the control group was given the opportunity to receive similar training from their peers who had complete TAP1. This phase of the study is known as TAP2.  Training for this group will conclude in April 2010.   

TESSS
Going forward, the Otsego County Commission on Aging plans to offer additional TAP programs to older adults (age 60 and older) who are interested in enhancing their lives through the use of technology training.  These programs will be known as TESSS (Technology Enhanced Service System for Seniors). 


TAP Program Staff: 

 
John Panci -  TAP Program
Coordinator

If you would like to learn more about TAP or sign up for a future class, please complete the "Contact Us" form at the top of the page, or contact TAP Coordinator, John Panci, at the Otsego County Commission on Aging at (989) 732-1122.

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. 
Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. 
~Henry L. Doherty