Limited Access to Technology
Found in: Adult Students, Technology
Anna J., Canada
Talk to me about older adults and challenges accessing the technology. Is there still a way to order physical materials? What are other creative ways you have worked around limited access to technology?
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
Hi Anna – no, physical materials are no longer available to purchase. I agree that can be a real challenge for technophobes. If they have access to internet and to a device, I think it’s possible to ease the process for them. A couple thoughts:
* If they have their own device, have them bring it to each lesson. You can create shortcuts to the student intranet and even to the specific assignments for the week.
* If they don’t have a device, perhaps there is a family member whose help you could enlist? You could explain to the family member how to access the needed materials, if they are willing to spend the time to support the student. That could even be done remotely.
* They could utilize all of the SHM -except- the videos if they have no way to access them. You may just have to spend extra time on projects.
Anna J., Canada
Laurie thanks for these thoughts! She does have a device and a phone and I’ve encouraged her to bring them to her next lesson…I think between the two of us we’ll be able to get her sorted out! I’ve also purchased the student home materials on her behalf and printed off the pdfs she needs to begin. And it’s good to be reminded it IS possible to do this without videos…I was thinking back to Neil’s beginnings and the fact that all of this student support came later. So far she’s a real hoot to work with…always dreamed of playing piano but never had the opportunity. What a gift to be part of this journey with her!
Leeanne I., Australia
I’m lending out my old student SHM DVDs to one elderly student. She just can’t get the hang of that darn tablet!
Mark S. Meritt
Clarifying: students/families do have permission not only to print the online PDFs but also to download/copy the online audio recordings to other sources such as burning to a CD or putting in a music library app (smartphone, MP3 player, apps on computers such as Spotify, etc.). As Laurie says, the videos are the only part of the SHMs that must be accessed/used while literally being online and therefore the only part that cannot be put into a physical/offline forms if someone prefers.
Original discussion started July 29, 2022