Renewed connections and new interests: evaluation of the iPad Essentials Course for older adults

Abstract

Renewed connections and new interests Evaluation of the iPad Essentials Course for older adults Bonnie Simons and Helen Kimberley The Brotherhood of St Laurence (BSL) iPad Essentials Course was designed to equip adults with the skills to utilise new technologies to maintain independence and reduce social isolation. From March 2012 until October 2013 the BSL Social Inclusion Program delivered nine iPad Essentials courses to 130 Community Care clients and older adults from the wider Frankston and Mornington Peninsula community. The course was funded by the Victorian Government’s Skills Victoria program and was delivered in Frankston and Rosebud. Regular facilitated ‘iCoffee–iChat’ sessions for BSL clients were also offered at local venues. These provided an opportunity to share social time and get assistance with any iPad issues. There were two stages in the evaluation of the iPad Essentials Course: 1.