Hi Mary,

No research, but a case in point.

A woman in her mid 60s entered our Basic Literacy program this fall,
reading at a very low level.  She then referred her daughter to the same
program who reads at a much higher level.

Here's the kicker.  This woman's 11 year old daughter comes and acts as
one of our computer-lab volunteers and she is very good.  In addition
she will be co-tutoring our math elective.

This was a new one even for me.

George Demetrion

George Demetrion
Director of Program Operations
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford
30 Arbor Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 233-3853
George.Demetrion at lvgh.org
www.lvgh.org
TEACH. LEARN. GROW.

-----Original Message-----
From: technology-bounces at nifl.gov [mailto:technology-bounces at nifl.gov]
On Behalf Of Mary Alice Jackson
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 1:46 PM
To: technology at nifl.gov
Subject: [Technology 1359] Role reversals for older adults
acquiringtechnology skills

I'm interested in any research that has been conducted looking at role
reversals with older adults learning to use technology.  Traditionally,
we have seen adults teaching children whether in formal settings or
informal settings.  With technology (VCR, DVD players, digital cameras,
cell phones, computers, etc.), we often see the reverse i.e., children
are teaching adults.  I've observed this with a number of family and
friends over 50 (including myself sometimes).  A 65-year old friend of
mine asked me a question about a new cell phone she recently purchased
and shared with me that Kristen (a 12 or 13-year old) had set it up for
her.  During one season of American Idol, I called a friend of mine to
ask her how to text my vote in.  She replied, "I don't know.  I have my
12-year old nephew do it for me!"  

So, with that said, has anyone come across research conducted in this
area?  Thanks.

Mary
Mary
----------------------------------------------------
National Institute for Literacy
Technology and Literacy mailing list
Technology at nifl.gov
To unsubscribe or change your subscription settings, please go to
http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/technology
Email delivered to george.demetrion at lvgh.org