NEW WORLD, NEW MINDS: CHANGING THE LEARNING PROCESS THROUGH THE USE OF NEW DEVICES

Meiler Rodríguez, C., Freire Obregón, D., Rubio Royo, E. (2012): “New world, new minds: changing the learning process Through the use of new devices”  ISBN: 978-84-616-0763-1. ICERI 2012 Proceedings 5th International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation. 19th- 21st November 2012, Madrid, Spain. Published by IATED.

http://www.sociedadytecnologia.org/file/download/191883

Abstract
The arrival of new mobile devices has changed the way we perceive and understand the world around us. The ability to connect and interact anytime and anywhere through these devices has changed the way we process the information. These devices have the same functionality as the conventional PCs and have revolutionized the world of telecommunications and therefore the way we communicate. As a result, this new form of technological communication has influenced everything around us; our personal lives, our work and our academic life. The main importance of this technological revolution in education lies not only in content by itself but also in the own technology. The device that provides us the contents determines the manner in which our brain learns. Also, another very important key fact is that the user interface has been altered. In the case of tablets, the typical mouse and keyboard has been replaced by a touch screen. Depending on our student’s profile, the touch screen will present a set of advantages (or disadvantages). On the other hand, the population of elderly people and the use of computers and the Internet are both growing at extraordinary rates in the European Union. The potential exists for elderly people to improve their own lives as well as the lives of others by making more use of this technology. However, the elderly are currently among the lowest users of computers and the Internet. In this paper we show how, through the use of new devices, we have instructed elderly from barely use a computer to managing social networks independently.

ELDERLY: FROM 0.0 TO WEB 2.0.

ELDERLY: FROM 0.0 TO WEB 2.0. C. Meiler-Rodríguez, D. Freire-Obregón, E. Rubio-Royo, ISBN: 978-84-695-3491-5. EDULEARN12 Proceedings 4th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies, July 2nd-4th, 2012 — Barcelona, Spain. Published by IATED.

http://www.sociedadytecnologia.org/file/download/163904

Abstract
Information technology and the Internet are becoming a necessary resource for the convenience and
enjoyment of individuals. Web 2.0, the new and improved Web, has created a sophisticated user base
with new online functionality and tools such as blogs, wiki’s, online social networking. As a result of
Web 2.0, the Internet is changing from merely a place to get information or give information, to a place to access a whole set of interactive applications, online sharing and collaboration. Moreover, the population of elderly people and the use of computers and the Internet are both growing at
extraordinary rates in the European Union. The potential exists for elderly people to improve their own lives as well as the lives of others by making more use of this technology. However, the elderly are currently among the lowest users of computers and the Internet. In this paper we show how, through a course of ten lessons length, we have instructed elderly from barely use a computer to managing social networks independently. We also have developed new ways to deal with the learning
disadvantages that age involves. Some of those problems such as the digital divide are exceeded by
other more serious deficiencies like being trouble when reading or writing. Nonetheless, the
perseverance during the learning process showed by this group of people plus a correct and gradual
course planning have provided us very significant data about the learning curve showed by the elderly during the course. The purpose of this research was to explore whether the elderly were familiar with modern technology.

SEVENTI: NEW APPROACH FOR TEACHING SENIORS BASIC SKILLS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

SEVENTI: NEW APPROACH FOR TEACHING SENIORS BASIC
SKILLS THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
www.sociedadytecnologia.org/file/download/154855

C. Meiler-Rodríguez, D. Freire-Obregón, E. Rubio-Royo, Proceedings of
INTED2012 Conference. 5th-7th March 2012, Valencia, Spain. ISBN:
978-84-615-5563-5.

Abstract:
In the literature there is a lot of documentation about how to teach seniors the use of newtechnologies. However, there is a lot of "digital immigrants" that could be defined as "digitalshipwrecked". The situation could be more complicated when this group of people also lack basicskills such reading or writing in a proper way. This paper aims to describe how the use of appropriatesocial networks can help not only to develop technological skills but also improve reading and writingskills. For our purpose, we have developed our own social network (Seventi) with some features whichhave served as motivation and inspiration to the group of seniors. Seventi has a number of featuresthat can be shared with any other social network: a wall, a buddy list, groups, chat, private messages,etc. The difference between this project and others in the area is highlighted by two key factors: thepersonal characteristics of the experimental subjects and pedagogical approach applied and wellsupportedby Seventi.