In 1994 I spent $699 to carry around a VHS Tape sized PDA in my back pocket. The Apple Newton Messagepad 120 was a breakthrough in personal information portability, and also a literal "breakthrough" when it came to how many pairs of Dockers I ripped through by jamming the PDA in my back pants pocket. Years later, and many ounces smaller, the PDA is now more present than ever, appearing in films, TV, schools, and most recently, gift lists. While traditionally marketed toward corporate and business sectors, the PDA companies have started the transition in advertising to focus more on the general consumer. Still though, the "general consumer" tends to be a 20 - 40 year old male who is gadget minded and willing to adopt new technology.

Why is it that senior citizens seem to always be forgotten with the introduction and adoption of new technology? Are they just too old? Too slow? Too uninterested? Why are they always left out of the loop?

As I started to become involved with PDAs as a consumer, I hadn't even considered the possibility that I could be a contributing factor in educating that often forgotten group of individuals. Of course, constantly upgrading to the latest and greatest incarnation of device, I naturally assumed the role as instructor to my family and friends, helping them to decide which unit would work best for their needs. It didn't take long before I found myself conducting seminars on the uses of PDA's at local Hospitals for Physicians, at retail locations, and most recently, the Derby Senior Activity Center in Derby, Kansas. The Senior Activity Center presented an interesting opportunity for education in the area of technology since all members were at least 65 years of age. It was an opportunity that I looked forward to, since all of my previous classroom experience was with younger individuals.

With the help of the Center's director, an introductory PDA class was scheduled and promptly filled up with interested members. I was prepared to instruct one to three people at first, and would have deemed that a success. As it turned out, the class was full with ten people, and there was a waiting list for more. As the first class began to unfold, I realized that it probably wasn't what Palm had in mind when it began its own advertising campaign. I was not there to discuss how to link your PDA to Lotus Notes, or how to control PowerPoint presentations from a remote location. We were exploring options such as setting multiple alarms for medication dosages, activating repeating date reminders for birthdays and anniversaries, and storing digital pictures of the grandkids in an electronic PDA photo album. To better illustrate some of these topics, I decided to come up with some different ways of teaching. I needed to remember that because these people were slightly older than my typical class, qualities such as hearing and vision might not be as acute.

To solve any problems with difficulty seeing a blackboard, or listening to a muted voice, I digitally recorded some demonstrations of the PDA using a MiniDV cam. I then captured that video into my computer using FireViewer, and replayed the demo through a PROXIMA projector onto a movie screen with audio commentary. My job was to come up with creative ways of applying ideas, using existing technology, for a group of people who otherwise may never have thought of using a PDA. I know for a fact that after the class, at least 30% of the people went out and purchased an entry level PDA. By coming to the class, and opening their minds to the possibilities, they were able to make themselves part of the technology "loop."

Since that first class, the Senior Center has continued to request more classes on a variety of different technology related subjects. I can't let myself forget that it started with a class on PDA's. From experience, I have learned that what is advertised on the box of an item is only what the manufacturer has determined its benefits to be. The consumer needs to apply some creativity to give these devices a personality. Making a PDA work for you, rather than you having to work for the PDA, should be the ultimate goal. The Derby Senior Activity Center has proven that you don't need to be a corporate twenty-something to enjoy the convenience of a PDA.

If you would like to join others in chatting about this article or sharing a similar experience, join our discussion board at this thread:www.pdaed.com/vertical/forums/read.php?f=3&i=57&t=57

Brian Kritzstein has been involved in the computer industry for the past 15 years. He has worked in the retail, corporate, and educational markets, and enjoys acting as a conduit between consumers and emerging technology products. His current interests include bridging the technology gap which many senior citizens find themselves in when trying to relate to current computing standards. He has a Bachelors degree in Business and Communication from Arizona State University.

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