Identify and advertise to learners

With qualified Tech Tutors trained and ready, the technology assistance program is equipped to launch. Your next objective is to promote the new device support program in meaningful ways that reach the right seniors. Many of them may not use email regularly or at all. Phone-based outreach will be the most accessible approach for connecting with offline older adults.

New learner eligibility checklist

  1. Anyone actively pursuing digital literacy must have a genuine willingness to learn. If someone is resistant to using a device for video calls, the challenge for those supporting them is much greater.

  2. A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a working camera and mic.

  3. Internet access at home.

  4. Open to over the phone support from a volunteer.

  5. Patience.

Phase 1

Promote your technology assistance opportunity with seniors who attend phone-based programs only

Many organizations have a full spectrum of telephone-oriented programs available for seniors. Attendees call in from any phone to participate in social discussions, presentations, guided meditations, and a variety of other conversational programs of interest. These are the perfect setting to share the availability of your technology assistance opportunity with those who might find value.

A Program Promo script is supplied at the link below, which includes a short description of the Tech Tutor initiative, the weekly schedule volunteers will conduct the program, and how they can register to participate.

 
 
NOTE: When speaking with these groups, record the names of all interested seniors in the Call Planner File so you can follow-up directly with them for a 1:1 phone call.
 

Phase 2

Recruitment of the broader client/membership

Although you have reached out to the obvious potential learners, some may still be out there. Best to consider opening the opportunity to the community that is not yet a member of your organization, maybe this initiative can remove the barrier of them access your services?

Try promoting this opportunity to your existing clients/membership via email so they can spread the word to their connections. Specifically state if interested persons need to be an existing clients/not.

 
 
Note: Once you receive interested potential learners, proceed with phase 3 in this process.
 

Phase 3

Conduct an over the phone assessment of the potential new learners

Now that you have a list of potential Learners in your Call planner file it is time to conduct a short phone questionnaire to see if they are eligible to receive support from the volunteer tech tutors and most importantly if they are clients that can participate in your virtual programs.

When contacting the clients/members from phase 1&2 from above, be sure to have your Call planner file open to document your findings.

 
 
Note: This could all be done on the initial telephone call with client/member.
 

With learners identified and Tech Tutors qualified, it’s time to schedule the technology assistance call.