SilverTech smartphone course for older adults (Age Concern Otago)

SilverTech is a smartphone course run by Age Concern Otago, a New Zealand non-government organisation. It consists of four weekly two-hour sessions with at most eight learners per class, covering device set-up, contacts, texting and email, apps, Wi-Fi versus mobile data, social media and online safety. Printed take-home materials are provided for both Android and Apple devices.
A peer-reviewed evaluation of courses held February-June 2022 (122 pre-course surveys, 98 matched pre/post responses) found mean knowledge rising from 2.10 to 3.45, skills from 2.00 to 3.30 and confidence from 2.35 to 3.47, with all 29 skill items improving significantly (p<0.001). 96.94% said the course met their needs and 70.41% wanted further learning.
Limitations are stated honestly: participants were mostly female (73%) and New Zealand European (94%), outcomes were self-reported and there was no long-term follow-up, so durability and reach to more diverse or isolated older people remain unproven. The course continues to be offered in 2025 by donation.

Read the full analysis: https://ageconcernotago.com/services