ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a study conducted at a senior living center in the south-central United States using iPad technology. Specifically, the study addressed how metaliteracy skills in older adults can be improved using mobile technologies, such as iPads, as well as benefits and barriers to their use. Participants took the training for one or more reasons: to better remain in touch with family and friends through email and video conferencing, to share photos, to check out library eBooks, and to search the internet for information. Findings suggest that while more than half of the participants used smartphones, and just half used some form of social media, intensive support in acclimating to new technology was necessary for the seniors in this study. Findings also suggest that supportive infrastructure that permits regular and frequent use of digital technology is a significant factor in whether and how seniors adopt new technologies.
