Vinay Karanam, Project Manager SeniorNet NZ
Senior Hangouts is an integrated online peer to peer learning platform designed to address issues arising from isolation experienced by seniors as a result of Covid 19. Prolonged lockdowns and anxiety about the Covid 19 virus have led to escalating concerns around depression and loneliness, low self-efficacy, as well as the lack of mental stimulation often experienced by isolated seniors.
The content on the platform which was developed by Project Manager, Vinay Karanam, is informed by participant suggestion and feedback with subjects catering for various learning styles and technical competencies. Examples of training sessions include special interest topics such as genealogy, photography, cyber security, online safety, password protection, health, and wellbeing, as well as more technical training such as application management . The programmes are facilitated and hosted by 'Hangout' buddies with a Senior Hangouts project manager online for support.
Since its inception in 2020 over 13,000 seniors have participated in the programmes and the platform has hosted over 1000 sessions. Sessions are run Monday to Friday at 10am with special interest group meetings held during the week. Participants can review and consolidate their learning in their own time or retrieve missed sessions at any time free of charge.
An evaluation encompassing a review of training videos, including individual and group interviews with Senior Hangout 'buddies' and participants has confirmed high levels of engagement with excellent retention rates. Equally significant, shifts were evident in individual self-efficacy, heightened levels of trust and personal confidence as well as improved social connectivity, increased technical competencies and a greater awareness of online safety and security plus more.
This award recognises an adult learning programme that has achieved outstanding learning outcomes through innovative programme development, creative implementation and sound evaluation.
Click here to see the full list of 2022 ACE Annual Award recipients.