Showing papers by "Ronald M. Baecker published in 2018"
TL;DR: This pilot illustrates both the accessibility of InTouch and the promise of using extrinsic motivators such as social bonding to promote learning in institutionalized older adults with and without cognitive impairment, whose intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy may well be suffering.
Abstract: Objectives: InTouch is an electronic communication platform designed to be accessible by computer-naive seniors. The present study explored the process of adoption and use of the application by seniors with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT).Method: We studied adoption and use of InTouch for social communication over a 12-week period in a 475-bed Veteran's care facility at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, Canada. Eleven older adult veterans participated, six of whom had MCI, as indicated by their Montreal Cognitive Assessment score. Veterans were partnered with volunteers, each was provided with an iPad with the InTouch application. Qualitative data were collected through interviews, field notes, and direct observation. Quantitative data were collected from data logging of the software and medical charts. Data types and sources were triangulated and examined through the lens of SCT.Results: A total of 2361 messages (102 videos...
14 citations
TL;DR: Two exploratory usability studies with older adults (65+) found that participants performed a range of IM tactics including supplication, portraying oneself as weak or dependent to obtain help and exemplification, which discusses how IM tactics influence the study and define strategies to manage them.
Abstract: Research has shown that participants often engage in impression management (IM) to present themselves in a favorable way, out of desire to increase self-esteem or enhance how others perceive them. This tendency has also been shown to affect the validity and reliability of studies. Yet, little is known about how older adults’ IM efforts influence the process of usability studies, even though the literature suggests that individuals perform more IM as they age, possibly to avoid negative stereotypes of ageing. Through a mixed-methods approach, we conducted two exploratory usability studies with older adults (65+). We found that participants performed a range of IM tactics including supplication (i.e., portraying oneself as weak or dependent to obtain help) and exemplification (i.e., doing more than is necessary). We discuss how IM tactics influence the study and define strategies to manage them.
12 citations
TL;DR: This work was supported by AGE-WELL NCE Inc., a member of the Networks of Centres of Excellence program.
Abstract: This work was supported by AGE-WELL NCE Inc., a member of the Networks of Centres of
Excellence program.
6 citations
01 Jan 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, a mixed methods, action research project on technology and social connectedness, facilitated by a team of sociologists and human-computer interaction (HCI) researchers, examines the use of a digital communication technology to study social isolation and loneliness in later life.
Abstract: This chapter reports on the design and implementation of cross-disciplinary research methods for investigating technology adoption in later life as well as family and life course dynamics. Drawing on a mixed methods, action research project on technology and social connectedness, facilitated by a team of sociologists and human–computer interaction (HCI) researchers, it examines the use of a digital communication technology to study social isolation and loneliness in later life. The chapter first provides an overview of the deployment and feasibility design of the study, the deployment stages and procedures, data analysis and participants before discussing the lessons learned. It concludes with an assessment of the challenges and opportunities of cross-disciplinary and mixed-method research to study technologies, families, and the life course. One of the ways that cross-disciplinary mixed methods approaches can enhance family and life course studies is by capturing the immediacy of life transitions.
4 citations
21 Mar 2018
TL;DR: Zero-effort technologies (ZETs) as discussed by the authors use advanced computing techniques, such as computer vision, sensor fusion, decision-making and planning, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to autonomously perform the collection, analysis, and application of data about the user and/or his/her context.
Abstract: This book introduces zero-effort technologies (ZETs), an emerging class of technologies that require little or no effort from the people who use them. ZETs use advanced computing techniques, such as computer vision, sensor fusion, decision-making and planning, machine learning, and the Internet of Things to autonomously perform the collection, analysis, and application of data about the user and/or his/her context. This book begins with an overview of ZETs, then presents concepts related to their development, including pervasive intelligent technologies and environments, design principles, and considerations regarding use. The book discusses select examples of the latest in ZET development before concluding with thoughts regarding future directions of the field.
2 citations