Notes on selecting software for our tables

This post is a collection of notes and ideas to help organize the process we are using to select applications to include on our tablets. The primary driving factor for the applications we are choosing is to provide a safe, easy to use, focused environment for our cohorts to find a “spark”, a fun, engaging way to use the tablet for activities that promote learning, mental stimulation, social engagement, and fun. Let’s look at these attributes.

Security

The tablets are registered to a Tech for Seniors Amazon account. None of your personal information is entered on the tablet. No credit card information is on your tablet so you will not be able to purchase anything accidentally. In the unlikely case that your internet connection is compromised, there is no way for a intruder to identify you as the tablet user as it is initially delivered to you. Certain installed software has been locked to reduce accidentally changing the configuration and causing your tablet to malfunction.

All of these things are configurable and as you learn more, additional functionality will be enabled. For example, your camera and mic were turned off prior to lesson 5 (zoom). Other features such as email, video calls, and internet access are enabled as you learn about them.

Ease of Use

The Applications we have chosen have been tested and have been shown to be relatively easy to use. There are detailed training modules available for most of the applications to help you learn how to best use them and as a refresher, since we all forget things over time.

Focused

We understand that learning can be hard work. We have carefully configured your tablet to avoid annoying ads and pesky interruptions. The applications have been selected to limit the disruptions ads and interrupts pose.

Safety

The internet is an extremely valuable source of data. While there are some incredibly useful web sites online, there can also be web sites and ads that contain scams, fraud and misinformation. With all this power, predators work hard to devise ways to steal information. Thousands of people become victims of scams and fraud every year. It is incumbent on the user to use caution when you are online.

Understanding basic Internet Hygiene is important for helping you avoid these traps and what to do if you encounter one. We highly recommend that you review the Internet Hygiene 101 video if you are new to using the internet. Additionally, we are working on additional information on identifying fraud and scams and how to protect yourself. We will announce that on the Links for Seniors Application,.

Choosing Suitable Applications

The recommended approach to determining suitable applications follows this approach

  1. Document the requirement/spark – what are you looking for
  2. Do a search for “best ______ for Amazon Fire 7 Gen 9 tablet”
  3. Adjust the search argument results to a manageable size
  4. Determine the 3 most desirable features most the results have
  5. Remove results lacking our 3 tenets and the 3 identified desirable features
  6. Read reviews of the application – any security or ads concern
  7. Install and test the application for ease of use, we have seen ads start to appear after using the app for 25 or more times so be thorough
  8. Take screen shots for use when writing up the training lesson on the app
  9. Write up the training lesson
  10. Use suitable categories and tags