| Abstract: Regular Internet use has been found to produce meaningful social interactions and greater social support among older adults (White et al., 2002). The Internet and related information and communication technologies (ICTs) has the potential to serve as an excellent communication tool for older adults, as it allows individuals to stay in touch with family and friends and may even help to expand one’s social network (Gato & Tak, 2008). Despite these benefits, the Internet and ICTs are not widely used among the older-adult population (Cresci, Yarandi, & Morrel, 2010). With continuous technological advancements, and a growing population of older adults, there is an increased demand for effective ICT-training programs geared specifically toward older adults (Mayhorn, Stronge, McLaughlin, & Rogers, 2004). An adapted alternating treatments design was used to compare the effectiveness of written instructions and video prompting (VideoTote application) on the acquisition of three tablet-based tasks: emailing, video calling (FaceTime application), and searching for a YouTube video. Results are presented in the context of implications for the design of treatments to promote the acquisition of independent use of the Internet and related ICTs in the aging population. |