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For people who didn鈥檛 grow up in a world with the internet, smartphones and social media, new technologies can seem intimidating and overwhelming. These same technologies, however, can help aging people live more connected, independent and fulfilling lives.

Matt Isola, a master鈥檚 student studying strategic communication design in the College of Media, Communication and Information, is on a mission to help older generations鈥攑rimarily Baby Boomers and up鈥攂ecome technologically literate. Throughout April, he鈥檒l host a series of three sessions called the . In the workshops, graduate student volunteers will work one-on-one with participants to teach them basic skills on a range of devices.

Isola鈥檚 inspiration for the workshops came from his own experience helping a family friend learn to use an iPad that he was given on his 90th听birthday.

鈥淚t was like I showed him magic,鈥� Isola said. 鈥淗is eyes lit up when I showed him FaceTime. He had no idea this was possible, and it took almost nothing for me to recreate his imagination of the world.鈥�

Isola sees the workshops as a two-way learning opportunity for both the student volunteers and the participants, hence the name GenerationExchange, he said.

鈥淥ur two generations fit perfectly together,鈥� he said. 鈥淲here one may gain concrete technological skills, the other can gain perspective on how the world works. There鈥檚 so much we can learn from older generations and a huge opportunity in connecting people who can teach and learn from each other.鈥�

The workshops are free and open to the public, though they鈥檒l be geared toward people who are 50 and over. There are 12 spots available for each workshop, so those interested should register soon. Participants may attend as many sessions as they would听like听and are encouraged to sign up for all three.

They are also encouraged to bring a device鈥攐r several鈥攖hat they鈥檇 like to gain skills with. Coffee and snacks will be provided.