Technology and Ageing

Subject POPH90263 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Term 4, Parkville - Taught online/distance.
Pre-teaching Period Start 03-Oct-2016
Teaching Period 10-Oct-2016 to 04-Dec-2016
Assessment Period End 09-Dec-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 04-Oct-2016
Census Date 28-Oct-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 18-Nov-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 hours
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Kathleen Gray, Dr Jenny Waycott

Contact

Coordinators:

Kathleen Gray kgray@unimelb.edu.au

Jenny Waycott jwaycott@unimelb.edu.au

Currently enrolled students:

Future Students:

Subject Overview:

This subject looks at the ways in which recent technological advancements can revolutionise the experience, management and future of ageing. Innovations in how we age are explored from multiple perspectives, including how technology can support autonomy and independent living as well as social connectedness to minimise the isolation common in later life.

The subject offers an introduction to the aged care information technology industry and major products and services. Controversial improvements in assistive technologies are covered, such as robotics and sensors that monitor behaviour and health conditions. Lastly, this subject considers technologies for end-of-life support, for longevity and for regenerative medicine. This subject opens up challenges and possibilities for ageing that have implications for older adults, health practitioners, caregivers, service providers, policymakers and researchers.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this subject, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities that various technologies bring for the health and wellbeing of older people by critically discussing and analysing recent technological advances.
  • Show a critical appreciation of older people’s differing perspectives on how technologies are empowering or disempowering in their social and economic lives based on exploration of real world cases.
  • Critically evaluate existing or emerging technology products and services that are designed to be used specifically by older people, their care-givers or aged care providers.
Assessment:

A psychosocial analysis of older people’s experiences of emerging technologies:

  • Written critique posted to class discussion forum (500 words), due Week 2 (hurdle)

  • Peer review (500 words), due Week 3 (10%)

  • Written reflection (1500 words), due Weeks 4-5 (30%)

A sociotechnical evaluation of a technology based aged care product or service:

  • Narrated slide presentation posted to class discussion forum (equivalent to 500 words), due Weeks 5-6 (10%)

  • Peer review (500 words), due Week 7 (10%)

  • Written evaluation report (2000 words), due Week 8 (40%)

Prescribed Texts:

Students will have access to electronic copies of relevant readings.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice and reinforce:

  • the ability to identify, analyse and evaluate relevant information
  • high level written communication skills
  • the ability to work collaboratively with team members
  • advanced analytic, integration and problem-solving skills

Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Ageing
Graduate Diploma in Ageing
Master of Advanced Nursing
Master of Ageing
Master of Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (Enhanced)
Master of Public Health
Specialist Certificate in Ageing
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
150 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
200 Point Master of Public Policy and Management
Ageing

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