Evaluating an Online Cognitive Training Platform for Older Adults: User Experience and Implementation Requirements
Authors: Haesner Marten , Steinert Anika , O’Sullivan Julie Lorraine , Weichenberger Markus 
Published: August 2015

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contact hours will be awarded by Villanova University College of Nursing upon successful completion of this activity. A contact hour is a unit of measurement that denotes 60 minutes of an organized learning activity. This is a learner-based activity. Villanova University College of Nursing does not require submission of your answers to the quiz. A contact hour certificate will be awarded once you register, pay the registration fee, and complete the evaluation form online at
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1.

Read the article “Evaluating an Online Cognitive Training Platform for Older Adults: User Experience and Implementation Requirements” on pages 22–31, carefully noting the tables and other illustrative materials that are included to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the content. Be sure to keep track of the amount of time (number of minutes) you spend reading the article and completing the quiz.

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Read and answer each question on the quiz. After completing all of the questions, compare your answers to those provided within this issue. If you have incorrect answers, return to the article for further study.

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Go to the Villanova website listed above to register for contact hour credit. You will be asked to provide your name; contact information; and a VISA, MasterCard, or Discover card number for payment of the $20.00 fee. Once you complete the online evaluation, a certificate will be automatically generated.

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Activity Objectives

1.

Review findings from training programs designed to improve cognitive functioning in older adults.

2.

Discuss the results of an online platform for cognitive training in an older adult population.

Disclosure Statement

Neither the planners nor the authors have any conflicts of interest to disclose.

Decline of cognitive function is a part of aging. However, intensive cognitive training can improve important cognitive functions, such as attention and working memory. Because existing systems are not older adult–friendly and are usually not based on scientific evidence, an online platform was developed for cognitive training with information and communication features and evaluated in an 8-week field test. In a randomized clinical trial with 80 older adults, findings from log data analysis and questionnaires revealed a good use of the online platform. Communication or assistive features were not used often. Good usability ratings were given to the cognitive exercises. Subjective improvements of cognitive functions due to the training were reported. The current article presents concrete requirements and recommendations for deploying cognitive training software in older adult residential homes. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
,
41
(8), 22–31.]