Draft:Mittler Senior Technology



Mittler Senior Technology is an educational service that specializes in providing computer and smartphone education to senior citizens. The service is managed by high school and college students and focuses on enhancing digital literacy among older adults.

Mittler Senior Technology
IndustryInformation and Technology
FounderJordan Mittler
Headquarters
New York
,
United States
Websitewww.mittlerseniortech.com

History

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Mittler Senior Technology was established by Jordan Mittler. He has been working to bridge the technological gap between seniors and his generation.[1] It began as a series of technology classes for seniors conducted in a school computer room. The program expanded over time, offering classes in various community settings to accommodate a growing number of participants. [2]

Jordan has always had a passion for technology.[3] He came up with the idea for Mittler Senior Technology at the age of 12 after realizing his grandparents couldn't use an iPhone he had gifted them. [4][5]

Then, in February 2019, he created a formal curriculum and started hosting free, hour-long sessions for seniors at his synagogue every Sunday. [6] [7]

Recognizing a broader need for digital literacy among seniors, a high school junior from New York City began by volunteering at a local nursing home, offering assistance with technology. This initiative soon developed into a more structured program named Mittler Senior Technology, through which he introduced a free, 10-week technology course for seniors at his synagogue. Observing the challenges faced by many in adapting to a rapidly changing digital landscape, he conducted weekly classes covering a range of topics, including video chatting, smartphone usage, and online banking. These classes, initially held in a free space at his high school, were moved online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on New York City​​​​. [8]

During the pandemic, he held his first Zoom class with 20 participants and now has 50–60 students attending his online classes every Sunday. Because it’s online, he says he has students from all over the world, something he couldn’t do with in-person classes on the Upper East Side. [9]

Mission Statement

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“My goal from the beginning — and it’s been even more significant since COVID started — is to cure the issue of social isolation in senior communities.” - Jordan Mittler[10]

“Especially during a time like this, seniors need the ability to shop online, FaceTime their grandchildren, and entertain themselves by playing online games and watching videos on YouTube. The reactions of the seniors after every lesson is absolutely remarkable and makes all the work that I put into this class completely worth it!” [11]

Achievements

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Mittler Senior Technology has made significant strides in its mission to enhance digital literacy among seniors. Key achievements include:

  • Seniors Impacted: The program has positively influenced over 3,500 senior citizens, helping them navigate the digital world. [12]
  • Classes Taught: Over 450 classes have been conducted, covering a wide range of technology-related topics tailored to seniors. [12]
  • Teens Inspired: The initiative has engaged and inspired over 150 teenagers, involving them in its educational and operational processes. [12]
  • Global Reach: Mittler Senior Technology has extended its services to over 10 countries, illustrating its growing international impact. [12] [13]

CNN Hero

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On December 12, 2021, Jordan Mittler received the CNN Young Wonders Award for his organization, Mittler Senior Technology. [14]

Adaptation to the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The classes were in-person before the pandemic but have since moved online. [15] Mittler Senior Technology transitioned to online platforms like Zoom to continue its education services. This shift allowed the program to expand its reach globally, adapting its curriculum to cover pandemic-relevant topics such as online shopping and social media​. [2]

Community Impact

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The program has been recognized for its role in reducing social isolation among seniors by facilitating their engagement with modern technology. Its services have been adjusted to accommodate the learning needs of older adults, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

  1. ^ "Videos". FOX 5 New York. 2021-06-01. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  2. ^ a b Davenport, Emily (2020-12-30). "New York City teen launches business to teach senior citizens how to use technology | amNewYork". www.amny.com. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  3. ^ "Instagram Live with Jordan Mittler". Expressions. 2020-05-20. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  4. ^ Coughlin, Joseph F.; Mittler, Jordan (2021-05-20). "Rebuilding 'The Care Economy' with Cross-Generational Relationships". Newsweek. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  5. ^ Drake, Diana (2020-04-09). "Student Essay: Helping the Older Generation Embrace Technology". Wharton Global Youth Program. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  6. ^ "This 16-year-old spends weekends teaching seniors to use the internet. Now, his work is more important than ever". KUSA.com. 2020-04-20. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  7. ^ "This 16-year-old spends weekends teaching seniors to use the internet. Now, his work is more important than ever". wthr.com. 2020-04-21. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  8. ^ "Kindness During The Pandemic Brings Different Generations Closer Together". www.wbur.org. 2020-05-19. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  9. ^ Roberts, Sami. "UES Teen Teaches Tech to Seniors". www.ourtownny.com. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  10. ^ Roberts, Sami. "UES Teen Teaches Tech to Seniors". www.ourtownny.com. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  11. ^ "Idealists in Action #03 | Prom on their terms 💪🏽". pi.idealist.org. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  12. ^ a b c d "Mittler Senior Technology – Technology Education for Seniors". Retrieved 2024-01-19.
  13. ^ Spielfogel ’23, Andrew. "Jordan Mittler '22: A Young Wonder". The Rampage. Retrieved 2024-01-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  14. ^ Spielfogel ’23, Andrew. "Jordan Mittler '22: A Young Wonder". The Rampage. Retrieved 2024-01-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  15. ^ "Teen Starts Computer Class To Help Seniors Stay Connected". www.audacy.com. 2020-05-26. Retrieved 2024-01-19.