title: OASIS connections: results from an evaluation study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objectives of this study were to evaluate a community-based basic computer and Internet training program designed for older adults, provide recommendations for program refinement, and gather preliminary information on program sustainability.
  
  
  METHODS
  The program was developed by the OASIS Institute, a nonprofit agency serving older adults and implemented in 4 cities by community trainers across the United States. One hundred and ninety-six adults aged 40-90 years were assigned to the training or a wait-list control group. Knowledge of computers and the Internet, attitudes toward computers, and computer/Internet use were assessed at baseline, posttraining, and 3 months posttraining.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The program was successful in increasing the computer/Internet skills of the trainees. The data indicated a significant increase in computer and Internet knowledge and comfort with computers among those who received the training. Further, those who completed the course reported an increase in both computer and Internet use 3 months posttraining.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicate that a community-based computer and Internet training program delivered by community instructors can be effective in terms of increasing computer and Internet skills and comfort with computer technology among older adults.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Center on Aging, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1695 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 3208 (D-101), Miami, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Sara J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Czaja
authors.forename: Chin Chin
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Janice
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Branham
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Remis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003200:Computer User Training / Q000379:methods*; D003201:Computers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States