Evaluation of Be Connected: A Digital Literacy for Older Australians Program

Be Connected targets those aged 50 years and over who have minimal or no engagement with digital technology. It adopts a family and community-centered approach to supporting older Australians. 

The Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne, has been commissioned to evaluate the implementation of Be Connected and to determine the social impact of the program. 

The evaluation will draw on three phases of data collection that explore multiple stakeholders’ perspectives and measure the impact of Be Connected against a baseline of seniors’ digital inclusion. The evaluation will conclude in 2020.

Project timeframe 

November 2017 – June 2020

Research team

• Associate Professor Anthony McCosker, chief investigator 
• Distinguished Professor Jo Barraket 
• Professor Christine Critchley 
• Dr Roksolana Suchowerska, project manager 
• Dr Julie Tucker, project manager
• Dr Kiros Hiruy 
• Dr Gordana Bruce 
• Dr Michelle Lim
   

This evaluation has been commissioned by the Department of Social Services.