ICT Learning by Older Adults and Their Attitudes toward Computer Use

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have proven to be an effective way of helping older adults improve independence outcomes, but such technologies are yet not widely used by this segment of the population. This paper aims to study computer use and senior citizens' attitudes toward computer technology in the context of a 20-hour course in basic skills. A questionnaire was used to conduct pre- and postcourse analyses with a sample of 191 adults over the age of 60. The findings show that direct contact with computers generates more positive attitudes toward computer use and also positive relationships with attitudes, user behavior, training expectations, and self-confidence. Results are discussed in the light of need-to-know attitudes toward computer use and training in new technologies as an opportunity for life-long learning and for improving quality of life in old age.

A conceptual framework concerning education as factor of elders’ acceptance for smart assistive technologies

“…Methods: Survey in Lower Saxony -Contemporaneous digital technologies get older too, the today one which usage is learned in schools will be different when learners will reach their 80s. (González, Ramírez, & Viadel, 2015) Aim: Senior' attitudes toward computer technology in the context of a 20-hour course in basic skills. Methods: A questionnaire applied pre-and post-course -sample of 191 adults over the age of 60.…”

“…(Berry, 2011) even declares that the education level should be incorporated as a map of reasons for digital exclusion. Papers were also identified (González, Ramírez, & Viadel, 2015), (Cimperman & et al, 2016) that concluded a insignificant or neutral influence of education level upon the elders' acceptance for digital technologies, declaring that even older people with a low level of education modify their attitudes positively toward new technologies when they are motivated by application (learning, connecting to others, entertainment). The reason for this influence would lie not in the specific skills of using the technology (that were not delivered in school long before) but in the development of so called "crystallized intelligence" (Czaja & et al, 2006), wich level is determined by the initial education level and has the ability to strongly diminish the negative atitude towards technology (computer anxiety).…”

Mobile Technology Utilization Among Patients From Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds Attending Cardiac Rehabilitation in Australia: Descriptive, Case-Matched Comparative Study (Preprint)

“…Although many CALD patients are non-computer users, possibly because they had few opportunities to acquire computer skills during their education and work [46,47], they are not completely disadvantaged in mobile technology use, particularly not in smart phone use. Consistently, smart phone ownership has been found to be the highest among CALD groups [48], which offers great promise for implementing smart phone based interventions in these populations.…”

“…For example, Mandarin speaking patients are less likely to use emails compared to English speaking patients. Therefore, email based communication in CVD secondary prevention might not be feasible among certain CALD groups [46]. Selecting an appropriate delivery method for CR interventions is the key to improving participation amongst CALD patients.…”

Different paths and same destinations? An analysis of the convergence in Internet usage patterns between different age groups

“…In both scenarios, the existence of this gap correlates with the users' age and could mean disadvantages and exclusion for the elderly. Moreover, Prensky's view has been challenged by different studies because of its simplification of the relation between age and ICT appropriation (Helsper and Eynon (), R. González, Ramírez, and Viadel (), Jones, Shao, and Keynes ().…”