Learning digital skills online: empowering older adults through one-to-one, online digital training provision

Abstract

IntroductionDigital exclusion, through lack of access and poor digital skills, can have an adverse impact on daily living. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically impact the necessity of technology in our daily lives, but also reduced the availability of digital skills programmes. This study aimed to explore perceived facilitators and barriers of a digital skills programme that was delivered remotely (online) and to reflect on this form of training as a possible alternative to traditional face-to-face models.MethodsIndividual interviews were carried out with programme participants and the programme instructor.ResultsTwo themes were generated from this data: (a) Creating a unique learning environment; and (b) Encouraging further learning.DiscussionBarriers to digital delivery were evident, however, the individual and personalized delivery empowered participants within their own learning, supporting individuals to learn skills relevant to them and to continue their digital learning journey.

Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Adoption for European Union Elderly in the Context of Digital Skills Development

“…Additionally, whichever dimension is considered, the results of the analysis support the need for strategies adapted to the specific needs and preferences of older individuals. Recent scientific studies also underscore the necessity for an individual and customized approach to acquire relevant digital skills for the elderly [101], promoting at the same time the idea of flexible solutions in view of specific needs and challenges, such as fears, a lack of previous experience, or possible physical limitations [102]. At the same time, the importance of social support is emphasized, considering the process of ensuring the successful implementation of digital skills development programs among the elderly [102].…”

Gluu Essentials Digital Skills Training for Middle-Aged and Older Adults That Makes Skills Stick: Results of a Pre-Post Intervention Study

“…To date, the majority of digital literacy programs have been focused on increasing technology acceptance, adoption, use, or interest, with some success [16][17][18][19][20][21]. As technology has the potential to help older adults stay connected to friends and family, many technology-based interventions have been focused on reducing loneliness, but these have had mixed results, often attributed to failure to target socially isolated older adults [22][23][24][25].…”

“…As technology has the potential to help older adults stay connected to friends and family, many technology-based interventions have been focused on reducing loneliness, but these have had mixed results, often attributed to failure to target socially isolated older adults [22][23][24][25]. Studies have reported that social support to set up new devices plays an important role in initiating and motivating tablet use among older adults [18] and that consideration of older adults' needs, preferences, and lived experience is essential to success [17,19]. Indeed, a recent systematic review of instructional strategies to promote the learning of digital technology among older adults reported that collaborative, personalized, relevant, and experience-based learning strategies accompanied by repetition and effective teaching aids (such as print resources) were themes present throughout many of the 17 studies reviewed [26].…”