Lifelong Learning: Becoming Computer Savvy at a Later Age

Seals, Cheryl; Clanton, Kelley; Agarwal, Ravikant; Doswell, Felicia; Thomas, Chippewa M.

doi:10.1080/03601270802290185

Cited by 44 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 7 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Becoming more confident and experimental with technology is necessary for successful computer use at home where teacher support is not available. (Shapira et al, 2007;Seals et al, 2008). This was not reflected in the eight participants at the community centre.…”

Section: Psychological Outcomesmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Computer classes for older people: motivations and outcomes

Zaidman

Tinker

2016

Working With Older People

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Computer classes for older people: motivations and outcomes. ABSTRACTPurpose: A 'digital divide' exists between older and younger people in terms of computer use and older people's uptake of computer training programmes in the UK remains low. This study aims to identify the motivations and outcomes of computer classes for some older people and the contributory factors.Design/methodology/approach: One-to-one qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants at a computer class in a London community centre. Using a topic guide interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis. The theoretical perspective of 'ageing in place' (the ability to stay in one's own home in later life) was used when interpreting the findings.Findings: Participants had been motivated to attend the class initially to gain computer skills. Initial motivation was influenced by the death of a spouse and the desire to remain mentally active. The main outcome by the class was acquisition of computer skills. Psychological and social benefits were also reported, the latter constituting motivation for continued attendance. Computer ownership and gender differences in preferred teaching style influenced class outcomes. Research limitations and implications:Although this was a small sample comprising older people solely from one community, participant backgrounds varied and the findings suggest that further research with a larger, more culturally heterogeneous sample would be valuable. Originality/value:Computer classes benefit older people wishing to learn computer skills which may facilitate 'ageing in place'. There has been little research in this area.

show abstract

Section: Psychological Outcomesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The social benefits of computer classes for older people are as for computer use generally (e.g. learning to communicate with family online) (Seals et al, 2008).…”

Section: Outcomes Of Computer Classesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Computer classes for older people: motivations and outcomes

Zaidman

Tinker

2016

Working With Older People

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Workshop strategies help students because most of the technology (software, websites and search engines) is not user friendly. For individuals who have had little experience using software in the past, this guidance is necessary (Seals, Clanton, Argawal, Doswell & Thomas, 2008). Technology workshops provide an educational learning opportunity for students to become more knowledgeable and proficient with technology.…”

Section: Workhopsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision Volume 3, Number 1

Renfro-Michel¹

2011

JCPS

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…This is important to note because often older adults will perceive computers as being for younger people. Finally, there is a constant call for designers to design software with older audiences in mind [8].…”

Section: Computer Training and Older Adult Populationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Making Computer Learning Easier for Older Adults: A Community Study of Tuition Practices

Nycyk¹,

Redsell²

2010

Key Competencies in the Knowledge Society

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Abstract. Older adults are under increasing pressure to use information technologies, yet are reluctant to learn computer software due to difficulties with ways of teaching such skills. This paper argues that examining tutoring techniques in a community computer training centre is useful to discovering why they will persist with learning. Using a Grounded Theory study design, the theory that emerged that accounted for continuance was the tutoring practices and the relationships that were built between tutor and learner. Examples from the data are presented to support the findings that link certain ways of practicing computer tutoring with repeat lesson attendance. This paper contributes to understanding the types of tutoring practices that can encourage older learners to continue the learning journey in later life. In turn, this assists with overcoming the digital divide older learners not skilled in computer use experience and allows them to participate in an increasing technologically driven society.

show abstract

Lifelong Learning: Becoming Computer Savvy at a Later Age

Cited by 44 publications

References 7 publications

Computer classes for older people: motivations and outcomes

Computer classes for older people: motivations and outcomes

The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision Volume 3, Number 1

Making Computer Learning Easier for Older Adults: A Community Study of Tuition Practices

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About