Technology and Older Learners: Does Modern Personal Computing Equipment Meet the Needs of Older Adult Learners?

Technology and Older Learners

By Stacey AlexanderEducation 6590, Memorial University

For Dr. Amarjit SinghFriday, December 2, 2011

Does Modern Personal Computing Equipment

Meet the Needs of Older Adult Learners?

Introduction

• many advances in technology• technology integrated into

everyday life• global older population is

increasing1

Introduction

• older adults often do not know how to use newer technologies

• technology has bypassed older generation2

• older adults need to stay connected and have access to information

Introduction

• education is part of an active aging strategy

• active aging can improve health, productivity, independence, and quality of life3

• educational resources, services and technologies need to be accessible

Research Question

Is modern personal computing equipment meeting the needs of older adult learners?

Definitions of Terms

• older adults are individuals 60 years of age and older

• modern personal computing equipment is any electronic device or tool that is used to access software and the internet via a computer

• examples:o keyboardo mouseo laptopo netbooko tableto smartphone

Personal Computing Equipment

Why is This Important?

• activity, care and education of older adults can improve:o healtho productivityo social connectednesso overall quality of life4

• aging affects everyone; we are all aging

• mixed methods approach:o quantitative and qualitative studieso peer-reviewed, academic journals

• triangulation of data is based on three perspectives in the literature:5

o learners, education providers, and results from training

Research Methodology

• Internet is becoming more available

• good for socially isolated people• its use can improve social

connectivity6, productivity, self-driven education about health issues3

Aging Population and Technology

• world health is improving but older adults still have chronic ailments

• health information accessible via the Internet would be helpful and empowering7,8

• older users search for health information more than younger users9

Aging Population and Technology

• older adults do not pursue education because of factors including:o situational factors (perception of

personal issues, time, health limitations10)

o internal factors (low confidence in ability to learn about technology, not relevant11)

Aging Population and Technology

• elderly need reassurance about technology learning abilities12

• computer knowledge can help to perform daily tasks, improve quality of life, facilitate training13,14

Aging Population and Technology

• two requirements for people to use information via the internet15 specify that users require easy-to-use technology, design and equipment.

• benefits of the Internet cannot be realized by older users unless computers and input devices are designed to accommodate their needs 16

• W3C WAI established guidelines help web designers and developers ensure all users are able to access web content via the Internet over the long-term17

The Learners’ Perspective

• older computer users feel less comfortable, competent, or in control than younger users, and are more likely to avoid other common forms of technology18

• older people may not believe that digital devices are applicable to their everyday lives since they did not use them during their youth1

• once older people “establish for themselves the personal benefit of technology, they are more... willing to adopt it in their everyday lives” 18

• the changing sense of self is an important part of the learning process for older learners19

The Learners’ Perspective

• older users with arthritis had difficulties using a computer mouse, and the action of double-clicking posed a problem for others20

• one study used a variety of different devices21

• hands-free devices were unsuited for older users, needed further development, were designed for special needs users only, or required other devices to work

• keyboards were conducive to poor postures, mice required motor control, touchscreens required precise selection on the screen, but these three devices were the best choices for older users21

The Learners’ Perspective

• assistive technology devices (ATDs) are tools, devices and services that help people with different disabilities22,23

• older users need ATD training and assistance to obtain ATDs, and they can change users’ lives22

• for people with intellectual or cognitive disabilities, devices with special design features can increase community safety and security, socialization and social connectedness24

The Learners’ Perspective

• some users with limited to no computer training experienced a great deal of trouble with using computers and devices25,13

• other users with pre-established technology enthusiasm26 or prior instruction25 were more successful

• participants in one study did not use computers because they felt too old, they did not want or need one, they wanted to use it on their own terms, they associated computers with negative values, or rejecting computers made them feel empowered 27

The Learners’ Perspective

• no typical older adult learner28

• American older learners have distinct characteristics:o power userso older meno the well-to-doo health traditionalistso health technologists29

• women may pursue more education than men30 because of exposure to household appliance technology4 or a lack of opportunities the past31

Education Providers’ Perspective

• individualized or small-group learning situations32,6

• engage and stimulate the learner while reducing anxiety and building confidence33

• learning environment should be straightforward, non-technical, interactive, informal and fun34

• guided learning and immediate feedback are recommended for teaching older adults learning how to use the internet13

Education Providers’ Perspective

• social benefit of education enables older learners to try new activities, meet new people, learn in supportive, like-minded groups, gain confidence, assertiveness, skills, communication strategies, and to keep the mind active31

• didactic approach helps develop active living, social interchange between equals, intergenerational interaction, and solidarity35

Education Providers’ Perspective

• not enough courses offered to or taken by older learners

• governments may not be encouraging lifelong learning enough for older learners36

• International organizations (ie, Elderhostel, U3A) available to mobile, independent, active older learners28

Education Providers’ Perspective

• community-based public continuing education programs needed 37,38

• centre for independent living could help older adults acquire resources about using computers independently22

• libraries used by many adults learners 39 and older adults40

• public education system could provide education about aging41

• some programs pair younger mentors with older users for computer learning13

Education Providers’ Perspective

Results of Computer Training

• no major psychosocial difference was found between older learners and peers who did not try to learn personal computing skills6

• in a different study, participants felt increased social support, connectivity and reduced technology anxiety33

• one group was still using their new computer skills two months after their study had ended, and had made efforts to reach out to friends and family via the Internet34

• older adults are more likely to use online social tools to create new social connections or sustain existing relationships in a positive way6

• most common online sites for older users:o personal websiteso personal correspondence and creative writingo education and computer trainingo commercial services, newsgroups and

resourceso local community siteso virtual communitieso online magazineso new, similar web content42

Results of Computer Training

Results of Computer Training

• Professional educators provide the most effective Internet instruction for active older learners

• family support makes success more likely

43 :o changes perception of computer

instruction 43

o increases self-confidence and internet self-efficacy, better educational outcomes43

• “Learning in later life can improve older adults’ lives…when contents and contexts of their learning match their interests and needs” 37

• general consensus among the three perspectives examined

• learners tend to feel positively about learning to use computer equipment but many obstacles

• anxiety about technology, low self confidence

Discussion

• obstacles are based on older designs and policies

• higher-level planning and funding needed

• we need to rethink how education and lifelong learning is included in later life44

Discussion

Conclusion

• older learners’ needs are not being met by personal computing equipment

• computer technology is not fully accessible or intuitive for older adults

• improved accessibility, instructional design, and understanding of the impact of aging populations on national resources and society will help to improve the situation

Conclusion

“Problems arising from the digital divide between older adults and…social computing will become worse than ever if we do not intervene now.”1

• participants may not complete a study from start to finish

• results may only feature the more “robust” participants, which could skew results

• one study experienced a loss of 48% of their initial sample of volunteer participants before the study was completed33

Limitations

• researchers only test individuals who can travel to the study location, unless researchers go to them45

• computer equipment and devices are being tested on younger groups, not including older people, so perhaps older adults were not included in initial testing with some computer device designs45

Limitations

Implications for Future Research

• developing assistive technologies, including eye and brain input12

• cutting-edge devices as possible computer alternative for older adults

• more data on long-term use and retention of computer knowledge after training has been completed10,13

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