Using intergenerational approaches for digital inclusion

An intergenerational approach to

digital literacy: Findings from the LIST Project

www.ictwomen.eu

Why digital literacy?

Why women?

Low levels of digital

literacy among older

women in Europe,

especially among

those with low levels

of employment

and/or education.

Why intergenerational?

When you travel to a

foreign country, it helps

to know the language!

We aim to connect the

digital native with the

digital alien.

Project overview

Based on a needs assessment, LIST developed a series of digital literacy workshops and piloted the program in the UK, Sweden, Poland and Norway

An inter-generational approach

Sessions were led by

adult trainers, but

highschool pupils were

trained as ‘tutors’ to

provide hands-on

support.

Tips in teaching digital

content to older adults The Golden Rules:

• There are no dumb questions;

• It’s illegal to touch anyone else’s keyboard;

• The only way to learn how to use a computer is to make mistakes

Terry Bilderbeck

• Avoid jargon

• Informality is key

• Stick to the Golden

Rules

What was taught Introduction to using a computer

Searching and finding information on-line

Communication online

Netiquette

Social Network Sites

Revision

Online interaction

Taking and sharing digital photos

Revision

E-Safety

Digital Citizenship

Web presence

Challenges with content

• Differences of expectations and interests

• Concerns with social media

• Differences in skill level

Overcoming these challenges:

Possible solutions

• Offer a beginner’s

course first

• Assess skill-level

before starting the

course

• Create split groups

• Have multiple trainers

Program outcomes for participants

• Decreased general PC anxiety

• Decreased smart-phone anxiety

• Feel more secure with using digital technologies

• Increased confidence with using ICT

• Appreciated practical tips

What we learned: The

intergenerational approach

‘The idea of having young

tutors is simply brilliant:

they could very quickly

create a familiar

atmosphere of

collaboration.’ – workshop

participant, Poland

Challenges & strengths with

the intergenerational approach • Finding the right time

and building

commitment

• Learning to ‘slow

down’ and be patient

• Building confidence

Tips in intergenerational interaction

• The trainer is also a

facilitator between the

generations

• Provide specific tasks

Tips in intergenerational training for

highschool pupils • Not too academic

• Interactive, small

groups & discussion-

based learning

• Stress the golden

rules

How can it be, in a world where half the things a man knows at 20 are no longer true at 40 -- and half the things he knows at 40 hadn't been discovered when he was 20?”

Arthur C. Clarke (1977)