Older Adults and Learning Technology: Innovations in Adults‘ and Seniors‘ Education

Lipphardt AM, Leen-Thomele E, Held P, Coroian AE (2017)

Publication Type: Conference contribution

Publication year: 2017

Pages Range: 956

Conference Proceedings Title: Innovation in Aging

Event location: San Francisco US

DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igx004.3440

Abstract

This paper discusses the results of an empirical survey with 187 peopleabove the age of 50 years (mean age 68,4 yrs) on their digital behaviors, motivation as well as interests, and barriersagainst the use of new technologies and presents innovative learning approaches for older adults. The interviewswere conducted in five European countries (Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain) as part of the research projectEHLSSA. The findings show that more than half of older adults are computer users and have Internet access at home.Reasons why they deal with digital technologies are mainly because they want to participate in the information societyand keep pace with the younger generation. Main obstacles are physical challenges, fears and reservations totechnology and the Internet, insecurity on how to work with digital devices and with regards to possibilities for supportin case something goes wrong or questions arise. According to the interviewees, successful learning concepts focuson experimental and active learning, including a more diverse media use, a series of real life examples, and theconnection with the daily life of older adults. Responses of ICT-beginners and experienced ICT-users were analyzedseparately and compared. The results have been used as the basis for the adaptation of learning approaches for thirdlevel education and the development of online course modules in the field of digital literacy and humanities-relatedtopics. The implementation of these courses started in May 2016 and will be completed in June 2017 with at least 800 participants.

Authors with CRIS profile

Anne-Marie Lipphardt Institut für Lern-Innovation der Philosophischen Fakultät und Fachbereich Theologie Eline Leen Zentrum für Lehr-/Lernforschung, -innovation und Transfer, Abteilung ILI Paul Held Zentrum für Lehr-/Lernforschung, -innovation und Transfer, Abteilung ILI Anamaria Elena Coroian Zentrum für Lehr-/Lernforschung, -innovation und Transfer, Abteilung ILI

How to cite

APA:

Lipphardt, A.-M., Leen-Thomele, E., Held, P., & Coroian, A.E. (2017). Older Adults and Learning Technology: Innovations in Adults‘ and Seniors‘ Education. In Innovation in Aging (pp. 956). San Francisco, US.

MLA:

Lipphardt, Anne-Marie, et al. "Older Adults and Learning Technology: Innovations in Adults‘ and Seniors‘ Education." Proceedings of the IAGG 2017 World Congress, San Francisco 2017. 956.

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