ICT skills acquisition by older people: motivations for learning and barriers to progression
Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: This paper reports findings from one strand of an extensive research project investigating digital engagement of older people and the risks to sustained usage of information and \ncommunication technologies (ICTs). The factors that motivate older people to learn about ICTs, the barriers they face in the learning process and with on-going ICT \nuse are examined. Research methods included focus groups (28 ICT learners aged 50+); questionnaires and interviews \nwith seven 50+ learners; three interviews with ICT tutors; and observation sessions in three different ICT learning and support environments in England and Scotland. Findings show that while learning to use ICTs to ease the mechanics of daily life (e.g. on-line shopping) was a motivating factor for some, the more powerful drivers tended to be those applications seen as enriching quality of life e.g. \nusing ICTs to keeping in contact with family and friends and \nusing ICTs in pursuit of passions and interests. The key \nbarriers relate to fear of using a computer; learning suppo \nrt ; quality and provision of ICT training; cost of training \nand technology; memory problems, and technology barriers. Implications of these findings for service providers, ICT designers and policy makers are identified and discussed.
Language: English
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2599192989