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• How learning theories can be applied to support older adults’ acquisition of digital skills?

  5

  Eija Kärnä

  Kaisa Pihlainen

  Views:

  203

  Digitalization of public services affects daily life of older adults since adequate digital skills are required in using the digital devices and services. Many organizations have reacted to the growing need of older adults to receive support in using digital services by offering guidance in digital skills. The knowledge of how older adults learn help in successfully organizing digital skills guidance.

  In this presentation we will introduce the variety of concepts and theories concerning digital skills learning of older adults. We will also share results of peer guidance sessions of older adults from the viewpoints of three different learning theories.

   Data is collected from eight focus group interviews (N = 42, 62-79 years old). Data was analyzed using theory-driven content analysis.

  According to the results, peer tutors applied all three learning theoretical approaches in digital skills guidance. Furthermore, peer tutors paid attention to characteristics of ageing that affect learning. At best, peer tutoring sessions were constructed as shared learning practices of both tutors and tutees. Results provide new information about how to support older adults in peer tutoring sessions. Research results can be used in educating peer tutors and teachers of older adults as well as in developing support systems in implementation of digital public services. This research is a part of ACCESS project in which digital skills learning of older adults is investigated in four European countries.

  The ACCESS project is funded by EU Joint Programming Initiative (JPI) “More Years, Better Lives” The Potential and Challenges of Demographic Change.

• Applied Digital Well-being Programme in the library

  118-144

  Mónika Beck-Zaja

  Views:

  86

  Thanks to the Digital Wellbeing Programme, the Vachott Sándor Library in Gyöngyös has been running a digital assistance service (Smart Grandma's Club) since 2018, which aims to help the older generation learn the basics of IT, how to use computers, the internet, word processing and smartphones. (Kápolnai, 2022) The results of the research programme "Older people as ICT learners" ÚNKP-23-3 conducted here have confirmed the relevance of digital competence development for older people, the areas of use, the possibilities for effective learning through the conscious use of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) devices, and the current device and network access data. 
  In addition to factually identifying the areas of use of ICT devices by older people, a learning motivation chart for the development of digital competence in old age was prepared in the framework of the project ÚNKP-23-3.
  Further gerontological research confirms that older people who are mobile, active, open, and who maintain or even enrich their social contacts can expect a more fulfilling old age. Creativity, intelligence and literacy do not necessarily or uniformly decline with age. The degradation of neurons during the ageing process can be compensated by strengthening and renewing the connections between them through learning (Bene-Móré-Zombory, 2020).Learning is one of the most effective ways to stay active in old age (Bene, 2017). 
  Successful learning in old age depends on the unity of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, which, alongside social integration, contributes to maintaining and improving active life.
  The importance of digital literacy in old age is widespread. However, in addition to digital skills, flexibility, autonomy and problem-solving competence can also contribute to the future effective management of older people's lives and even their work (Kristóf-Győri, 2021).
  Digital competence development can create a bridge between generations and social classes, "knowledge" can be available to anyone. Still, in old age, motivation is a prerequisite for a successful learning process.
  The current study is supported by the ÚNKP-23-3 New National Excellence Program of The Ministry for Culture and Innovation from the source of the National Research, Development and Innovation Fund.

• Changes in digital skills of seniors during and after covid-19

  115-125

  Klára Bajusz

  Views:

  153

  Since 2014, the Senior Academy of Pécs helps people over 60 with tools for active and successful aging. The activity of the academy was cut short by the COVID-19 epidemic, our work was relegated to the online learning space. Our research examined how the digital skills of our seniors changed during and after the quarantine, in 2021 and 2022. The study was carried out by online questionnaire (n=118, n=123). The survey revealed that the digital skills of 45% of the respondents improved, mostly in online shopping and administration. Most of the seniors learn ICT knowledge from their family members or friends. During the quarantine our students spent their time mainly reading and learning online, watching TV takes only 4%. 10% of them clearly experienced the epidemic situation as a loss: "the daily rhythm is missing". 6% of the respondents considered the current situation to be an advantage: their attitude towards learning improved, they were more forced to self-directed learning. The advantages of online education: flexibility in space and time, participation is safe, lectures can be watched any time. The most typical negatives are: the lack of community and discussion, and the fact that online education does not reduce loneliness.