ERIC Number: EJ1010360
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2013
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-1277
EISSN: N/A
Computer Training for Seniors: An Academic-Community Partnership
Sanders, Martha J.; O'Sullivan, Beth; DeBurra, Katherine; Fedner, Alesha
Educational Gerontology, v39 n3 p179-193 2013
Computer technology is integral to information retrieval, social communication, and social interaction. However, only 47% of seniors aged 65 and older use computers. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a client-centered computer program on computer skills, attitudes toward computer use, and generativity in novice senior computer users using a community-based participatory research approach. Ninety-two (92) seniors were recruited from a local senior center during the falls of 2008-2010; 62 seniors completed the study. Participants received four, one-hour computer-training sessions from occupational therapy students as part of academic curricula with "generative" homework between sessions. Seniors completed a basic screening to identify personal goals and level of skills, and they completed the Attitudes Toward Computer Questionnaire (ATCQ) and the Loyola Generativity Scale as pre- and posttests. Results indicated that 100% of seniors reached personal goals, there were significant increases in comfort at the computer and measures of generativity; however, few changes occurred in attitudinal measures of dehumanization and control over computers. Implications for developing a sustainable, intergenerational computer training program focusing on skills, comfort at the computer, and generativity are discussed. (Contains 7 tables and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: School Community Relationship, Older Adults, Questionnaires, Computer Literacy, Computer Attitudes, Measures (Individuals), Participatory Research, Occupational Therapy, Pretests Posttests, Program Development, Intergenerational Programs, Homework, College Students, Training, Allied Health Occupations Education, Teaching Styles
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A