Computer Training for Seniors: An Academic-Community Partnership

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  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      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
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      15
    • Education Level:
      Adult Education
      Higher Education
    • Subject Terms:
      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
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/03601277.2012.700816
    • ISSN:
      0360-1277
    • Abstract:
      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.)
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Number of References:
      28
    • Publication Date:
      2013
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1010360