Silver surfers: Training and evaluating internet use among older adult learners

Two hundred ninety-two older adult learners (averaging 80 years of age) were recruited from assisted and independent living facilities to learn about computer technologies and surf the Internet. A training program designed for adult learners involved weekly meetings with a mentor who helped individu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communication education 1999-10, Vol.48 (4), p.269-286
Main Authors: Cody, Michael J., Dunn, Deborah, Hoppin, Shari, Wendt, Pamela
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult Basic Education
Adult Education
Adult Learning
Adult Students
Communication Research
Computer Anxiety
Computer Attitudes
computer efficacy
computer training
elderly
Evaluation
Internet
Learning Theories
Old Old Adults
Old people
older adult
Older people
Program Effectiveness
social support
Social Support Groups
Teaching Methods
Training
universal access
User training
Users
World Views
World Wide Web
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Summary:Two hundred ninety-two older adult learners (averaging 80 years of age) were recruited from assisted and independent living facilities to learn about computer technologies and surf the Internet. A training program designed for adult learners involved weekly meetings with a mentor who helped individuals visit sites of their own choosing. Those who learned to surf the Internet had more positive attitudes toward aging, higher levels of perceived social support, and higher levels of connectivity. Surfers spent more time on-line when computer efficacy was high, computer anxiety low, and attitudes toward aging were positive. Participation in the 4-month program was associated with significantly reduced computer anxiety and increased ratings of perceived social support and connectivity.
ISSN:0363-4523
1479-5795
DOI:10.1080/03634529909379178