(2013) ICT skills acquisition by older people: motivations for learning and barriers to progression

in QualitativeJatinder Sandhu & Leela Damodaran, Loughborough University, & Leonie Ramondt, Anglia Ruskin University, UK

This paper reports findings from one strand of an extensive research project in the UK investigating digital engagement of older people and the risks to sustained usage of information and communication 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 use are examined. 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. The key barriers found related to fear of using a computer; learning support; quality and provision of ICT training; cost of training and technology; memory problems, and technology barriers.

International Journal of Education and Ageing, Vol. 3, No. 1, 25–42, July 2013, ISSN: 2044-5458

Keywords