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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.)
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