ERIC Number: EJ1440664
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0260-1370
EISSN: EISSN-1464-519X
Investigating the Multifaceted Role of Warm Experts in Enhancing and Hindering Older Adults' Digital Skills in Finland
International Journal of Lifelong Education, v43 n5 p509-522 2024
Despite widespread digitalization, certain marginal and societal groups can still encounter challenges in the digital world. Promoting digital inclusion and digital support aims to reduce these disparities and enable equal participation. In this article, we examine the quality and dynamics of informal learning and digital support provided by warm experts from the perspective of older adults' subjective experiences. Specifically, we ask (1) what are the key elements of informal learning in the context of older adults' acquisition of digital skills? Based on the first question, we further examine (2) how do the identified key elements of informal learning influence older adults' subjective learning experiences and independent use of digital technologies? Our inductive thematic analysis is based on participant-induced elicitation (PIE) interviews (n = 21), conducted with older adults (aged 65+) in Finland in 2018. Our findings suggest that older adults are a heterogeneous group with different support needs and diverse prior experiences with digital technologies. Even when digital support from friends and family is available, it does not always facilitate independent use or meaningful learning experiences. The results show how informal digital support provided by warm experts can not only enhance, but also hinder digital inclusion and independent aging.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Expertise, Older Adults, Technological Literacy, Informal Education, Skill Development, Educational Needs, Aging (Individuals), Family Influence, Peer Influence
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Finland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A