Strategies to Enhance Technology-Based Learning Experiences in Older Adults: A Field Study

The aim of this study is to explore the main aspects that affect pre/during and post-learning experiences in later age. Specifically, the study examined the problems adult learners encountered in learning how to use digital technologies, accessibility in learning and strategies to enhance technology-based learning experiences that take into account the ageing process. Eighty-one learners from learning organizations in the North of Portugal (Community-dwelling older adults, Short-time Courses and Universities of Third Age) participated in this study. The participants attended a set of learning sessions related with the use of digital devices and data were collected from observation notes and group interviewing. Results suggest that there is a variety of prominent aspects that can affect pre-/during and post-learning experiences in later age that include the access to technology, time availability for learning and lack of on-demand learning instructions. A set of recommendations to design technology-based learning experience that takes the ageing process into account is proposed and lessons from the study are discussed.

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