The Development of Computer Confidence in Seniors

A computer confidence course designed to teach the fundamentals of computer literacy was offered to 19 members of a Senior Center (mean age = 63.9 years). Computer anxiety and computer literacy measures were taken before and after the 12 hour course. The course curriculum included sections on computer knowledge, computer applications, and computer programming. An expected decrease in anxiety did not occur, though there was a sig- nificant increase in literacy. The results indicate that older computer users have both a willingness to explore the functions of computers and an ability to use the computers to enhance daily functioning.