Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults Maria Raquel Patrício Polytechnic Institute of Bragança [email protected]

Second Conference of ESREA Network on Education and Learning of Older Adults (ELOA) University of Minho, Institute of Education Campus de Gualtar – Braga (Portugal) 25th, 26th and 27th October 2011

António Osório University of Minho [email protected]

Introduction

Lifelong Learning &

Generational Solidarity

Children

ICT

Older Adults

Active Ageing

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Introduction

How children and older adults can experience lifelong learning and generational solidarity in the context of ICT workshops of the tin@ project?


Description

§  Tin@ §  is a project on Information Technology for Grandparents

and Grandchildren, in Bragança (northeast of Portugal);

§  aims to promote the link among grandparents and grandchildren through ICT, the coexistence between generations and family cohesion.


Description

§  ICT workshops §  Grandparents/older adults (+ 50 years)

§  Grandchildren/children (6 to 12 years)

§  Intergenerational

Ø Basic ICT skills and Web tools for communication/interaction.


Description

§  ICT workshops §  Identify level of digital literacy.

§  Understand interests and needs in ICT.

§  Contents were changed and adapted to the characteristics, interests, needs and abilities of students.

§  Examination of basic ICT skills – Diploma of Basic Skills in ICT (optional).


Description

§ Grandparents/older adults workshop §  Contents: ICT, word processing, email and Internet.

§  Activities: § utilization of resources and software

§ exercise's in word processing

§  send and receive emails

§ Web navigation and information research

§ Google Maps

§ operation of the iPhone.


Description § Grandchildren/children workshop

§  Contents: ICT, drawing programs, word processing, email, Internet and Web security.

§  Activities: § group and individual exercises in computer programs

§  creation of "gifts to the grandparents' day” using ICT (letters, poems, drawings and electronic postcards)

§ educational games

§ 3 exams of basic ICT skills


Description §  Intergenerational workshop

§  Contents: ICT, word processing, electronic presentations, email and Internet.

§  Activities: "Arts Atelier” § word processing documents

§ electronic presentations

§ navigation and Web searching


Methodology § Data collection

§  Informal conversational interviews

§ behaviours, opinions, values, feelings, knowledge and background characteristics.

§  Observation § behaviours and attitudes of students concerning the use of

ICT to lifelong learning and generational interaction.


Results §  Informal conversational interviews

§  Grandparents/older adults’ §  Adults: 8 persons (7 females)

§  Age: 64 to 77 years (average 70.5 years)

§  Qualifications: primary education (7) and a degree (1)

§  Profession: retired

§  ICT: none (75% interest and need to acquire ICT skills)

§  Mobile devices: reduced and limited (4 elderly)

§  Lifelong learning and intergenerational relationship: socialize, share, learn, discover, know, harmony between generations, solidarity and mutual learning.



§  Grandchildren/children’s §  Youth: 8 persons (3 males and 5 females)

§  Age: 6 to 12 years (average 9 years)

§  Qualifications: primary (75%) and secondary education (25%)

§  Profession: students

§  ICT: all had used a computer and 3 had basic ICT skills

§  Mobile devices: 3 children's

§  Intergenerational relationship: appreciate and respect older people, especially grandparents; digital excluded; help grandparents and seniors to learn and use new technology; spend more time with seniors.



§  Intergenerational §  Adults: 9 / Youth: 5

§  Age: 4 to 63 years (average 36.3 years)

§  Qualifications: pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education

§  Profession: students / adults in active

§  ICT: basic ICT skills, older people do not feel the need to make use of ICT in their day-to-day, mainly for lack of time and interest

§  Mobile devices: adults

§  Lifelong learning and intergenerational relationship: very important; receptive to update and acquire new digital skills with the help of the youngers.


Results

Older adults §  Initially, averseness and fear of

damaging computer, then more confortable.

§  ICT is positive and useful.

§  Limitations of accessibility.

§  Cognitive limitations of the age: concentration, attention, memory and mental exhaustion.

§  Motivation and curiosity.

§  Social and emotional relationship.


§ Observation

Children §  Distract very easily.

§  Ably to use the computer.

§  Basic ICT skills.

§  Integrated in join activities with the elderly they become more responsible, helpful and guiding in tasks.

§  Social and emotional relationship.

Conclusions §  Demystification of technological complexity.

§  Different factors affect the way older people think of lifelong learning, interests and needs of ICT.

§  Understanding the individual elderly is essential.

§  Informal learning initiatives increase of the use of ICT.

§  Promoted intergenerational experiences gives new meaning to the lives of older people.

§  Elderly participants’ demonstrate satisfaction, enhanced pride and autonomy.


Thank You!

Maria Raquel Patrício [email protected] / António Osório [email protected]


Documents

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults