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An intergenerational approach to
digital literacy: Findings from the LIST Project
Why digital literacy?
Why women?
Low levels of digital
literacy among older
women in Europe,
especially among
those with low levels
of employment
and/or education.
Why intergenerational?
When you travel to a
foreign country, it helps
to know the language!
We aim to connect the
digital native with the
digital alien.
Project overview
Based on a needs assessment, LIST developed a series of digital literacy workshops and piloted the program in the UK, Sweden, Poland and Norway
An inter-generational approach
Sessions were led by
adult trainers, but
highschool pupils were
trained as ‘tutors’ to
provide hands-on
support.
Tips in teaching digital
content to older adults The Golden Rules:
• There are no dumb questions;
• It’s illegal to touch anyone else’s keyboard;
• The only way to learn how to use a computer is to make mistakes
Terry Bilderbeck
• Avoid jargon
• Informality is key
• Stick to the Golden
Rules
What was taught Introduction to using a computer
Searching and finding information on-line
Communication online
Netiquette
Social Network Sites
Revision
Online interaction
Taking and sharing digital photos
Revision
E-Safety
Digital Citizenship
Web presence
Challenges with content
• Differences of expectations and interests
• Concerns with social media
• Differences in skill level
Overcoming these challenges:
Possible solutions
• Offer a beginner’s
course first
• Assess skill-level
before starting the
course
• Create split groups
• Have multiple trainers
Program outcomes for participants
• Decreased general PC anxiety
• Decreased smart-phone anxiety
• Feel more secure with using digital technologies
• Increased confidence with using ICT
• Appreciated practical tips
What we learned: The
intergenerational approach
‘The idea of having young
tutors is simply brilliant:
they could very quickly
create a familiar
atmosphere of
collaboration.’ – workshop
participant, Poland
Challenges & strengths with
the intergenerational approach • Finding the right time
and building
commitment
• Learning to ‘slow
down’ and be patient
• Building confidence
Tips in intergenerational interaction
• The trainer is also a
facilitator between the
generations
• Provide specific tasks
Tips in intergenerational training for
highschool pupils • Not too academic
• Interactive, small
groups & discussion-
based learning
• Stress the golden
rules
How can it be, in a world where half the things a man knows at 20 are no longer true at 40 -- and half the things he knows at 40 hadn't been discovered when he was 20?”
Arthur C. Clarke (1977)
