Title

Teaching digital literacy skills to the elderly using a social network with linear navigation: A case study in a rural area

Authors

·       Castilla D.^a, b,

·       Botella C.^a, b,

·       Miralles I.^a,

·       Breton-Lopez J.^a, b,

·       Dragomir-Davis A.M.^a, c,

·       Zaragoza I.^b,

·       Garcia-Palacios A.^a, b

Author Affiliations

·       ^a Jaume I University, Labpsitec, Spain, Av. Vicente Sos Baynat s/n, Labpsitec, Laboratorio de Psicología y Tecnología, Edificio de Investigación II, Castellón de la Plana, 12071, Castellón, Spain

·       ^b CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition CIBERobn, Av. Vicente Sos Baynat s/n, CIBERobn, Edificio de Investigación II, NB2116DD, Castellón de la Plana, 12071, Castellón, Spain

·       ^c Department of Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, 77204, TX, United States

Publication Information

Elsevier Ltd

Date of Publication

October 2018

Series/Report no.

International Journal of Human-Computer Studies, Volume. 118

Key words

Digital literacy; Elderly users; Navigation style; Rural areas; Usability

Abstract

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have considerably increased the information and communication channels, favoring the emergence of new models for social relations, such as social networks. However, for elderly users whose learning has traditionally been based on linear models of information such as textbooks, unfamiliarity with Internet can be a barrier. Moreover, elderly people living in rural communities face a lack of telecommunication infrastructures, which increases their difficulties in accessing ICTs. The aim of this study is to test a social network consisting of multiple applications with linear navigation as a digital literacy method for the elderly in rural areas. A sample of 46 participants between 60–76 years old with heterogeneous previous experience with ICTs participated in the study. They performed eight standardized sessions in an Elderly Leisure Center. Results showed differences in perceived usefulness between users with high and low ICT experience. After eight training sessions, the majority of the participants were able to independently use all the system applications, and positive results were obtained on the variables measured, i.e., learnability, sense of control over the system, ability to use the system, orientation, efficiency, accessible design, perceived ease, perceived usefulness, and intention to use. The participants with previous experience with other ICT methods preferred the linear navigation method because they thought it was easier than other ICTs. The results showed interaction differences when touch screens were used. Qualitative results showed that one of the most frequent emotions at the beginning of the ICT sessions was “fear” (related to breaking the computer or to making fools of themselves), but the continued use of the system improved the users’ perceptions of their own capacity to handle ICTs and their interest in ICTs in general. The main contribution of this work consists of exploring the usefulness of linear navigation and social network systems in the context of digital literacy for elderly users in rural areas.

주요 내용

 ICT 기술은 정보 습득 및 사회적 관계를 맺는 데 도움을 주는 수단이지만, 노인 세대는 이를 활용하는 것이 익숙하지 않다. 게다가 농촌에 거주하는 노인들의 경우 텔레커뮤니케이션 기기들에 접근 가능성이 낮기 때문에 ICT 활용에 더 어려움을 겪는다. 본 연구는 농촌 거주 노인들의 디지털 리터러시를 증진시키기 위해 다양한 어플리케이션을 활용하여 소셜 네트워크 형성을 실험하였다. 60~75세 사이의 노인들 중 ICT 기술 활용에 대해 이질적인 과거 경험들을 가진 이들을 상대로 조사가 이뤄졌다. 노인 문화센터에서 8회기로 이뤄진 이 실험은 과거 ICT 경험 정도에 따라 사용자들의 유용성이 서로 다른 결과를 나타내는 것을 발견하였다. 대다수의 참가자들은 모든 회기가 끝난 후 모든 시스템 기기들을 독립적으로 다룰 수 있었다. 질적분석 결과 회기 전 참여자들이 ICT에 대해 보인 감정은 “두려움”이 제일 크게 나타났다. 그러나 계속되는 회기 이후 그들은 ICT를 활용하는 데 그들의 능력을 기를 수 있음을 보여주었다.

ISSN

1071-5819

DOI

10.1016/j.ijhcs.2018.05.009