Browsing by Subject "sosiokulttuurinen teoria"

Older adults' need for information and communication technology (ICT) skills is highlighted in many societal contexts. The benefits of learning ICT that are most commonly referred to are its ability to support the wellbeing, active agency and autonomy of the elderly. The aim of this study is to analyse the factors influencing older adults' use and learning of ICT. The socio-cultural theory utilised in this study offers a perspective to view learning in later life, the importance of social support and the use of information and communication technology as a learning context. The study examines the factors that promote and inhibit learning and the use of ICT, what kind of new learning challenges the digital environment poses and the specific questions and issues regarding ICT teaching. Nine employees were interviewed for this study. The workers had experience in teaching as well as supporting learning and participation of older adults in ICT. The interviews were conducted as individual theme interviews in early 2015. The content analysis method was used for data analysis. The main findings of this study suggest that social support, especially in the form of peer support, is the ideal way to promote older adults' ICT learning. Emotional factors and self-efficacy can have a negative affect on learning and therefore socially mediation is needed. Furthermore, new challenges are constantly being presented by the ever-changing digital landscape as well as the need for new skills such as critical reading and multiliteracy. The use of, and adaptation to, new cultural tools varies among the elderly while technology often times doesn't meet the needs of older generations or is not accessible to them. In conclusion, individuality and social factors need to be considered when promoting ICT learning for the elderly. Moreover, there is a need for learning spaces as well as adult centred media education that sustains lifelong learning opportunities.