MOBILE LEARNING FOR OLDER ADULTS: NEW LEARNING CONCEPTS FOR SENIORS WITHOUT E-SKILLS

This qualitative research investigates possibilities for mobile learning for older adults. Three groups of older adults (N = 23) were interviewed: experienced ICT teachers, older adults who use a tablet computer and older adults without experience in using a tablet computer. Questions about motives to use a tablet, attitudes, learning techniques, obstacles and benefits of learning and reasons for non-use were asked in semi-structured interviews. Results confirm previous findings: Although the group of older adults is very heterogenic, some basic principles for learning and motivating older adults can be deviated: possibilities for rehearsing, patience, daily life examples to show the added value and reductions of fears and negative attitudes are very important. To motivate older adult to use tablets, it is key to show possibilities and support them with suitable learning material, online or face-to-face. In general, users of tablets are very content and rate tablets as easy to use also with limited technical knowledge. Therefore, tablets are a promising device for older adults who are not willing or daring to use ICT yet. This knowledge is the starting point for the project SenApp, an online course for older adults about the first steps of tablet use.