Multi-stakeholder perspectives on information communication technology training for older adults: implications for teaching and learning

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this research was to identify and conceptualize barriers and strategies for effective implementation of information communication technology (ICT) training for older adults.

Methods: A grounded theory approach was used to collect and analyze qualitative data from 61 participants in three stakeholder groups: older-adult ICT trainees, care providers and ICT trainers.

Results: Care providers expressed older adults’ reluctance, lack of affinity, fears and socio-contextual attributes as barriers to overcome with ICT training. ICT trainers highlighted motivation, trainer–trainee relationship, patience, self-reliance and mutual value as strategic themes. ICT trainees elucidated occupational accomplishment, challenges and a sense of competence as themes from their experience with training.

Discussion: While digital literacy and skill building have traditionally been the key focus of ageing-centred ICT training, a deeper approach to address internal (personal) and external (socio-contextual) barriers, as conceptualized in the study finding, is vital in yielding successful outcomes.

• Implications for rehabilitation

• Information communication technology (ICT) is a vital resource for older adults to age-in-place and for health professionals in delivery of tele-rehabilitation.

• Family members and care providers realize the scope of ICT for ageing-in-place but raise doubts on the inherent motivation and abilities of older adults to adopt ICT.

• On the other hand, older adults who engage in one-on-one ICT training value their new-found sense of accomplishment and competence in using the Internet and social media.

• Graduate students who provided the training greatly appreciate their own learning experience, and stress the need for mutual trust, patience and simplicity in teaching ICT.

• A major precursor to imparting digital literacy and skills in older adults who lack ICT exposure is to help them overcome deep-seated attitudinal and socio-contextual barriers through a one-on-one approach.