Conference article

Using ICT training as an arena for intergenerational learning experience. A case study

Elin Thygesen
Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Norway

Ragni MacQueen Leifson
Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Norway

Santiago Martinez
Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Agder, Norway

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Published in: Scandinavian Conference on Health Informatics; August 22; 2014; Grimstad; Norway

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 102:2, p. 9-15

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Published: 2014-08-20

ISBN: 978-91-7519-241-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

In Norway; the responsibility of citizens’ e-inclusion services relies on municipalities through the administration of se-lected electronic health information and services; these insti-tutions face the challenge of educating to use these health systems. In the case of ICT-illiterate people; the questions about what is the necessary ICT knowledge for basic use and how this content should be pedagogically delivered arose. This paper presents a pioneer intergenerational model for ICT education; in which young generations teach the basics of ICT use to elderly people without ICT experience. A qualitative evaluation of the piloted model in a Norwegian municipality was carried out using semi-structured interviews. The findings highlighted the fundamental role of the young people as experienced ICT users and teachers but also as a decisive factor for course participation for many elderly students. The outcome of the course was noticeable in both directions: most of the elderly attendees acquired basic ICT skills at the same time that young teachers had the opportunity to develop qualitative social values such as goal achievement and responsibility.

Keywords

teaching; e-inclusion; educational model; intergenerational relations; social responsibility; future generations

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