ERIC Number: ED417293
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1998
Reference Count: N/A
Seniors in Cyberspace. Trends and Issues Alerts.
Approximately 15% (7.6 million) of the estimated 50.6 million U.S. citizens who browse the World Wide Web are aged 50 or older, and 30% of adults aged 55-75 own a computer. Although many older adults initially log on to the Internet as a means of connecting with friends and family, they quickly learn that it is also a valuable source of information on financial, health, travel, and other topics of interest to them. Among older adults, both computer ownership and online participation are tied to level of education and to socioeconomic status. When combined with Internet access, learning to use computer technology can provide older adults opportunities for lifelong learning and continuing growth and development. It can also help offset social isolation and loneliness. It has been recommended that peer instructors who understand how adults learn and teaching methodologies that are nonthreatening and self-paced be used to teach older adults to use computer technology. Adult and continuing educators must be aware of issues of access and equity and design training programs that will attract groups of older adults who are not currently accessing the Internet. Contains an annotated bibliography of 20 print and Web-based resources.) (MN)
Publication Type: ERIC Publications; Reference Materials - Bibliographies
Education Level: N/A
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Adult, Career, and Vocational Education, Columbus, OH.