Computer Training Needs of Older Adults

An introductory computer course was offered to adults age 60 years or older. A computer attitude survey was administered before and after the course to uncover preexisting concerns and to reveal which attitudes were changed by the course. Highly positive changes in attitudes toward computer technology were found after the course: The participants felt better acquainted with computer terminology, less left out of our increasingly technological society because of unfamiliarity with computers, less apprehensive about using a computer, and more certain of their ability to interpret a computer printout. A computer interaction diary kept by each of the participants revealed enthusiastic learners who were eager to take more courses in the future. Contrary to widely held stereotypes, many of the older adults viewed computer technology favorably and believed they could benefit from acquisition of basic computer skills. Perhaps because of the stereotypes, however, little attention has been devoted to understanding, organizing, and accommodating the needs of older adults with respect to interaction with computers. Older adults have particular training needs with respect to computer software. Studies of these needs are surveyed. The pertinence of current trends in computing, including the increasing availability of handheld computers and the flourishing of multimedia technologies, to the needs of the older adult is discussed.