A Study of the Unforeseen Benefits to Senior Citizens from Their Participation in Mobile Device Courses

• Main Authors: Su-Ju Chen, 陳素如
• Other Authors: Shu-Fen Tseng
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/87216419786448927767

碩士 === 元智大學 === 資訊社會學碩士學位學程 === 104 === Studies on the digital divide reveal that senior citizen access to digital information is relatively limited. While a lack of motivation from the senior citizen may contribute to their limited access, the skill required to operate computer devices also creates obstacles for senior citizens. Beginning in 2002, various Taiwan government agencies have been offering courses on mobile devices, aiming to leverage the easy to use nature of mobile devices, to promote their use by senior citizen and to bridge the digital divide. This study explores the reasons behind a senior citizen's use of mobile devices, and if courses on mobile devices can enhance senior citizen participation in the information society. This study was conducted by in-depth interviews with 11 senior citizens to explore the circumstances surrounding their use of mobile devices, their reason(s) for taking mobile device courses, and any benefits arising from the courses. Through qualitative analysis of the interview results, this study has found that irrespective of whether a senior citizen holds a positive, negative or neutral view of mobile devices, they often start the use of such devices after their families provide the device or as a channel for social interactions. However, because information education was absent for these senior citizens while they were in school or when they were working, they are often unable to share the same semantic/background knowledge with the family members who teach them to use the devices, which then leads to them losing patience, feeling frustrated, or even feeling a loss of dignity in this information era. Given this, public sector mobile device courses which proceed at an appropriate tempo and sequence, and repeatedly explain and adopt illustrated learning material, can provide senior citizens with the means to more easily access information, as well as enable them to operate the devices without assistance, which could reduce their frustration during the learning phase and help preserve their dignity. This study concludes that providing low-price devices and internet access enhances senior citizen use of mobile devices and their participation in the information society. Furthermore, free courses on mobile devices are beneficial for senior citizens learning to use mobile devices by helping to bridge their lack of digital education and to provide support during mobile device use. With additional assistance from family members and repetition, senior citizens are soon able to enjoy the convenience derived from their use of mobile devices and the expansion of their social interactions.