Second Conference of ESREA

Network on Education and Learning of Older Adults (ELOA)

University of Minho, Institute of Education
Campus de Gualtar Braga (Portugal)
25th, 26th and 27th October 2011

Lifelong le
arning,
intergener
ational rela
tionships
and ICT: pe
rceptions o
f children
and older a
dults
Maria Raqu
el Patrcio
Polytechnic
Institute of
Bragana
raquel@ipb
.pt

Antnio O
srio
University o
f Minho
ajosorio@ie
.uminho.pt

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Introduction
ICT
Children

Lifelong Learning
&
Generational
Solidarity

Active
Ageing

Older
Adults

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Introduction
How children and
older adults can
experience lifelong
learning and
generational solidarity
in the context of ICT
workshops of the tin@
project?

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Description
Tin@
is a project on Information Technology for Grandparents

and Grandchildren, in Bragana (northeast of Portugal);

aims to promote the link among grandparents and

grandchildren through ICT, the coexistence between

generations and family cohesion.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Description
ICT workshops
Grandparents/older adults (+ 50 years)
Grandchildren/children (6 to 12 years)
Intergenerational

Basic ICT skills and Web tools for communication/interaction.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Description
ICT workshops
Identify level of digital literacy.
Understand interests and needs in ICT.
Contents were changed and adapted to the

characteristics, interests, needs and abilities of students.

Examination of basic ICT skills Diploma of Basic Skills

in ICT (optional).

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Description
Grandparents/older adults workshop
Contents: ICT, word processing, email and Internet.
Activities:
utilization of resources and software
exercise's in word processing
send and receive emails
Web navigation and information research
Google Maps
operation of the iPhone.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Description
Grandchildren/children workshop
Contents: ICT, drawing programs, word processing, email,

Internet and Web security.

Activities:
group and individual exercises in computer programs
creation of "gifts to the grandparents' day using ICT (letters,

poems, drawings and electronic postcards)

educational games
3 exams of basic ICT skills

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Description
Intergenerational workshop
Contents: ICT, word processing, electronic presentations,

email and Internet.

Activities: "Arts Atelier
word processing documents
electronic presentations
navigation and Web searching

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Methodology
Data collection
Informal conversational interviews
behaviours, opinions, values, feelings, knowledge and

background characteristics.

Observation
behaviours and attitudes of students concerning the use of

ICT to lifelong learning and generational interaction.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Results
Informal conversational interviews
Grandparents/older adults
Adults: 8 persons (7 females)
Age: 64 to 77 years (average 70.5 years)
Qualifications: primary education (7) and a degree (1)
Profession: retired
ICT: none (75% interest and need to acquire ICT skills)
Mobile devices: reduced and limited (4 elderly)
Lifelong learning and intergenerational relationship: socialize, share,

learn, discover, know, harmony between generations, solidarity and

mutual learning.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Results
Informal conversational interviews
Grandchildren/childrens
Youth: 8 persons (3 males and 5 females)
Age: 6 to 12 years (average 9 years)
Qualifications: primary (75%) and secondary education (25%)
Profession: students
ICT: all had used a computer and 3 had basic ICT skills
Mobile devices: 3 children's
Intergenerational relationship: appreciate and respect older people,

especially grandparents; digital excluded; help grandparents and

seniors to learn and use new technology; spend more time with
seniors.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Results
Informal conversational interviews
Intergenerational
Adults: 9 / Youth: 5
Age: 4 to 63 years (average 36.3 years)
Qualifications: pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education
Profession: students / adults in active
ICT: basic ICT skills, older people do not feel the need to make use

of ICT in their day-to-day, mainly for lack of time and interest

Mobile devices: adults
Lifelong learning and intergenerational relationship: very important;

receptive to update and acquire new digital skills with the help of the
youngers.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Results
Observation
Older adults

Children

Initially, averseness and fear of

Distract very easily.

damaging computer, then more

confortable.

Ably to use the computer.

Basic ICT skills.

Integrated in join activities with

ICT is positive and useful.

Limitations of accessibility.

the elderly they become more

Cognitive limitations of the age:

responsible, helpful and guiding

concentration, attention, memory

and mental exhaustion.
Motivation and curiosity.
Social and emotional relationship.

in tasks.

Social and emotional

relationship.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Conclusions
Demystification of technological complexity.
Different factors affect the way older people think of lifelong

learning, interests and needs of ICT.

Understanding the individual elderly is essential.
Informal learning initiatives increase of the use of ICT.
Promoted intergenerational experiences gives new meaning

to the lives of older people.

Elderly participants demonstrate satisfaction, enhanced

pride and autonomy.

Lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships and ICT: perceptions of children and older adults

Thank You!

Maria Raquel Patrcio raquel@ipb.pt / Antnio Osrio ajosorio@ie.uminho.pt