Alfabetização digital: aprendizagem e utilização do computador na velhice

Abstract

The present study aims at analyzing a program of computer literacy (PAD) for the elderly, considering the role of mediators and factors that cause older people to continue using computers or stop using them after the PAD. The study included 37 people, divided into two groups: experimental (EG) and control (CG). We conducted pre and post-test and after six months of the end of the PAD, the elderly participated in a follow-up assessment. The results showed that participants learned to use computing resources, obtaining better performance when aided by mediators. The majority recognizes the benefits that can be generated by the operation of the computer and says they would like to participate in new programs related to training services. However, in the follow-up assessment, there was an equivalent proportion of elderly people who remained and did not keep using this equipment. Providing more educational opportunities and strategies to facilitate the digital inclusion of this population must be considered, because the elderly constitute a significant portion of Brazil´s and world´s digital divide and that learning in old age is an important factor for a healthy aging. Further research is recommended.