Digital acquisition through intergenerational learning

I.O.1: Benchmark Survey – Digital inclusion for adults and seniors: Challenges, gaps, prospects and opportunities

For the purposes of the survey a simple questionnaire was prepared with mainly close-ended questions. The questionnaire was provided both online (http://survey.dialproject.net/#) as well as on-paper. It was divided into five sections:

  • Section I: Demographical data for seniors
  • Section II: Computer Essentials
  • Section III: Hardware
  • Section IV: Communication & Collaboration
  • Section V: Internet

From Section I to V the questions are divided into two parts the first part is to examine the seniors current knowledge in digital field and the second part is to identify their digital needs.

The   results of the survey provided the consortium with evidence-based data to support the development of the e-Charter for Grands (Digital Framework & Syllabus) targeting the digital needs of seniors. Its learning outcomes will ensure close monitoring for the digital acquisition. The development of the DIAL Framework & Syllabus is built on the following insights:

Section I: Demographical data for seniors

1,004 seniors were covered by the statistical survey from Cyprus, Latvia, Portugal and Turkey. 606 of the seniors were female, 398 were male. More than the half of participants was status is retired or employees.

Section II:  Computer Essentials

The second section of the survey included questions to identify  the seniors digital needs in the ‘Computer Essentials’ module. This module provides information on different aspects relating to ICT computers, devices and software such as Word Processing, files and folders and print/scan documents. The majority of participants are willing to improve their overall digital skills (789 participants) and they are able to open and save documents, print/scan documents, how to download and open downloaded files from the computer.

Section III: Hardware

Seniors citizens were asked to indicate their digital skills in the ‘Hardware’ module which contains basic practical topics about mobile phones, general IT hardware (cabling) and networking. The most of participants would like to learn more about mobile phones for example how to take photos/videos etc.

Section IV: Communication and Collaboration

The third section of the survey is about ‘Communication and Collaboration’ module which includes social media networks and general communication skills. Facebook (672 participants) and Viber (518 participants) social media platforms are the most popular.

Section V: Internet

The final section of the survey includes basic aspects and topics related to ‘Internet’ module such as e-mail concepts (create/delete/send an e-mail etc), personal – online security (create strong passwords etc.) and web-based Information (how to find/filter information etc.) Most of the participants are interested to learn how to find information online (742 seniors) and to learn more about web page navigation/opening (700 seniors).