Older adult learners as digital citizens: Their needs and challenges while participating in an online master’s programme

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v7i1.369

Keywords:

Digital citizens, digital literacy, Fourth Industrial Revolution, older adult learners, capabilities approach, narrative enquiry

Abstract

 

This article explores the learning journeys of older adult learners (OALs) enrolled in an online education master’s programme. Today, many OALs are enrolling in various online programmes. A study by the first author explored the ways in which these OALs identify with  being digital citizens, and also investigated their needs and challenges. The capabilities approach was used as the theoretical framework and provided a lens through which the participants’ digital experiences could be explored most appropriately. The objectives of the study were: (a) to identify the needs and challenges of OALs participating in an online master’s programme as regards digital literacy, technical support and learning resources; and (b) to explore their online learning experiences and challenges, including digital literacies and the way OALs consider themselves as digital citizens. The qualitative nature of this study included a narrative enquiry. Using open-ended, semi-structured interviews, the eight participants with an average age of 49 shared detailed perspectives about their online learning experiences, digital literacies, and the way they view themselves as digital citizens. The findings reveal that OALs need specific levels of learning assistance, intergenerational learning, collaborative learning, mentorship and support when using digital technologies. 

Author Biographies

Constance Mouwers-Singh, Boston City Campus

Constance Mouwers-Singh works in Higher Education. She is an Academic & Quality Manager and Educator at Boston City Campus. Constance obtained her Bcom Honours in Management and her MEd, specialising in Adult Learning and Global Change. Her research interests, therefore, include Adult learning, Education as well as Management. 

Agnetha Arendse, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

Agnetha Arendse is an educationalist, researcher and editor. Her research interests are in educational studies with a focus on active citizenship education. She is a researcher for the PC on Higher Education and Training at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. She has published on active citizenship in education, presented at conferences and is a member of the Parliamentary 4IR Task Team.

Published

31-10-2024

How to Cite

Mouwers-Singh, C., & Arendse, A. (2024). Older adult learners as digital citizens: Their needs and challenges while participating in an online master’s programme. Journal of Vocational, Adult and Continuing Education and Training, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.14426/jovacet.v7i1.369