The Research of SeniorNet

• Main Authors: Pei-chun Chien, 簡珮君
• Other Authors: Chin-Shan Huang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/38791217646794784266

碩士 === 國立中正大學 === 高齡者教育所 === 96 === The purpose of this study is to investigate the conduction of learning activities of older adults in SeniorNet. The researcher adopted the documentary analysis method. Data collection spanned from 1986 to June of 2008 and was collected from relevant documents, books, reports, periodicals, articles, electronic books and websites. By reading and arranging the collected data, the researcher attempted to investigate the background, administrative systems, structure of funds, sources of teachers, channels of admittance, curriculum planning and learning efficacy of elders in SeniorNet. The findings of this study were generalized and served as the basis for recommendations for elders education in Taiwan. There are three main features regarding SeniorNet, they are: 1.organization and funds: (1) These learning activities promote the teaching of computer skills among older adults. (2) Independence and cooperation among different administrative units. (3) Close partnership with enterprises, the idea of user-pay systems. (4) User-friendly interface is important marketing. (5) Support and funding from various enterprises and organizations. 2.Conduction of learning activities: (1) Members and teachers of the organizations consist mainly of volunteer workers. (2) E-learning is adopted instead of traditional teaching. (3) Curriculum is rich in content and varied in kind. (4) Locations of classes are highly accessible. (5) There are operating systems specially designed for elders . 3.Learning efficacy of students: (1)Learning computer skill helps to improve parent-child interactions. (2)Helps elders successful aging. Moreover, the limitations and weaknesses of SeniorNet will be discussed,they are: 1.There are difficulties of management across different learning centers due to their wide distribution in the U.S. 2.Some learning centers do not have adequate facilities and have to lease places from other organizations. 3.Traditional classroom settings hinder teacher-student interaction. 4.Students’ financial background should be considered when establishing rates for tuition fees. 5.E-learning results in a lack of immediate teacher-student interaction. 6.There is no assessment scheme to monitor the quality the curriculum offered. 7.There is neither certification nor recognition for the completion of courses. 8.Internationalization should be worked on in the future. Finally, according to the reflection, the researcher brought up the suggestions below. 1. Suggestions for elders： (1)Older adults should value the importance of and accommodate themselves with the new trend of digitalization. (2)To adjust their mindset and make an attempt at learning technological skills. 2. Suggestions for non-governmental institutes： (1)Older adults’ physical conditions should be taken into consideration when purchasing equipments and facilities. (2)Development of Internet interface suitable for older adults should be encouraged. (3)Reutilization of the eldershuman resources should be promoted. (4)Marketing of websites should be reinforced. (5)More computer learning institutions for older adults should be established. 3.Suggestions for central government： (1)It should advocate the benefits of technological-skills learning. (2)The disadvantaged people should be assisted in overcoming socio-economic difficulties. (3)An older adult learning network should be establishe.