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ERIC Number: EJ1469525
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0266-0830
EISSN: EISSN-1478-9833
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Keeping up with the Times in Ireland: Older Adults Bridging the Age-Based Digital Divide Together?
Studies in the Education of Adults, v57 n1 p156-174 2025
In 2021, data on Internet usage for those aged 75 years and older in Ireland indicated that almost half of this cohort (46%) had never accessed the Internet. This study examines the role of informal peer learning in the digital lives of older adults in Ireland. A mixed methods case study methodology was employed. Data were collected from 100 participants by means of an online survey, followed by interviews with 12 participants who opted in from the survey. Interview data were collected and analysed using a constructivist grounded theory approach. My findings indicate that questions surrounding digital technologies were best addressed on an individual level, often from a same generation peer, whether household member, family or other relative, friend or member of one's social environment. There was evidence of indirect reciprocity from these learning exchanges to a participant's peers. Research into peer learning in informal social and community environments for older adults has been scarcely addressed heretofore. This research highlights that it is here that much later-life learning relating to digital skills takes place. The principles of intergenerational learning: learning with one another, learning from one another, learning about one another, offer a useful lens for future consideration of informal peer learning related to digital skills development amongst older adults.
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Ireland
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom