Abstract
Information technology and the Internet are becoming a necessary resource for the convenience and
enjoyment of individuals. Web 2.0, the new and improved Web, has created a sophisticated user base
with new online functionality and tools such as blogs, wiki’s, online social networking. As a result of
Web 2.0, the Internet is changing from merely a place to get information or give information, to a place to access a whole set of interactive applications, online sharing and collaboration. Moreover, the population of elderly people and the use of computers and the Internet are both growing at
extraordinary rates in the European Union. The potential exists for elderly people to improve their own lives as well as the lives of others by making more use of this technology. However, the elderly are currently among the lowest users of computers and the Internet. In this paper we show how, through a course of ten lessons length, we have instructed elderly from barely use a computer to managing social networks independently. We also have developed new ways to deal with the learning
disadvantages that age involves. Some of those problems such as the digital divide are exceeded by
other more serious deficiencies like being trouble when reading or writing. Nonetheless, the
perseverance during the learning process showed by this group of people plus a correct and gradual
course planning have provided us very significant data about the learning curve showed by the elderly during the course. The purpose of this research was to explore whether the elderly were familiar with modern technology.
Information technology and the Internet are becoming a necessary resource for the convenience and
enjoyment of individuals. Web 2.0, the new and improved Web, has created a sophisticated user base
with new online functionality and tools such as blogs, wiki’s, online social networking. As a result of
Web 2.0, the Internet is changing from merely a place to get information or give information, to a place to access a whole set of interactive applications, online sharing and collaboration. Moreover, the population of elderly people and the use of computers and the Internet are both growing at
extraordinary rates in the European Union. The potential exists for elderly people to improve their own lives as well as the lives of others by making more use of this technology. However, the elderly are currently among the lowest users of computers and the Internet. In this paper we show how, through a course of ten lessons length, we have instructed elderly from barely use a computer to managing social networks independently. We also have developed new ways to deal with the learning
disadvantages that age involves. Some of those problems such as the digital divide are exceeded by
other more serious deficiencies like being trouble when reading or writing. Nonetheless, the
perseverance during the learning process showed by this group of people plus a correct and gradual
course planning have provided us very significant data about the learning curve showed by the elderly during the course. The purpose of this research was to explore whether the elderly were familiar with modern technology.
