Computer Usage Among University Teacher-Trainees

This study reported the findings of a survey from a broader study conducted to： （a） find out the level to which students use computers; （b） compare which gender is more proficient in computer use; and （c） discuss the relationship between students＇ age and their computer proficiency. Activity theory was adopted as the theoretical framework to explain behavioural intentions of computer interactions. The study used self-answering questionnaires with closed-ended items to collect data from a group of teacher-trainees. A total of 1,500 questionnaires were distributed using a stratified sampling to select respondents. The data collected were analysed using simple means, frequencies, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, Chi-square test, and cross-tabulation. Findings from the study showed a significant difference of computer usage in level of proficiency by gender. The main findings are： 1 Younger students have higher computer proficiency skills as compared to the older students; 2. The students use computers for various activities including listening to music, playing games, researching, chatting, and e-mailing; 3. The students get access to educational resources including electronic journals, e-books, open educational resources （OER）, educational digital video disk/compact disc （DVD/CD）, and online databases; and 4. Male students have higher technology literacy skills than female students. The study recommended that efforts should be made to provide more access time to computing facilities to increase students＇ computer usage. There is a need to bridge the computer usage gap between male and female students. Older students should be encouraged to improve their technology literacy skills. Furthermore, the results suggested that the students used technologies within the objectivist model of teaching and learning. From the findings, teacher education programs need to provide teacher-trainees with further training programs to help them enhance their skills in the use of computers as an instructional tool for teaching and learning.     

Motivation to Learn Among Older Adults in Taiwan

This study analyzed the survey on adults administered by the Ministry of Education in Taiwan in 2008, and logistic regression analysis showed a close relationship between learning motivations of older adults. The finding revealed that the higher age or the lower education attainment of older adults, the lower their learning motivation. The investigation of environmental factors showed that developing a comprehensive learning model boosts the participation of older adults. The study considered both individual and environmental factors, and it found being relatively young, female, and lonely had higher learning motivation. Also, the learning styles involving group activities and online learning stimulated the learning motivation of older adults.     

The Capacity to Consent to Research Among Older Adults

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an assessment tool for research consent competence in older participants. A four-item instrument was developed to assess the capacity of the older adults to consent to research. Data were obtained from 203 nursing home residents from two facilities and 201 community-dwelling older adults in a metropolitan city in South Korea. The results revealed that the four-item instrument for assessing the capacity of older adults to consent to research had good internal consistency, convergent and concurrent validity, an acceptable model fit, and good sensitivity and specificity. The short form can be used for gerontological researchers to encourage their older participants to have the capacity to consent to research in informed consent process.     

Cultural Diversity Among Older Adults: Addressing Health Education

ABSTRACT

The diversity of the older adult population is increasing, and health professionals need to learn new knowledge and skills to improve the adherence of older ethnic clients to their health recommendations. Much of the existing research literature on diversity in gerontology concludes that ethnic older adults are at a health disadvantage. Few if any of these studies, however, offer practical applications for health promoters. This article reports on a paradox: there is a surprising amount of diversity within each group of ethnic elders, but it may be the similarities across these groups that lead to practical applications of use to health-promoters. The article ends with health-promotion questions of relevance to older adults, regardless of ethnicity.     

Internet Use and Social Networking Among Middle Aged and Older Adults

In this study, the associations between Internet use and the social networks of adults over 50 years of age were examined. A sample (n = 2284) from the 2004 wave of the Health and Retirement Survey was used. In regression models considering a number of control variables, frequency of contact with friends, frequency of contact with family, and attendance at organizational meetings (not including religious services) were found to have a significant positive association with Internet use for adults over 50. Results add to the body of research that suggests Internet use can strengthen social networks, looking specifically at adults over 50.     

Health Literacy,Social Support,and Health Status Among Older Adults

The study examines whether social support interacts with health literacy in affecting the health status of older adults. Health literacy is assessed using the short version of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults. Social support is measured with the Medical Outcome Study social support scale. Results show, unexpectedly, that rather than buffering the negative effect of low health literacy, social support has a more positive impact on physical health in older adults with high health literacy. Implications for improving the health status of older adults through health literacy and social support are discussed.     

The Effects of Computer Training and Internet Usage on the Use of Everyday Technology by Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Study

According to the skill transfer concept, people may use general technological skills to solve new problems. To test this concept, a technological transfer test was included in a randomized controlled-intervention study aimed at the causal relationship between computer use and autonomy of older adults. Older adults with and without exposure to computer training and Internet use and participants without interest in computers were administered this test. On two occasions, participants performed four daily tasks with everyday technological devices. Exposure to a novel technological challenge did not affect the efficiency of, and involvement in, other technological activities.     

Physical Self-Concept,Possible Selves,and Well-Being Among Older Adults in Taiwan

Possible selves is an important self-related construct for older adults' health behaviors and well-being. This study examines the relationships among older adults' current physical self-concept, possible selves, and physical activity participation, and it examines the mediating effect of possible selves on the relationships between physical self-concept and well-being. One hundred and sixty-three community-dwelling older adults (M _age = 70.91, SD = 6.39) in Taiwan completed the survey packet assessing physical self concept, possible selves, health-related qualities of life, and life satisfaction. Bivariate correlation analyses showed that older adults' possible selves were positively related to physical self-concept and moderate physical activity participation. In addition, the link between older adults' physical self-concept and psychological well-being was mediated partially by possible selves. The results show the significance of using the construct of possible selves to examine and promote older adults' physical activity/exercise behaviors and psychological well-being.     

老年计算机教育教材内容研究

针对老年人学习电脑的需求快速增长与国内老年计算机教育研究的发展相对滞后的现实问题,国内老年人学电脑教材内容被分析评价。评价结果显示目前教材存在的问题:教育定位于丰富精神文化生活,忽略老年人发展性需求和价值性需求;无统一教学大纲,内容广度和取材深度差异较大;编排体系不符合老年人的生理、心理特点和认知规律,不利于激发老年人学习兴趣;教材结构大多不完整,缺少习题、思考题和参考文献。最后,从教材设计思想、系列安排和内容细节三方面阐述老年人学电脑教材的编写建议。     

Comprehensively Assessing Cognitive and Behavioral Risks for HIV Infection Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

A comprehensive survey of HIV/AIDS with middle-aged and older adults should include six domains (e.g., factual knowledge regarding the acquisition and transmission of HIV, traditionally-accepted behavioral risks for HIV infection). A sample of 23 women (54.8%) and 19 men (45.2%), ranging in age from 51 to 85 were surveyed across such domains. Although the majority of participants (92.2%) reported a good understanding of factual knowledge, strongly agreed with both their intention to engage in nonrisky sexual behaviors and their sense of internal self-control behaviors, they also reported high-risk behaviors (e.g., sexual intercourse without condoms).     

Education,Functional Limitations,and Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in South Korea

This study examined the associations of educational level with functioning and life satisfaction among community-dwelling older adults in South Korea (n = 4,152). The sample was drawn from Wave I of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging. To examine educational disparities, separate analyses were run to note predictors in less educated (below the 6th grade) and better educated (above the 6th grade) respondents. Educational disparities were found in major predictors of health and well-being. Older age and lower cognition were strong predictors of functional limitations, while being married, receiving public assistance, and better psychological functioning were associated with greater life satisfaction. The health and well-being of less educated respondents were influenced by demographic factors, while social engagement and psychological functioning were more prominent predictors for better educated respondents. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing cognitive functioning and function among older adults in Korea to promote their health and well-being.     

The Meaning of the Learning Experiences of Older Adults in Hong Kong

This article discusses the themes that emerged from qualitative research exploring the meaning that Chinese older adults find in their learning experiences in Hong Kong. In-depth interviewing was used to solicit information from older learners taking courses in elderly centers or units. Four themes were identified: (a) older adults as learners, (b) restructuring of time, (c) enhanced self-image, and (d) integration into society. The relationship between these themes and the aging process of older adults is further discussed, and it shows that learning has important meaning for older adults.     

荀子学习理论述评

荀子对学习的涵义、教育与学习的作用、学习过程、学习内容、学习态度和方法等作了深入阐述，其思想闪烁着合理的唯物主义光彩。挖掘与探讨荀子的学习观，对我们今天的教育改革应有相当的启示作用。     

Preparing for the Silver Tsunami: The Demand for Higher Education Among Older Adults

Over the next decade, Baby Boomers will be reaching retirement age in large numbers and the U.S. will be undergoing one of the most significant demographic shifts in its history. This demographic shift has important implications for the role of higher education as a provider of lifelong learning and for the changing composition of postsecondary institutions. Using data from the 2005 National Household Education Survey, the results of this study informs the higher education community about this emerging student market segment as a way to help us better respond to older adults?? demand for formal learning in postsecondary institutions.     

老龄化背景下老年人专用学习网站建设初探

在中国老年网民迅速增长的背景下,通过对温州老年大学学员上网行为开展调查,明确我国老年人上网的需求,进一步提出老年人专用学习网站建设的建议。     

我院成人教育的历史回顾与发展思路

近年来, 在省教育厅的大力支持和学院党政及主管书记的领导下, 我院成人高等教育适应知识经济, 争创特色品牌, 扩大办学规模, 得到快速发展, 走出了一条重质量,讲效益, 培养复合应用型人才的发展道路。认真回顾总结成教办学实践, 对于把握时代脉搏, 开阔发展思路, 更好地服务于建设学习型社会的目标具有重要的现实意义。