The barriers that older novices encounter to computer use

TY - JOUR

T1 - The barriers that older novices encounter to computer use

AU - Dickinson, Anna

AU - Eisma, Roos

AU - Gregor, Peter

PY - 2011

Y1 - 2011

N2 - A course on computers was run for computer beginners aged over 55. An iterative and flexible approach aimed to ensure that students' anxieties and difficulties were addressed as the course proceeded. Several layers of difficulty were encountered, ranging from initial difficulties understanding Windows systems and the working of the mouse to more fundamental and long-term problems such as repeatedly forgetting to move the focus before typing or failing to recognize onscreen objects and understand their behaviours. Inclusive design approaches should benefit from detailed recording of barriers to use, but the diversity of the user population will also necessitate flexibility to ensure inclusivity.

AB - A course on computers was run for computer beginners aged over 55. An iterative and flexible approach aimed to ensure that students' anxieties and difficulties were addressed as the course proceeded. Several layers of difficulty were encountered, ranging from initial difficulties understanding Windows systems and the working of the mouse to more fundamental and long-term problems such as repeatedly forgetting to move the focus before typing or failing to recognize onscreen objects and understand their behaviours. Inclusive design approaches should benefit from detailed recording of barriers to use, but the diversity of the user population will also necessitate flexibility to ensure inclusivity.

U2 - 10.1007/s10209-010-0208-6

DO - 10.1007/s10209-010-0208-6

M3 - Article

SN - 1615-5289

VL - 10

SP - 261

EP - 266

JO - Universal Access in the Information Society

JF - Universal Access in the Information Society

IS - 3

ER -