Computer Education and Third Age Universities: A Systematic Review.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Educational Technology
• Digital Literacy

Background:

• The increasing aging population and digital society necessitate digital inclusion for older adults.
• Third Age Universities offer informal, integrated learning environments for senior students.
• Exclusion and marginalization due to a lack of digital skills are significant concerns for the elderly.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze quality publications on computer education for senior citizens in Third Age Universities.
• To synthesize current knowledge on older adults' computer learning experiences, barriers, and effective pedagogical approaches.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using SCOPUS and Web of Science databases.
• Inclusion criteria were applied to select relevant records, resulting in 18 identified publications.
• Content analysis categorized publications into four groups: educators, organizations/directors, students, and conceptual/review papers.

Main Results:

• Computer learning for older adults involves specific challenges and requires tailored approaches.
• Identified barriers to participation include [list barriers if available in abstract, otherwise omit or generalize].
• Effective course organization and pedagogical methodologies are crucial for successful IT training for seniors.

Conclusions:

• This review provides a comprehensive overview of computer education for the elderly in Third Age Universities.
• Findings offer practical guidance for educators and course directors to create or improve IT programs for senior learners.
• Enhancing digital literacy in older adults promotes their societal participation and reduces marginalization.