Factors contributing to mature adult novices' computer skills learning: A case study in a community training program

Abstract

AbstractInformation and communication technologies (ICT), such as computers, and the Internet have become increasingly vital tools in United States. People who lack the required skills to use these tools are at a growing disadvantage. Therefore, raising the information and communication technologies skill levels of information deprived people is a critical issue. Increasing the number of Americans using ICT is a fundamentally important national goal. The purpose of this study is to explore the adult novice computer learning. This study defines computer novices as people who have no knowledge or limited skills to perform basic computer functions, such as computer boot up, file opening, internet searching, and basic word processing. Over the last couple of years, community learning centers in Denton, Texas have provided free computer training sessions at public libraries to empower people left behind by the digital revolution. Researchers of this study participate as both lecturers and mentors in the training sessions. The major objective of this study is to identify themes in adult computer learning behavior. This research studies adult novice computer learning using Bandura's (1986) social cognitive theory, Roger's (2003) diffusion of innovation framework, and Chatman's (1996) concepts on information impoverished people.