COMPUTER‐ASSISTED INSTRUCTION AND THE OLDER‐ADULT LEARNER

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Abstract
Though computer‐assisted instruction (CAI) has been widely accepted as an instructional strategy in a variety of settings and with special populations, the computer has been largely ignored as an education method for older adults. CAI has salient features that are compatible with older‐adult learner characteristics. Furthermore, previous studies involving older adults and the use of computers have shown that applications and uses of computer technology are well accepted by the older adults when the application is meaningful and enhances their quality of life. This study investigated the effectiveness of a CAI lesson with 120 older adults ages 60 to 89. The subjects agreed to participate in a trial of an individualized health lesson. Learning was assessed with a pre‐ and post‐test on knowledge about stroke control. In addition an opinion survey was administered before and after the lesson to determine the participants’ perceptions of computers and computer lessons. Results showed that they had significantly higher scores on the posttest as well as more positive opinions about computer instruction after the computer lesson. Demographic characteristics such as age, educational levels, and previous experience with a keyboard were not related to learning achievement. The findings of the study show that computer‐assisted instruction is an acceptable and viable education strategy for older‐adult learners and that CAI should be further explored with this segment of the population.