In an era of information technology, learning about computers is no longer considered to be young people's privilege. An Evaluation Study conducted by our Open Institute for Senior Citizens was designed to find out whether or not their completion to a computer program had benefited the elders.

BACKGROUND

The Study completed an interview with 46 elderly students from our Open Institute for Senior Citizens with their age ranges from 50 to 80 year-old. Among the study group, 80% were female and 70% were 50 to 64 year-old. More than 30% were 65 to 84 or older. About 40% of the group had primary school or below education level; whereas more than 60% had an academic accreditation with secondary school or higher.

RESULT

Dr. Alvin Kwok who directed the Study reported that the elderly students gave themselves the following aptitude scores prior to the program (N.B., highest -- 100; lowest - 0): average score - 17.16; medium score -- 7.5; 42.1% gave themselves a zero score. In much of a contrast, after those same students completed the program, a significant increase was seen in their aptitude scores: average score -- 46.22; medium score -- 50; 2.4% gave themselves the highest score of 100 and only 7.3% gave themselves a zero. Another point worth noticing was that 61% of those attending elders felt that learning to become computer literate had helped them greatly in relating to their family members.

The Study also has the following discoveries. After the elders acquire their computer skills, the primary usage is to get on the Internet (85%). They are either sending emails or browsing through web sites (82.1%). It is a bit surprising to discover that the second most popular usage is to engage themselves in computer games (77.5%).

A web site that was designed by one of our students had even received the "Tribute to the Most Outstanding Web Site" from a web site competition organized by Hong Kong Council of Social Services on the Senior Day.

Mrs. Amy Tao, coordinator of the Open Institute for Senior Citizens, claims "Learning about the computer has helped the elders reduce their sense of inadequacy, enabling them to realize the value of continual education. On the other hand, about 60% of the students also express that they find themselves communicating effectively with their grandchildren, corresponding easily with their overseas relatives through emails, and periodically assisting their family members in finding certain needed information on the Internet. Hence, they are able to share more common subjects with their family members and to bring themselves closer to the younger generations. It is seen to have an increase on their level of satisfaction both in themselves as well as being and living in their senior years."