As the population in Singapore age, the technology gap between the Internet and the older generation increases. Although some might argue that they know how to use the computer, many a time we realize that what they mean are the really basic programs such as microsoft word.
I personally have come across many people from the older generation and their ignorance towards the Internet. I'll take my previous workplace as an example. Even though it was a media company, many of the older employees who are 50 and above are not well versed in using the Internet. It was only then did I realize that the problem is not just with the older generation who are uneducated. These employees are educated and have been in the media industry ever since they stepped into the working world. I found out that the way they learn the computer or any technological system for that matter, was to literally write down and memorize the steps to go about doing something. They even apply the same method of learning when it comes to the Internet. For example, for the two older employees whom I have worked hand in hand with during my internship, they will be writing and drawing out a rough sketch of the webpage when I teach them how to access certain pages. However, once they get to a different part of the website, they totally have no idea what to press next.
Many of the younger employees, including myself, found this very perplexing. We wanted to teach them how to use the Internet effectively and efficiently but it was really difficult to do so. I began to search for information regarding teaching the older generation about the Internet.
After much thought, I decided to try my hand at devising a simple plan to try to teach them how to be more infocomm savvy. Instead of telling them what to press when on a certain website, I started asking them to try randomly clicking on different tabs and read the tabs on their own(they are literate so of course this works! :P). The only instruction I give them was what information it is which I want to find and encouraged them to apply the same application methods used when they are using the internal video archive search on the company's system. Initially, they were unable to find the stuff but slowly, they began to be able to find the infomation I asked for. It took double or triple the time the average Singaporean would need when finding something using an online search engine.
Why are there so many problems with the older generation using the Internet?
I feel that it is mainly their mindset which hinders their learning of new things on the Internet. Many would tell me that they are old and the system is new so "it is impossible for them to use it". This was quoted by some of them. Hearing this made me feel that we have to change their fixed mindset totally before we can actually teach them about the Internet. Even though the government has pumped in millions to encourage the older generation to take lessons on infocomm, I feel that the fundamental problem of their conservative mindset must first be changed.
This might be solved by first educating the older generation about the benefits of the Internet and the convenience of using them, such as paying bills online and so on. By allowing them to apply the Internet in their daily lives, it will help in changing their mindset on the Internet being negative and hard to use.
By solving this problem, I feel that there will also be societal advantages. The older and younger generation will be able to understand one another better. There will also likely be more common topics between the young and old.
It's great that people are taking their own time out to each elderly people the advantageous elements of learning internet access. I can imagine that for people who find it harder to leave their house that internet shopping could be incredibly useful for groceries and essentials. Getting in touch with old friends and talking with old colleagues would undoubtebly be pretty cool for them too, I used to work in IT support but did the occasional volunteering at my local community center, really helped me feel part of the community.
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