The barriers that older novices encounter to computer use

Anna Dickinson, Roos Eisma, Peter Gregor

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

A course on computers was run for computer beginners aged over 55. An iterative and flexible approach aimed to ensure that students’ anxieties and difficulties were addressed as the course proceeded. Several layers of difficulty were encountered, ranging from initial difficulties understanding Windows systems and the working of the mouse to more fundamental and long-term problems such as repeatedly forgetting to move the focus before typing or failing to recognize onscreen objects and understand their behaviours. Inclusive design approaches should benefit from detailed recording of barriers to use, but the diversity of the user population will also necessitate flexibility to ensure inclusivity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)261-266
Number of pages5
JournalUniversal Access in the Information Society
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2011

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