Jo White

Bio: Jo White is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Grounded theory & Direct experience. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 166 citations.

A grounded theory analysis of older adults and information technology

Abstract: The study reported in this article used grounded theory methodology to investigate older adults accounts of their use of information technology (IT). A small number of SeniorNet Wellington members volunteered to be interviewed about their experiences with and opinions about computer technology. It was found that participants began using computers because technology was associated with modern life, leading them to recognize the potential that IT had to offer them. Their present, mostly positive, attitudes toward IT were strongly linked with the personal usefulness of IT and direct experience with and personal ownership of IT. Study findings illustrated how involvement with and use of IT by older adults is cyclic and serves to reinforce continuing involvement. The theoretical and practical implications of the results are also discussed.

Investigating the determinants and age and gender differences in the acceptance of mobile learning

Abstract: With the proliferation of mobile computing technology, mobile learning (m-learning) will play a vital role in the rapidly growing electronic learning market. M-learning is the delivery of learning to students anytime and anywhere through the use of wireless Internet and mobile devices. However, acceptance of m-learning by individuals is critical to the successful implementation of m-learning systems.Thus, there is a need to research the factors that affect user intention to use m-learning. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), which integrates elements across eight models of information technology use, this study was to investigate the determinants of m-learning acceptance and to discover if there exist either age or gender differences in the acceptance of m-learning, or both. Data collected from 330 respondents inTaiwan were tested against the research model using the structural equation modelling approach. The results indicate that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, perceived playfulness, and self-management of learning were all significant determinants of behavioural intention to use m-learning. We also found that age differences moderate the effects of effort expectancy and social influence on m-learning use intention, and that gender differences moderate the effects of social influence and self-management of learning on m-learning use intention.These findings provide several important implications for m-learning acceptance, in terms of both research and practice.

Older adults' use of information and communications technology in everyday life

Abstract: Social commentators in countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States are beginning to recognise that encouraging older adults' use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is essential for the creation of bona fide information societies. To date, however, few studies have examined in detail older adults' access to and use of ICTs. This important aspect of the interaction between population ageing and societal change is more complex than the published literature's portrayal of a dichotomy between ‘successful users’ and ‘unsuccessful non-users’. The paper examines the extent and nature of ICT access and use by older adults in their everyday lives. Information was collected from a sub-sample of 352 adults aged 60 or more years taken from a large household survey of ICT use in England and Wales among 1,001 people. The findings suggest that using a computer is not only a minority activity amongst older adults but also highly stratified by gender, age, marital status and educational background. Conversely, non-use of computers can be attributed to their low relevance and ‘relative advantage’ to older people. The paper concludes by considering how political and academic assumptions about older people and ICTs might be refocused, away from trying to ‘change’ older adults, and towards involving them in changing ICT.

The information aged: older adults’ use of information and communications technology in everyday life

Abstract: Social commentators are beginning to recognise that encouraging older adults’ use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is an essential prerequisite for (over)developed countries such as the United Kingdom becoming bone fide information societies. To date, however, few studies have examined older adults’ access to and use of ICTs in detail. This important aspect of the interaction between population ageing and societal change is more complex than the existing literature’s portrayal of a dichotomy between ‘successful users’ and ‘unsuccessful non-users’. We still know little, for example, about the reasons and motivations underlying older adults’ adoption or non-adoption of ICTs. We also know little about the nature of this use and the support which older adults draw upon regarding ICTs. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we know little about the outcomes and ‘life-fit’ of older adults’ (non)use of ICTs. The paper examines the extent and nature of ICT access and use by older adults in their everyday lives through two sources of data: (i) information collected from a sub-sample of 352 adults aged over sixty years taken from a large household survey of ICT use in England and Wales among 1,001 people, and; (ii) follow-up interview data from thirty-five of these individuals. The findings suggest that using a computer is not only a minority activity amongst older adults but also highly stratified activity by gender, age, marital status and educational background. Conversely, non-use of computers can be attributed to the low relevance and ‘relative advantage’ to older adults’ lives. From this analysis the paper highlights the key issue of many older adults’ ambivalence towards ICT in light of the limited relevance of new technologies to their day-to-day lives. The paper concludes by considering what steps can be taken to facilitate wider use of ICT by older adults; in particular how political and academic assumptions about older people and ICTs might be refocused, away from trying to ‘change’ older adults, and towards involving older adults in changing ICT.