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What are your sources of digital knowledge?

 

Who do you turn to for help?

We all need help with technology from time to time. However, where we seek help often depends on availability, our assessment of expertise in those we seek help from, and our personal circumstances.

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Our access to digital technology support influences what we learn, the quality of help we get, and our overall digital literacy.

 

Some of us have the time, interest, and skills to help ourselves online, while others need or prefer to get help from a person.

How to use this tool:

 

  • Click on the categories of support below to see how the seniors participating in our research evaluated each one.
     

  • Our research suggests that the advice seniors receive from their second source aligns with their level of digital technology knowledge.

    Sometimes, the first source of help may move too quickly, not give proper instructions or simply complete tasks on behalf of those they are supposed to help learn.


    Reflect on your first and second source and whether you are receiving the optimal level of support.

Timothy
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I would most likely turn to...

My Children

Adult children are one of the most frequent sources of ICT help for Australian seniors. This is because they are perceived as trustworthy and knowledgeable about ICT. However, they may not know how to teach adults, and family relationships may complicate things. The usefulness of ICT advice from children varies among seniors: Your children may be a perfect source for ICT help for you; for others, it is a source of convenience and availability that doesn’t always help in the way that is needed.

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Other tools

How much do you know about ICT?

Self-assess your digital literacy level.

Strategies for improving ICT knowledge

Investigate how you can address ICT-related fears and worries in yourself and others

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Shaping Connections - digital literacy in senior consumers

Co-designing a more connected digital future for older adults.

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RMIT University

Building 80, 445 Swanston Street

Melbourne, Victoria, 3000

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