Documentation, Informaiton & Knowledge ›› 2023, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (2): 117-130.doi: 10.13366/j.dik.2023.02.117

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The Practical Experience and Enlightenment of European Digital Literacy Projects for Senior Citizens

LIU Xiaojuan, XIE Ruiting   

  • Online:2023-03-10 Published:2023-05-09
  • Contact: Correspondence should be addressed to LIU Xiaojuan, Email: lxj_2007@bnu.edu.cn, ORCID: 0000-0002-5727-733X

Abstract: [Purpose/Significance] The improvement of digital literacy and skills of senior citizens is significant for them to cross the digital divide. This study intends to investigate the practice of European digital literacy projects for senior citizens to provide some references for the development of digital literacy projects for senior citizens in China. [Design/Methodology] Through investigating and analyzing current digital literacy projects for senior citizens in Europe, 15 projects were selected as typical cases. The characteristics and practical experiences of projects were summarized in terms of training contents and forms. [Findings/Conclusion] Our analysis shows that there are several characteristics in European digital literacy projects for senior citizens, such as multi-level design of teaching content, focus on digital application scenarios, emphasis on Internet safety education, development of online teaching platforms, complete teaching materials, standardized teaching design, diversified teaching forms, and provision of aging-appropriate special services. Based on the European practical experience, our domestic digital literacy education for senior citizens needs to strengthen multi-institutional collaboration, strengthen the planning and design of education and teaching content oriented to the needs of senior citizens, enrich the teaching form of digital literacy education and explore the digital literacy education model for the elderly suitable for China's national conditions. [Originality/Value] The characteristics of digital literacy education for senior citizens in Europe summarized in this study from the aspects of training content and form will help optimize the process of digital literacy education for senior citizens and promote their digital literacy level.

Key words: Europe, Senior citizens, Digital literacy education, Digital divide, Aging