Ready for the Internet

FAU researchers study how the elderly best access the Internet

A new study conducted by FAU’s Institute for Learning Innovation (Institut für Lern-Innovation, ILI) is to find out whether it is easier for senior citizens to familiarise themselves with the Internet using a tablet PC or a regular computer. For their research project MobiSen, the participating academics are currently looking for 30 senior citizens who still have only little or no experience using computers. The study is part of the European Year for Active Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity 2012 and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Woman, and Youth. If you are interested in participating in the study, please call 09131/85-24739.

The participants of the study will be divided into two groups. Both groups will learn how to find information on the Internet and how to communicate orally and in writing; the first group will be using tablet PCs while the second group will be using regular computers. The courses will take place on four consecutive Thursdays in July from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parallel sessions will be held for the two groups with progress monitored in each of them. Computer equipment will be provided by the ILI.

For further information please consult www.mobisen.de

Further information for the press:

uni | media service | research No. 23/2012 on 11.6.2012