Using Learn My Way with older learners
This guide will help you to support older learners use Learn My Way and engage them in gaining digital skills.
This guide will help you to:
- support older learners
- use Learn My Way to engage older people in gaining digital skills
Challenges older learners face with digital
Lack of motivation
- Find out what they know and what their goals are.
- Go slow. Introduce new terminology in small doses.
- Personalise the examples you use so as to better engage and interest people.
Unable to see advantage of technology
- Identify why/what they want to learn for example, for fun, employment or to socialise.
- Use low level, informal, engaging learning, eg colouring or word search apps.
- Start with the basics before jumping into modules such as Using the Internet.
Opportunities to engage older learners
Reducing Isolation. Computers can open up a whole new world for many. For example, YouTube can enable people to hear from people with similar interests, content in other languages.
Making learning fun. Classroom learning can be daunting and intimidating. A fun, informal environment can help people relax and grow in confidence. It also provides an opportunity for you to learn more about their motivation for learning.
Making the most of Learn My Way
Start at the beginning. Even if someone knows the basics, completing some of the early topics helps them become familiar with Learn My Way and can boost their confidence.
Make learning interactive. A blended approach for example, a mix of Learn My Way, practise activities and group discussions, can break up the learning process and make it easier.
Personalisation. Let learners build their own learning journey by choosing the topics/subjects they wish to study and to what depth.
Useful subjects on Learn My Way
Using your device. A great starter for beginners. This subject helps people gain confidence in using a device whilst also developing new skills.
Staying in touch. For many people, staying in touch with friends and family is crucial for their well-being. This subject enables people to learn different ways to communicate. You can then focus on whichever method they are most comfortable with.
Online entertainment. Older learners often feel alone and isolated. This subject will help them to safely learn how they can watch TV, listen to music or learn new recipes on YouTube.
Safety and security online. Many older people worry about online safety. The topics in this subject are a great way to start the conversation about keeping safe. They can lead to discussions about internet hoaxes, phishing, etc and ways to avoid them.