Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An analysis of social interaction between novice older adults when learning gesture-based skills through simple digital games

Universal Access in the Information Society volume 21, pages 639–655 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

This paper reports three exploratory empirical studies with older adults that had little or no prior experience with interactive technologies. The participants were introduced to interactive technology by playing games on touchscreens, playing in pairs with the assistance of a mentor. We focus on two principle aspects, the peer-to-peer interaction during these sessions, and the role of the mentor in progressing the sessions. In the case of peer-to-peer interaction we looked for ways in which players supported each other during interaction to assess the role of peer interaction in this context. In the case of mentoring, we examined the efficacy of a minimalist approach where verbal encouragement, suggestions or (in the last resort) intervention are used to provide support to learners. The sessions showed that learners typically could play and learn basic manipulations independently after initial help and guidance from mentors. We also found that peer interaction, both in verbal and non-verbal communication and cooperative action was broadly a positive influence within sessions, suggesting that there is a significant value in building confidence as well as in learning.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price includes VAT (Canada)

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

References

  1. Sayago S, Blat J (2009) About the relevance of accessibility barriers in the everyday interactions of older people with the web. In: Proceedings of the 2009 international cross-disciplinary conference on web accessibility (W4A). pp 104–113

  2. Mihajlov, M., Law, E.L.C., Springett, M.: Intuitive learnability of touch gestures for technology-naïve older adults. Interact. Comput. (2015). https://doi.org/10.1093/iwc/iwu044

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Mihajlov M, Springett M, Law ELC (2019) Learning to drag: the effects of social interactions in touch gestures learnability for older adults. In: Proceedings of the 2019 ACM international conference on interactive surfaces and spaces. pp 205–215

  4. Motti LG, Vigouroux N, Gorce P (2014) Design of a social game for older users using touchscreen devices and observations from an exploratory study. In: Proceedings of the international conference on universal access in human-computer interaction. pp 69–78

  5. Oppl, S., Stary, C.: Game-playing as an effective learning resource for elderly people: encouraging experiential adoption of touchscreen technologies. Univers. Access Inf. Soc. 19, 295–310 (2020)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Damant, J., Knapp, M., Freddolino, P., Lombard, D.: Effects of digital engagement on the quality of life of older people. Health Soc. Care Community 25, 1679–1703 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Bobillier Chaumon, M.E., Michel, C., Tarpin Bernard, F., Croisile, B.: Can ICT improve the quality of life of elderly adults living in residential home care units? From actual impacts to hidden artefacts. Behav. Inf. Technol. 33, 574–590 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1080/0144929X.2013.832382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Choi, N.G., Dinitto, D.M.: The digital divide among low-income homebound older adults: internet use patterns, ehealth literacy, and attitudes toward computer/internet use. J. Med. Internet Res. (2013). https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.2645

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Winstead, V., Anderson, W.A., Yost, E.A., et al.: You can teach an old dog new tricks: a qualitative analysis of how residents of senior living communities may use the web to overcome spatial and social Barriers. J. Appl. Gerontol. 32, 540–560 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464811431824

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Heart, T., Kalderon, E.: Older adults: are they ready to adopt health-related ICT? Int. J. Med. Inform. (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2011.03.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Pettigrew, S., Roberts, M.: Addressing loneliness in later life. Aging. Ment. Heal. 12, 302–309 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1080/13607860802121084

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. de Pol, J., Volman, M., Beishuizen, J.: Scaffolding in teacher–student interaction: a decade of research. Educ Psychol Rev 22, 271–296 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Hunsaker, A., Hargittai, E.: A review of Internet use among older adults. New Media Soc. 20, 3937–3954 (2018)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Carvalho, D., Bessa, M., Oliveira, L., et al.: New interaction paradigms to fight the digital divide: a pilot case study regarding multi-touch technology. Proced. Comput. Sci. 14, 128–137 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Rogers, W.A., Stronge, A.J., Fisk, A.D.: Technology and aging. Rev. Hum. Factors Ergon. 1, 130–171 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Heinz, M., Martin, P., Margrett, J.A., et al.: Perceptions of technology among older adults. J. Gerontol. Nurs. 39, 42–51 (2013). https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20121204-04

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Lee, B., Chen, Y., Hewitt, L.: Age differences in constraints encountered by seniors in their use of computers and the internet. Comput. Hum. Behav. 27, 1231–1237 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2011.01.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Mitzner, T.L., Boron, J.B., Fausset, C.B., et al.: Older adults talk technology: technology usage and attitudes. Comput. Hum. Behav. 26, 1710–1721 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2010.06.020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Lee, C., Coughlin, J.F.: PERSPECTIVE: older adults’ adoption of technology: an integrated approach to identifying determinants and barriers. J. Prod. Innov. Manag. 32, 747–759 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1111/jpim.12176

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Barnard, Y., Bradley, M.D., Hodgson, F., Lloyd, A.D.: Learning to use new technologies by older adults: perceived difficulties, experimentation behaviour and usability. Comput. Hum. Behav. (2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2013.02.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Tun, P.A., Lachman, M.E.: The association between computer use and cognition across adulthood: use it so you won’t lose it? Psychol. Aging 25, 560–568 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019543

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Gitlow, L.: Technology use by older adults and barriers to using technology. Phys Occup Ther Geriatr 32, 271–280 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Hur, W.-M., Kim, H., Kim, W.-M.: The moderating roles of gender and age in tablet computer adoption. Cyberpsychol. Behav. Soc Netw. 17, 33–39 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Tsai, H.Y.S., Shillair, R., Cotten, S.R., et al.: Getting grandma online: are tablets the answer for increasing digital inclusion for older adults in the US? Edu. Geron. 41, 695–709 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Vroman, K.G., Arthanat, S., Lysack, C.: “Who over 65 is online?” Older adults’ dispositions toward information communication technology. Comput. Human. Behav. 43, 156–166 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Carroll, J.M., Smith-Kerker, P.L., Ford, J.R., Mazur-Rimetz, S.A.: The minimal manual. Hum. Comput. Interact 3, 123–153 (1987)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Polson, P.G., Lewis, C.H.: Theory-based design for easily learned interfaces. Hum. Comput. Interact 5, 191–220 (1990)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Mihajlov M, Law ELC, Springett M (2016) The effect of dyadic interactions on learning rotate gesture for technology-naïve older adults. In: Proceedings of the ACM International Conference

  29. Gell, N.M., Rosenberg, D.E., Demiris, G., et al.: Patterns of technology use among older adults with and without disabilities. Gerontologist 55, 412–421 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Jacob RJK, Girouard A, Hirshfield LM, et al (2008) Reality-based interaction: a framework for post-WIMP interfaces. In: Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems. pp 201–210

  31. Allen, T.D., Eby, L.T.: The Blackwell Handbook of Mentoring: A Multiple Perspectives Approach. Blackwell Publishing, New Jersey (2007)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  32. Maddux, J.E., Gosselin, J.T.: Self-Efficacy. The Guilford Press, New York (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Bandura, A.: Self-efficacy: toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychol. Rev. 84, 191 (1977)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Gill, S.P., Borchers, J.: Knowledge in co-action: social intelligence in collaborative design activity. AI Soc 17, 322–339 (2003)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Boud, D., Cohen, R., Sampson, J.: Making the move to peer learning. In: Peer Learning in Higher Education, 1st edn. Routledge (2001)

  36. Bandura, A.: Perceived self-efficacy in cognitive development and functioning. Educ. Psychol. 28, 117–148 (1993)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Jacob R.J.K., Girouard A., Hirshfield L.M., et al.: Reality-based interaction: unifying the new generation of interaction styles. In: CHI’07 Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems. pp 2465–2470 (2007)

  38. Wood, D., Bruner, J.S., Ross, G.: The role of tutoring in problem solving. J. child. Psychol. Psychiatry 17, 89–100 (1976)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Engeström, Y.: Learning by Expanding. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Norton P. (2005) Scaffolding online learning: The ART of mentoring. Paper presented at international conference on society for information technology & teacher education. pp 2025–2032

  41. Karimi, M.N., Norouzi, M.: Scaffolding teacher cognition: Changes in novice L2 teachers’ pedagogical knowledge base through expert mentoring initiatives. System 65, 38–48 (2017)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Braun, V., Clarke, V.: Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qual. Res. Psychol. 3, 77–101 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Gill, S.P.: Rhythmic synchrony and mediated interaction: towards a framework of rhythm in embodied interaction. AI. Soc. 27, 111–127 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Norman, D.: The Psychology of Everyday Things. Basic Books, New York (1988)

    Google Scholar 

  45. Nishida, T., Nakazawa, A., Ohmoto, Y., Mohammad, Y.: Conversational Informatics. Springer, Tokyo (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  46. Kendon, A.: Some relationships between body motion and speech. Stud. Dyadic. Commun. 7, 90 (1972)

    Google Scholar 

  47. Clark, H.H.: Using Language. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (1996)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  48. Gill, SP.: Tacit Engagement. Springer (2015)

  49. Umemuro, H.: Lowering elderly Japanese users’ resistance towards computers by using touchscreen technology. Univers Access Inf Soc 3, 276–288 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. Piper A.M., Campbell R., Hollan J.D. (2010) Exploring the accessibility and appeal of surface computing for older adult health care support. In: Proceedings of the sigchi conference on human factors in computing systems. pp 907–916

  51. Ajzen, I., Fishbein, M.: Attitude-behavior relations: a theoretical analysis and review of empirical research. Psychol. Bull. 84, 888 (1977)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  52. Ajzen, I., Fishbein, M.: Attitudes and the attitude-behavior relation: reasoned and automatic processes. Eur. Rev. Soc. Psychol. 11, 1–33 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  53. van Velzen, C., Volman, M., Brekelmans, M.: There is no need to sit on my hands anymore! Modelling and scaffolding as mentoring tools during co-teaching. In: International Research, Policy and Practice in Teacher Education, pp. 155–170. Springer, Cham (2019)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  54. Apted T., Kay J., Quigley A. (2006) Tabletop sharing of digital photographs for the elderly. In: proceedings of the conference on human factors in computing systems. pp 781–790

  55. Ijsselsteijn W., Nap H.H., de Kort Y., Poels K. (2007) Digital game design for elderly users. In: Abstracts of the Proceedings of the 2007 conference on Future Play. pp 17–22

  56. Kolb, D.A.: Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. FT press, New Jersey (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  57. Kolb, D.A., Boyatzis, R.E., Mainemelis, C., et al.: Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Perspect Thin. Learn Cogn. St. 1, 227–247 (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  58. Csikszentmihalyi, M.: Applications of Flow in Human Development and Education. Springer, Berlin (2014)

    Book  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

” Funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union”

The European Commission support to produce this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interaction Design Centre, Middlesex University, London, UK

    M. Springett & S. Keith

  2. Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    M. Mihajlov

  3. Faculty of Economics, Ss Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia

    E. Brzovska

  4. Andragoski Zavod Ljudska Univerza, Velenje, Slovenia

    M. Orozel & V. Elsner

  5. Department of Business Informatics-Communications Engineering, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Linz, Austria

    S. Oppl & C. Stary

  6. Good Things Foundation, Sheffield, UK

    J. Richardson

Authors
  1. M. Springett
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Mihajlov
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. E. Brzovska
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. M. Orozel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. V. Elsner
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. S. Oppl
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. C. Stary
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. S. Keith
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  9. J. Richardson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Springett.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Springett, M., Mihajlov, M., Brzovska, E. et al. An analysis of social interaction between novice older adults when learning gesture-based skills through simple digital games. Univ Access Inf Soc 21, 639–655 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-021-00793-4

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10209-021-00793-4

Keywords

  • Learning
  • Digital skills
  • Older citizens
  • Games
  • Touch table
  • Scaffolding
  • Self-efficacy

Search

Navigation