Abstract

Senior citizens are an often missed target group in Lifelong Learning. Tablet-PCs for seniors represent a topic in the research agenda, but so far no pedagogical models for using this innovative technology and adequate training techniques for seniors have been found. According to Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth, the digital or eSociety (defined as an electronic or information society, a society where an extensive use of and dependability on Information and Communication Technology [ICT] is present in achieving common interests and goals of major social stakeholders) will become a reality by 2020. Thus, it is necessary to explore innovative ways of promoting ICT competences and the digital participation of seniors. This will increase the chances for a retired person to live independently and help to valorize the experiences of older citizens. The App-based training approach conceived of and applied to the project “Seniors Learning with Apps” (SenApp) aims to integrate qualifying seniors into the digital society through mobile learning and Tablet-PCs. The paper presents the results of a qualitative research achieved in Germany, France, Spain, and Romania on seniors (ICT-experienced users and beginners) and on adult trainers in the framework of the SenApp project, aiming to identify their tablet-related needs, motivation and usage, and also which pedagogies and learning paths are the most suitable. It also describes the pedagogical approach to designing the Application (App) content for their training.