Abstract:

This article deals with the mapping of digital competences of the elderly using a social network (Facebook). These technologies can help seniors reduce isolation and therefore it is necessary to investigate the elderly public’s utilization of these online social networks, especially the competence that can be developed through their proper use. Competence refers to the mobilization of cognitive resources (knowledge, skill and attitudes - KSA) that permit sufficient assistance to face problematic situations. This research used both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The target audience of this research was 24 elderly people over the age of 60 who participated in the digital inclusion course offered at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. The data collected allowed for the mapping of knowledge, skills and attitudes required for each category related to learning on the social network Facebook. The participants answered a questionnaire on their self-assessment regarding the intended objectives of the class. This instrument had a scale of 1 to 5 for each competency element (KSA). When they did not understand what a post meant (mean = 3), followed by the difficulty of selecting the most reliable content on the Internet (mean = 3.04). In relation to skills, the findings show limitations in chatting through private messages on Facebook (mean = 2.85), followed by the difficulty of using emoticons (mean = 2.90). Regarding Attitude, they felt they contributed to the class (mean = 3.23) but that they had had little autonomy to share on Facebook (mean = 3.38). The data also showed a lack of practical use of the online social network. The final analysis made it possible to infer that the elderly who attended the course are open to new learning and are particularly motivated to continue learning about virtual social networks.

Keywords:

Competence, social network, Facebook, elderly.