The DISK course for Italian adult learners
Training 2000 had the chance to test the “Digital Immigrants Survival Kit” training course with adult and senior learners willing to improve their digital competences and gain knowledge of the digital domains envisioned by the DigComp 2.1. The courses were provided in Italian and were organized following 2 different methodologies, namely self-paced learning and instructor-led learning. The courses were held between April and June 2022.
In both cases, the Moodle training platform was explored and supported the participants in familiarizing with different issues concerning ICT tools and own digital citizenship.
Description of the course
- General Issues
Face to face sessions were organised with participants. The trainees had their own PC while the adult trainer provided the internet connection and step by step instructions on how to use the online material and how to carry out the different activities foreseen.
Self-paced learners (mainly online) were given a “First access guide” to enter the Moodle platform and begin the DISK course on their own.
In both cases, Training 2000 sent the participants a user name and a password to register on the learning platform and to explore the training modules available and of their interest.
- Procedure
The participants in the on-site training were mainly women ( approx. 55 years old) having difficulties with both smartphones and the computer in general terms. Being a small group, the educator had the chance to ask about the learners’ everyday experience with the Internet and own ICT tools and their perceived self-efficacy when dealing and/or carrying out different digital tasks. Feedbacks were icebreakers that allowed the educator to map the learners’ needs, which ranged from dealing with the Public Digital Identity System (SPID) to using web-tools and mobile devices safely.
Participants had no experience in technology-based learning.
After a brief introduction on the course structure and main topics of the DISK course, participants chose to explore 2 modules, Module 6 – Social Contact and Module 11 – Privacy and Device Safety. The educator supported the learning process by giving basic instructions on:
- How to connect to the internet
- How to log on the course using the credentials previously sent by email
- How to enrol in the course
The participants were able to go through the material but had difficulties in carrying out the pre-module self-evaluation mandala either because they didn’t know how to use basic image editor tools available on their devices and weren’t used to using a printer. The sessions finished with reflections on how to improve the training modules and on how to continue the development of IT skills of the participants. The general feeling was a mix of frustration and motivation in improving their relationship with technology and the Internet. The educator’s support helped in facing different issues concerning the DISK course from the technical and content point of view.
For the self-paced DISK course, Training 2000 met the participants face to face first. The group was formed by seniors living in the area of Fano and Pesaro. Training 2000 met in Pesaro and illustrated the course objectives, topics and procedures to start the course at distance. Almost immediately, senior learners (60+) showed interest in topics such as e-government procedures (SPID), online privacy and digital threats and spotting fake news.
Participants were sent all the instructions to enrol to the course for the first time and keep in touch with Training 2000 while using the training material and self-assessment activities individually.
At the end of both courses, Training 2000 asked learners to give their feedback on positive and negative aspects of the DISK training course.
