The study of learning effects of mobile devices courses for Taiwanese senior citizens using the Kirkpatrick model

This study mainly employed three levels of the Kirkpatrick Model—reaction, learning, and behavior—to investigate and analyze the satisfaction level of senior citizens after they participated in courses on mobile devices developed in this study. Familiarization with and application of mobile devices can make senior citizens’ lives more convenient and enable them to overcome the digital divide in the society. This study recruited 39 elderly persons aged 55 years and higher from Da'an District, Taipei City, Taiwan, in 2017. These individuals participated in eight sessions of courses on mobile device, and each session lasted for 120 min. The content of the courses mainly included the device function (photography and Internet browsing) and apps useful in everyday life (i.e. LINE and audio/video editing). This study used the one-group posttest-only design, and research tools included a homogenous trainee interview form, a trainer’s observation record form, and the Kirkpatrick Assessment form for quantitative analysis. The assessment form comprised 33 items, and participants scored their satisfaction level using a 5-point Likert scale. A high score represents a high satisfaction level. The data are expressed as mean and standard deviation and were analyzed to investigate the satisfaction level of senior citizens across the three levels of reaction, learning, and behavior after they participated in the courses. The results showed that senior citizens’ satisfaction levels across the three levels were all higher than 4.0. In addition, the mean of the highest satisfaction level was 4.89. This finding indicated that senior citizens provided favorable quantitative assessments and a positive overall rating for the courses. Moreover, the records of interviews with the trainees clearly showed that the courses not only unleashed participants’ potential but also enabled their practical and rapid information learning. Thus, even when technology is rapidly developing, the concept of lifelong learning does not change. Learning and accepting new technology not only broaden the existing knowledge of senior citizens but also improve their self-worth and adds to the joys of their life.