Critical Internet Usage – Erasmus+ Projects Effects as Support for Senior Citizens in the Digital World

Abstract

Thesis. This paper aims to present the Critical Internet Usage project and its final results. The project enabled the development of various learning materials, and the collection and systematization of knowledge regarding senior citizens’ awareness of critical thinking and its usability as well as gaining information about their educational needs. Concept. The surveys developed during the project were focused mainly on seniors’ general understanding of critical thinking, its usage and their general thoughts about teaching and learning this skill. However, the toolkit and workshops were focused on increasing the awareness of what critical thinking is, the basis of the most common Internet slang, online safety and providing the learner’s knowledge through both theory and practice, enriched with creativity and memory training. Results and conclusion. During the course of the project, a toolkit of more than 100 pages was prepared to help people develop their teaching skills and apply multiple learning sessions for older learners. Workshops were provided for seniors from three different countries. Each workshop was attended by at least ten seniors per partner organisation. Multiple answers on prepared surveys were collected, and this, in turn, made it possible to create collective answers. Older learners are more willing to learn when they are able to notice the opportunities to apply some skills in their everyday life and when they are shown the real examples. Unfortunately, some of the seniors are not aware of what critical thinking is. This information can be a form of inspiration for adult educators to promote and teach critical thinking skills.