Lifelong Learning of an Aging Population in Technology-Rich Environments During the COVID-19 Era

Session Type: Virtual Symposium

Abstract

To meet the challenges of the current technological, social, and environmental changes due to COVID-19, lifelong learning educators for a culturally diverse aging population acknowledge the importance of their roles to reduce agism and to prepare for aging with dignity (Crawford, 2000; 2015). This symposium examines lifelong learning of seniors in the U.S., Asia, and Europe in technology-rich environments during the COVID-19 era. The symposium advocates for multiple knowledge bases and diverse methodologies in lifelong education. There is a need for new theories and practices that better serve and educate senior people with diverse backgrounds and empower educators to ensure social justice, life quality, and psychological well-being for the senior population during a time of disruption.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Adult Literacy and Adult Education

Chairs

• Qiu Wang, Syracuse University

• Dominick Fantacone, SUNY - College at Cortland

Papers

• Lifelong Learning and Well-Being: Lessons From U.S. Older Adults Before and During COVID-19 - Craig Talmage, Hobart & William Smith Colleges; Richard Knopf; Jack Hansen; Kevin Connaughton; Stacey Rivera; Steven Thaxton; Virginia Miller

• Education for Digital Inclusion of the Elderly in Light of Polish Government Strategies - Justyna Przywojska, University of Lodz; Aldona Podgórniak-Krzykacz, University of Lodz

• Smart Campus Bridges the Digital Divide: A Case Study at Shanghai University for the Elderly - Min Wang; Ying Kuang

Discussant

• Guofang Wan, Loyola University Chicago