The Association of Workplace Learning With Digital Problem-Solving Competency Among Older Workers: Results From PIAAC

• In Event: Quality and Assessment in Workplace Learning

Abstract

Improving the comfort and acumen of older workers with technology for virtual communication and collaboration is critical in a post-pandemic world of remote work (Steemers et al., 2020). Yet little guidance exists for determining which types of workplace learning best develop technology competency in older workers. We used PIAAC to study the association between four types of workplace learning and competency in digital problem-solving among workers ages 50-70. Findings indicate that participating in on-the-job training is associated with higher technology competency, but only for workers ages 50-54. In contrast to studies with younger workers (Lopes et al., 2019; Nygren et al., 2019), informal learning was not effective at improving technology competency. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Authors

• Julie M. Galliart, University of Kansas School of Medicine - Wichita

• Kevin M Roessger, University of Arkansas