Empowering the 50+ Generation: Insights from the DigiWork Focus Group

Discover how DigiWork's focus group helped shape digital training programs tailored for adults over 45.

In April 2024, the DigiWork project hosted a pivotal focus group in Botevgrad, Bulgaria, bringing together 20 adults aged 45 to 60 from diverse backgrounds. The goal was to gain deep insights into the challenges and needs of older adults as they navigate the digital landscape. This initiative was part of DigiWork’s broader effort to enhance digital literacy among adults over 45, empowering them to fully participate in today’s increasingly digital society.

Objective and Methodology

The focus group aimed to explore several critical questions: What are the common challenges faced by adults over 50 when learning digital skills? What learning styles do they prefer? And how can training programs be tailored to meet their unique needs? To address these questions, the session was structured into several interactive activities, including small group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on exercises using the World Café format. This methodology allowed participants to share their experiences and ideas in a supportive environment, encouraging open dialogue and collaboration.

Key Insights

The insights gathered during the focus group were invaluable in shaping the DigiWork project’s training modules. Participants highlighted several key challenges, including a lack of confidence in using digital tools and the overwhelming nature of learning new technologies. Many expressed a preference for learning through real-life examples and hands-on activities, rather than theoretical lessons.Participants also emphasized the importance of tailored support, suggesting that digital training should start with the basics, such as navigating the internet or using email, before moving on to more advanced topics. This feedback underscored the need for a step-by-step approach, where learners can build their confidence gradually as they acquire new skills.Moreover, the focus group revealed that ongoing support is crucial for maintaining and improving digital skills over time. Participants suggested that follow-up coaching and access to online resources could help reinforce their learning and ensure they continue to progress.

Practical Applications

The insights gained from this focus group directly informed the development of DigiWork’s e-learning modules. By incorporating participants' feedback, the project team was able to create a more effective and user-friendly digital training program. For instance, the modules were designed to include more practical examples and case studies, demonstrating the real-world applications of digital skills. Additionally, the training materials were structured to be accessible to learners with varying levels of digital proficiency, ensuring that everyone could benefit from the program.

Conclusion

The DigiWork focus group was a critical step in understanding the digital training needs of adults over 50. By listening to the voices of the participants, the project was able to tailor its approach, creating a training program that is not only effective but also empowering. The success of this focus group highlights the importance of involving the target audience in the development of educational programs, ensuring that the solutions provided truly meet their needs. As DigiWork continues to roll out its digital training modules, the insights gained from this session will remain central to the project's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide for older adults.