All educational institutions, including senior education, closed during the pandemic. Taiwan's Ministry of Education encouraged active aging centers to develop online courses supporting the physical and mental health of the elderly. This research examined middle-aged and older adults' difficulties and self-efficacy in transitioning to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research drew on a sample of 271 participants who engaged in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic at active aging learning centers in Taiwan to measure the difficulties and self-efficacy of online learning. The survey data underwent statistical analysis, including t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, to explore the relationship between personal background variables and participants' difficulties and self-efficacy in online learning. The findings were as follows: 1. Participants encountered moderate difficulties in online learning, particularly in course design and teacher interaction. However, their self-efficacy was above average, and they recognized the value of online learning. 2. Before the pandemic, participants had prior learning experiences with online courses or related features, and their daily internet habits influenced their difficulties and self-efficacy in online learning. 3. Participants from different residential areas, educational levels, or perceived health conditions experienced significant differences in online learning difficulties. Additionally, during the pandemic, the number of online courses attended by participants was found to impact their self-efficacy. 4. Higher difficulties in online learning correlate negatively with self-efficacy, suggesting that individuals facing more significant challenges tend to have lower self-efficacy. The findings can provide the government, senior education institutes, and teachers to develop relevant policies and online courses.

Authors:
Jing-Yi Lu, Asia University, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Jing-Yi Lu is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Healthcare Administration at Asia University. Her main research interests lie in senior education, elderly activity design, and long-term care for talent cultivation.

Additional website of interest
https://ha.asia.edu.tw/en/team_a/Full_time_teachers/Dr-Jing-Yi-Lu-33187139

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