A Methodological Prototype of eLearning for Old People

This study explored the triangle of ageing society, learning, and Information and Communication Technologies in order to assess the effectiveness of Adaptive Hypermedia Learning Systems tailored to cognitive styles and provided in an e-learning environment, as well as the role played by intrinsic motivation, learning strategies, and metacognition within this specific learning process. 108 Italian old adults experienced with computer and attending English courses at the Universities of the Third Age fulfilled a profile questionnaire composed by five sections assessing the above mentioned factors. The participants were then divided into two groups: e-learners and conventional ones. ANOVA results showed that learning outcome was significantly affected by the above-mentioned factors. Path analysis results supported for the expected indirect effect of metacognition and self-regulated learning on achievement. In conclusion, the model proposed could be considered a methodological prototype for a wide range of on-line didactic materials centered on old people.