Reporting on Accessibility Challenges Experienced by South Africa’s Older Mobile Phone Users

Authors

  • Judy van Biljon School of Computing, University of South Africa
  • Karen Renaud School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow
  • Tobie van Dyk School of Computing, University of South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v9i4.3148

Keywords:

accessibility, elderly, mobile telephony, generations, knowledge transfer

Abstract

How might accessibility of mobile telephony affect inter-generational knowledge transfer in developing communities? Motivated by this research question, we investigated mobile phones as potential facilitators of knowledge transfer between generations in South Africa, as an example of a developing country. We focused on mobile phone accessibility for the elderly community, as revealed and interpreted by the younger community. Our analysis uncovers severe accessibility issues that hinder the adoption of mobile devices. We also gained novel insights into inter-generational differences in terms of teaching and learning expectations. Finally, we consider what needs to be in place to encourage the growth of a thriving trans-generational digital community in a developing country.

Author Biographies

Judy van Biljon, School of Computing, University of South Africa

Judy van Biljon is a Professor in the School of Computing at the University of South Africa, SOUTH AFRICA E-mail: vbiljja@unisa.ac.za

Karen Renaud, School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow

Karen Renaud is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing Science, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK E-mail:karen.renaud@glasgow.ac.uk

Tobie van Dyk, School of Computing, University of South Africa

Tobie van Dyk is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing at the University of South Africa, SOUTH AFRICA E-mail:vdyktj@unisa.ac.za

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Published

2013-12-03

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 4 (2013): Special Issue: Community Informatics in Southern Africa

Section

Research Articles