Where is the "I" in iPad?: The Role of Interest in Older Adults' Learning of Mobile Touch Screen Technologies

This research explores the role of individual interest in the adoption of mobile touch screen technologies by older adults (above 60 years of age), based on the Four-Phase Model of Interest Development by Hidi and Renninger (2006) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) by Deci and Ryan (1985). A twelve-week study consisting of observations and interviews with teachers and participants in short course classes was conducted, during which we investigated the specific interests of older adults. Specifically, we explored the influence of individuals' level of interest on their learning and use of technologies. The engagement of 35 participants across four short course classes was compared both with and without the use of mobile touch screen technologies. Results show that there is a close relationship between individual interest and uptake of mobile touch screen technologies. This research aims to investigate how individual interest in a domain can engender and maintain engagement with technology learning and use by older adults.