Adults learning online: digital choice and/or digital exclusion?

Eynon, Rebecca and Helsper, Ellen ORCID: 0000-0002-0852-2853 (2011) Adults learning online: digital choice and/or digital exclusion? New Media & Society, 13 (4). pp. 534-551. ISSN 1461-4448

Preview

PDF - Accepted Version Download (456kB) | Preview

• Author

Abstract

Using a nationally representative British survey, this article explores the extent to which adults are using the internet for learning activities because they choose to (digital choice) or because of (involuntary) digital exclusion. Key findings suggest that reasons for (dis)engagement with the internet or the uptake of different kinds of online learning opportunities are somewhat varied for different groups, but that both digital choice and exclusion play a role. Thus, it is important for policy initiatives to better understand these groups and treat them differently. Furthermore, the more informal the learning activity, the more factors that play a significant role in explaining uptake. Policies designed to support individuals' everyday interests, as opposed to more formal kinds of learning, are likely to be more effective in increasing people's productive engagement with online learning opportunities.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	http://nms.sagepub.com/
Additional Information:	© 2010 The Author(s)
Divisions:	Media and Communications
Subjects:	L Education > LC Special aspects of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education
Date Deposited:	29 Jun 2011 13:48
Last Modified:	27 Sep 2025 19:18
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/36969

Actions (login required)

View Item