The Design of Online Learning Communities for Older Adults

Rapid, ongoing advancements in the growth of the Internet and web-based technology coupled with the steadily increasing number of older adults in our society create a significant need for the design of safe, convenient, and accessible online learning communities for this demographic. This article describes the creation of SeniorSage, an eight-week, facilitated, online learning community for 31 Florida SeniorNet learning center volunteers. It discusses how members were prepared to participate in the community, outlines the components that comprised the learning community framework, and explains the instructional-design theory that guided the development of SeniorSage. Recommendations for future research are also provided.