Abstract

Handheld mobile devices open up opportunities and challenges for adult learning in today’s information-rich and technology-abundant world. Some scholars have argued that mature adult learners, most of whom are pre-1982 generations, take up and make use of mobile devices differently from the youth. This qualitative study examines and juxtaposes the lived experiences, opinions, and suggestions from a mature adult sample and a young adult sample in regards to their adoption and use of ubiquitous computing technologies including the tablet. The research findings suggest a coexistence of commonalities and variances within each age group and between the two groups. The tablet technology is perceived by the mature adult sample to be usable and useful, albeit a few technical limits. Still, this device maintains a low to moderate visibility in the learning activities undertaken by the mature adult learners, which can be partially explained by the mature adults’ reserved acceptance of emerging technologies, instant information and online social networking. Social, cultural and technical factors are found to have stronger influences than age on the mature adults’ selective and rationalized use of the tablet technology. By attaching more importance to the mature adults as well as learning from their experiences, insight and judgment, the academy, the industry and the society as a whole can expect more socially aware and more socially responsible technologies, which will, in return, significantly benefit the adult learners in their mobile learning initiatives.