Category Archives: 4. Professional Knowledge and Skills

“Nearly half of persons aged 75+ have never used the internet”

In December 2020, as a result of a module paper in Part 1 of my PhD programme, I made a policy recommendation to the Director-General of the Central Statistics Office in Ireland: At a policy level, consideration should be given to collecting and publishing statistical data at a national level on ICT usage by householdsContinue reading ““Nearly half of persons aged 75+ have never used the internet””

Collaboration – the name of the (research) game

As 2021 draws to a close I reflect on two pieces of collaborative research work that had successful outcomes… both were published in academic journals, my first experience. Since my contribution involved over 100 hours in 2021 it’s worth reflecting on the process so that I’ll remember the experience for next time, and yes, thereContinue reading “Collaboration – the name of the (research) game”

“Nobody can make you go online, it’s my choice” (Anne, 79)

August has been busy with data collection for my PhD study. A stretch target of 100 responses to my survey would be ideal and so far 74 responses have been recorded, with 69 of these fully complete from the target age cohort. Recruitment remains open for another month so keeping fingers crossed on that score.Continue reading ““Nobody can make you go online, it’s my choice” (Anne, 79)”

Ireland and the lifelong learning curve: the intergenerational contribution to digital literacy for life.

Participant Information Letter – Adult participants aged 55 years and older living in Ireland Dear Participant,  I am Sandra Flynn, a PhD student at the Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University. I would like to invite you to take part in a research study about intergenerational relationship support for the development of digital literacy skillsContinue reading “Ireland and the lifelong learning curve: the intergenerational contribution to digital literacy for life.”

Draft, pilot, reflect, revise…

Today, 21 June, 2021, my students embark on Stage 3 of their MSc research projects, collecting data, analysing data and all the rest that goes with it. I will reiterate my previous advice to them on the importance of a data requirements table (Saunders et al., 2016, p. 714). This mapping exercise helps ensure thatContinue reading “Draft, pilot, reflect, revise…”