Caroline Fischl

Development and Rasch analysis of the Assessment of Computer-Related Skills

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the internal scale validity, person response validity, and reliability of the newly developed Assessment of Computer-Related Skills (ACRS). Data from 32 healthy adult participants who performed two to three computer tasks were analysed to determine how well the participants fitted the many-faceted Rasch (MFR) model of the ACRS, as well as how well the ACRS skill items and tasks (a) fitted the MFR model of the ACRS, (b) matched the expectations for hierarchical ordering of their difficulties, and (c) differentiated persons into different levels of ability. Results indicated that with three skill items removed, the remaining 34 skill items, 8 computer tasks, and 30 participants demonstrated goodness-of-fit to the MFR model of the ACRS. The skills and tasks appeared to have logical hierarchical ordering and differentiated participants into at least three levels of ability. The findings affirmed the internal scale validity, person response validity and reliability of the ACRS for assessing persons’ computer abilities. Future studies using a larger sample that includes individuals with disabilities and with difficulties with computer use are needed to further evaluate the validity and reliability of the ACRS.

Exploring potential in participation mediated by digital technology among older adults

ABSTRACT Facets of participation have changed with the growing pervasiveness of digital technology in daily life. To enable older adults as active participants in an evolving digital society, it is relevant to examine how they engage in and situate digital technology-mediated occupations in daily life. Narrative inquiry was used to elucidate features in older adults’ engagement in occupations involving digital technology situated in everyday life. Analysis was based on data gathered through concurrent think aloud protocol and observations from 10 older adults in Northern Sweden. In line with narrative analysis, findings were presented as three stories about negotiating needs and values while interacting with the technological and social environments, entitled playing by the rules, being on the same wavelength, and calling the shots. Looking at these stories with an occupational lens resulted in an understanding that older adults’ participation involving digital technology likewise deals with negotiating and refining identities, as well as finding and experiencing meaning in daily life. There is potential for older adults to become active participants through digital technology, and new challenges in research and practice emerge.