The Relationship among Age, Gender, Computer Use, and Adult Learners’ Problem–solving Skills in a Digital Environment

Abstract

Problem–solving skills in a digital environment are a prerequisite to a better future for all citizens in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. To investigate the relationship between age, gender, computer use, and adult learners’ problem–solving skills in a digital environment, this study analyzed the 4,540 Korean participants’ problem–solving skills in a technology–rich environment using the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies data. Importantly, age showed the strong relationship with problem–solving skills of adults in a digital environment. Such results indicate that it is necessary to use different strategies to enhance problem–solving skills in a digital environment for different age groups. Another key finding was that the relationship between gender and problem–solving skills was weak. In addition, the relationship between problem–solving skills in a digital environment and computer use in one's life was stronger than computer use at work. Such results should be reflected in developing strategies and programs for information and communication technologies training.