Bridging the Digital Divide
I recently helped launch a scheme that Get Digital have engaged me to deliver. I was bowled over by the enthusiasm of the elderly residents, who had taken the time to attend.
The event comprised of a presentation and demonstrations on a desktop PC and Wii machine connected to a large flat screen TV. With the purpose of highlighting what activities they could possibly do. Once I had equipped them with some basic knowledge.
There are a number of aspects of the day which were memorable. Firstly, one of the residents had anonymously donated a few copies of a computer book that was aimed at the over 50's.
Then there was the person who wanted to sign on to the learning sessions, but was afraid that they would be refused, due to the fact that they were terminally ill. I stressed that as long as they wanted learn and felt well enough to attend sessions they were more than welcome to come on board.
This was followed by a person who made me smile. Before the event they were adamant that they were not going to go on the Internet or use a PC. At the end of the afternoon. Not only had they got engrossed with the Wii, but they also found their favourite singer on Youtube with some assistance from me.
The launch resulted in recruiting learners that took me to over capacity,but additional sessions have been organised.
Helping a new volunteer to gain some useful IT skills
Age UK Dudley recently engaged a new volunteer, to assist with the work load of their administrative team. Although this person had some IT skills, they discovered during the performing of IT tasks required for the role, they had knowledge gaps or no knowledge at all, of how the task could be completed.
I went along and gave the volunteer a couple of tutorials. We focused on the IT work they had do, and identified what they needed to learn.
Our main focus was upon creating and organising folders/files. After carefully explaining the concept to the volunteer, I then coached them through the manoeuvres they need to make. The volunteer kept a record of how they had achieved the task. We then moved to their Outlook account and reviewed what tasks need to be completed using this programme. Again we identified what manoeuvres they were likely to regularly use to keep the account and e-mails in order.
This volunteer is now confident about doing the IT tasks required of them, which in turn is benefiting the organisation as whole. Much needed administration is now being tackled at a faster efficient pace. And this is particularly poignant considering the work that Age UK does.
As the volunteer feels adequately equipped to complete their IT duties. I am no longer needed to visit. However, I have left them the option to contact me by phone or e-mail, if they have any problems, or they are given a new IT task which they have not encountered before.
What is so note worthy about this experience is, that within a matter of 4 hours total, I was able help to benefit both the individual and the organisation. | 
