Older Brimbank residents can open up their technological horizons with a short course designed to improve their understanding of IT and new technologies.
The course at Sydenham library will cover an introduction to computers, the internet and emails, and using tablets, as well as offering practical experience in using a number of services that are increasingly moving online.
Brimbank libraries ran a similar program late last year, and facilitator Thuy Dung said the response to that program made an ongoing series of courses worthwhile.
“They [seniors] loved it last year,” Ms Dung said. “They all found it very useful, even just learning how to do their banking online or how to do their Centrelink things. In the past, they had to go to the library and find information in books … once they learn how to surf the net, they can find information from home.”
Ms Dung said as well as learning how to complete everyday tasks online, showing older people how social media works makes it easier for them to reconnect with old friends or stay up to date on family events.
One participant learnt how to manage his investment portfolio online.
“They all found that really interesting,” she said.
“Some were reconnecting with friends from 30 years ago, or who lived in other countries, and they can now chat online.”
The free course at Sydenham library will run on Thursdays from 10am. Details: 9249 4680
