Tech Savvy Seniors program hailed a success
Date published: 9 December 2016
Townsville City Council will deliver its last Tech Savvy Seniors session today with the initiative labelled a great success by all involved.
CityLibraries, in conjunction with the State Library of Queensland and Telstra, has hosted almost 100 classes this year (around 450 hours) to about 600 seniors in the Townsville community.
Some of the participants had never turned on a computer before, used social media, or used a mobile phone.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr Colleen Doyle said even though the program was about learning new digital literacy skills, it actually had broader benefits.
“Learning these skills has allowed seniors to stay connected to family, friends and their community,” Cr Doyle said.
“This in turn has had a positive impact on the social, mental and physical health of individuals and the broader community.
“Staying connected using technology can be a bit daunting for seniors but these participants have made an enormous amount of progress.
“Participants have reported feeling less isolated and more empowered to try new technology as a result of the program.”
The Tech Savvy Seniors program offered introductory classes in:
- Computers
- Internet
- Smartphones & Tablets
- Online Shopping & Banking
- Creating an email account
- Using social media (e.g. Facebook)
- Sharing photos and other attachments online
Although the Tech Savvy Seniors program wraps up today, council will deliver a similar range of classes called Tech Savvy Basics in 2017, which will allow the community to continue to develop its digital literacy skills and knowledge.
For further information visit https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities-and-recreation/libraries or email library@townsville.qld.gov.au
