Entering the digital world

Eleven older people from Telford recently celebrated getting to grips with the internet after successfully completing an Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin IT course for beginners.

The course, which was specifically designed for older people, provided a relaxed and informal opportunity to become more familiar with technology, develop new skills and learn how to use IT and the internet safely. Basic skills such as how to use a computer, mouse and keyboard, send and receive emails, shop online and use face-to-face video technology were all included.

Our tutor, a Microsoft certified IT professional, assisted by volunteers from local company ReAssure, gave one to one support to members of the class at Brookside Community Centre. Members were encouraged to bring along their own devices to learn on, to make it easier for them to put what they’d learned into practice at home.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive of Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: ‘Use of IT and the internet has become an essential part of our everyday lives, with many services going online. The feedback from members who took part in this course has been really positive with many commenting that they came along with very little knowledge or confidence in using IT and left having gained many new useful skills which will make a real difference to them.’