Buddying up the experienced with new learners
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During Adult Learners Week Kent Libraries and their computer buddies joined us for Silver Surfers Day and were involved in a blog post “Library ‘computer buddies’ share their experiences” which linked to a video created by Museums Libraries and Archives about their scheme. Using volunteers to buddy up and pass on their experience is a sustainable way to keep a computing club or learning group going when funding is difficult to reach. It has many other benefits as it a 1-2-1 focused relationship that can give a lot of confidence and enjoyment from getting to grips with technology with a friendly face. Read the comments on the post where two of the volunteers from Kent Library describe their Silver Surfers Day.
Here are a couple of examples from scotland of how buddies are becoming a part of many digital inclusion schemes in different types of digital inclusion projects. We would love to hear about any examples which you are involved with or know of that can be shared (please ad a comment on this post).
Laptop loans in Sheltered Housing
James Rose of Meridian Mature Citizens Fourm explains how a new project starting in 6 sheltered housing centres this year will loan a computer to someone new to computing. The pilot scheme allow them to learn with a buddy about how a computer can be a part of their lives and have someone they feel comfortable asking about what they can use a computer for and how to maintain one for themselves. It is intended to encourage the confidence and experience to allow those with no prior computing experience to get a .
Watch the YouTube Video: How can buddies help with digital inclusion
Libraries in East Lothian buddy volunteers
In December 2002, 57 new public access computers were installed in East Lothian libraries, with free fast access to the internet, email and scanning. The computers are intended for recreational, educational and information needs of the public. A range of free introductory courses in computing are being offered to adults in many libraries to help them benefit from this new technology. These new users and others with little experience of IT will appreciate the help of a buddy.
The buddy will sit with the beginner at the library computer and help her or him to practive skills and sort out basic mistakes. The buddy is not a computer expert. Anyone with familiarity is using word email, the internet or a scanner will have all the technical qualifications required.
The important qualities required are the capacity to listen, patience and friendliness.
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July 21st, 2010 kate | No Comments »
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