The Digital Unite Blog

The first successful schemes in Wave 1 of Get Digital are planning their programmes and starting to get to grips with their new computers.  Have a look at  here to see what some of our partners and learners have to say about the project.

Now we are busy planning Wave 2.  The application packs should be ready to download from our website in the second half of July.  In the meantime, why not book a place at one of 4 free Regional Events being held in London, Bristol, York and Birmingham, to help you to learn more about the project and how to apply?  More information is on the website and please email info@getdigital.org.uk to secure your place.

Judith Taylor who was a Silver Surfer of the Year runner-up in 2008, would never have guessed that she would become a website developer in her 80s!  I asked her to tell us how she had found the experience:

When I was asked to lead a small team to commission a website for my older women’s network, I had no idea how huge a challenge it would be.  We had first to learn enough about websites and designers to pick the right company for us.  Then we had to learn the jargon, understand how websites are constructed, commission a logo, choose a colour scheme, collect photographs, and provide all the necessary information, including bringing much of it up to date!  By launch day I was exhausted! Read the rest of this entry »

Do you work in a library that involves volunteers to give informal 1:1 computer support? Are you a volunteer who would like to share your experiences of how you got involved?

Watch a video about volunteers who have got involved in Kent Libraries ‘Computer Buddies’ programme

As Silver Surfers’ Day is in full swing in libraries all over the UK – we would like to find out about experiences of the day from any volunteers who are supporting their local library’s event by commenting on this blog post. It would be great to know some of your stories from the day and how you got started.

If you are interested in being a computer buddy why not ask at your local library if they run a volunteering scheme. As I am sure you will find out from these people experiences – it’s well worth it.

Bill Thompson, who has been working in the computing industry and as a technology writer for nearly thirty years, highlights the importance of Silver Surfers’ Day in his BBC Technology blog and his support of the scheme since 2001.

“Helping older people get online is vital, and part of a wider transformation” says Bill Thompson

The net is not just for the young gives Bill’s further pearls of wisdom for those who take their digital literacy for granted. It goes on to remind government strategist to ensure that those over 55 who are not online are given these opportunities to gain the skills and confidence to access services on the internet.

This weeks press has not only been filled with news of Silver Surfer Events all over England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales happening all this week and culminating in Silver Surfer Day (21st May) but also a lot of new research of online behaviour.

The BBC has highlighted findings by UK Online Measurement company (UKOM) that Britons spend more than ‘one day a month online’ with social networks or blogs, which accounts for nearly a quarter of users’ time online. Which is great news for blogs like ours!

Ofcom’s latest media literacy report which is updated every six months gives insight into how we use the Internet in the UK and differences between regions. A key finding in this report was about UK internet users becoming more security conscious.

The report also found that the majority of people in the UK agree that the internet makes life easier and that the internet helps save time, and most disagree that the internet is difficult to use.

iPlayer proves invaluable to watch and listen to things you might have missed from not only the BBC’s television programmes but also the national and local radio stations.

So, if you missed our ambassador for Silver Surfers Day Sir Terry Wogan on Friday talking about how you can find a Silver Surfers Day near you on Friday 21st May, you can enjoy it here.

Terry says “This is an attempt to get people of ‘a certain age’ not to be afraid of new technology – fear is the biggest barrier.” He wants older people to think again about seeing the internet as something they should try and says Silver Surfers’ Day is a great way to start.

Thanks to Sir Terry for promoting Silver Surfers’ Day, Friday 21 May, on the BBC Breakfast TV yesterday on Thursday 13th May. You can watch this again, thanks to the internet, on the main BBC website:  Terry Wogan on the benefits of Surfing the Net & Silver Surfers’ Day

Terry says: “Everything is just a simple click away now – we can source information, communicate instantly and shop without ever having to leave the comfort of our homes. It’s so easy that any old Janet and John could get online”

Terry also promoted Silver Surfers’ Day more locally on 11 BBC Regional Radio Stations and will be joining the Jeremy Vine show today (13th May) at 12pm to talk about Silver Surfers’ Day – so tune in now from on  88-91FM or online on the BBC Radio 2 website:  The Jeremy Vine Show where he takes pride of place.

If you have organised an event but not yet registered it please do so now at http://www.silversurfersday.net

Digital Unite is offering a GBP1000 prize for the ‘best’ Silver Surfers’ Day event registered on the DU database.  That’s not the biggest event.  Or the one with most participants.  We will be looking for one event that ‘hits the spot’ when it comes to introducing older people to the benefits of digital technology.

If you need help with your event registration, please phone 0800 077 6144 and speak to Rick Crust, Silver Surfers’ Day Events Manager, or email rick.crust@digitalunite.net

At the age of 93, Dame Vera Lynn is embracing technology and encouraging everyone to have a go on Silver Surfers’ Day 2010 – Friday 21st May.

Attend a Silver Surfers’ Day event and you will be able to listen to Dame Vera’s new album online – and maybe even learn how to download it yourself!

Find an event in your area by clicking here or make a free phone call to 0800 100 900.

And find out what else Dame Vera and her daughter Virginia  have to say on YouTube here

If you are a social landlord in the West Midlands or South West of  England, you have until 5pm on Monday 31st May to submit your application to the Get Digital programme.  Successful applicants will receive a package of grants, training and support to promote, deliver and sustain digital literacy skills for their residents.

It’s not too onerous, in fact people who have completed the Application Form so far have been ‘pleasantly surprised by the straightforwardness and simplicity’ of the process. You can download the Application Pack, with a Word form for the Application and detailed guidance on how to complete it here .

There will be a free Regional Event in Bristol on Monday 10th May for everyone interested in finding out more about the Get Digital programme, particularly those in the West/South West region.

Please see here for more information and if you would like to attend, send an email to info@getdigital.org.uk