Does Not Compute

Fiona

Did you see this on ITV1 last night at 7.30? It was a rather nice half hour film on the Tonight programme, showing what a great difference being online can make to peoples’ lives. Rick Crust, our new Silver Surfers’ Day Events Manager, had a starring role as part of the programme was filmed at Hackney Silver Surfers, where he runs computer classes.

If you missed it, you can see it on ITVplayer  here until the beginning of April.

If you are a Radio 2 listener, you will have already heard that their Get Connected campaign launched yesterday. The aim of the campaign is to help more of their listeners get online and understand digital technology better. Many Radio 2 shows will be involved throughout the whole of March and there are lots of tips on their website from presenters such as Terry Wogan. You can also phone 08000 150 950 and they’ll send you a booklet.
There’s more here.

In November, 12 residents from “Johnnie” Johnson retirement scheme Woolsington Court in Bedlington, Northumberland, learnt about computers and the internet onboard Northumberland College’s IT bus, which parked up next to their scheme.

There was a sense of anticipation as residents entered the IT bus and sat down to begin their class. For most this was the first time they had been on a computer. Within half an hour they were surfing the net!

Afterwards, residents were proud of their new found skills. One said ‘This is fantastic! It’s the first time I’ve been on the internet. I finally know what it’s all about.’
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There’s an exciting opportunity to join the DU Team in January working on our annual Silver Surfers’ Day Campaign. We’re looking for someone to join as Events Manager. This will be a part time post on an initial 6 month contract, and is an excellent opportunity for a creative individual with experience of partnership and/or community building work. You’ll be inspiring, cajoling and supporting the many diverse organisations who take part in SSD every year and you will use your flair to identify new ones. Click here for more information.

Fiona

How’s the Christmas shopping going? Have you finished or are you, like me, stuck on one or two friends or relatives who seem to have everything already? If so, have you thought about a DU gift voucher? Many of our tutors offer these, especially at this time of year. The lucky recipient can choose what they learn, whether it’s the basics of how to use a computer or something more advanced like dealing with email attachments or photos from a digital camera. And of course, the learning will always be at their own pace.

For many people, learning to use a computer opens up a whole new world – what a great Christmas present that would make!

To contact the DU Tutor for your area, call us on 0800 822 3951 or click here to send us a message.