Tech assistants Casey Chang and Roger Meakes guide a group through their session.
Camera IconTech assistants Casey Chang and Roger Meakes guide a group through their session. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Town of Victoria Park seniors head out of tech wilderness

Aaron CorlettSouthern Gazette

GWYNTH Schlipalius had difficulty understanding how to use an iPad when her son passed it on to her.

The Victoria Park resident (72) is among the community members who have attended the Town of Victoria Park’s free tech classes on the last Saturday of each month.

“My son put the apps on it but I was having trouble using it. I couldn’t access my email account,” she said.

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“My husband passed away last year and it meant I had to work out how to access our Wi-Fi. I didn’t know the password so I felt like I was in the wilderness.

“The sessions have been great and have given me the chance to ask questions. It’s allowed me to understand the advantages of the iPad.

“It’s given me more confidence about using my device. I’m able to access my emails, watch ABC to catch up on shows that I missed.”

Digital Hub volunteer Roger Meakes, who helps run the free sessions, said it was important to understand new technology.

“Our email accounts are the modern day letterbox and if you are not online then there will always be people chasing you to be online,” he said.

Wembley Downs resident and Victoria Park Library member Lindsay Evans (69) said the sessions were useful for him as he recently purchased an Android tablet.

“The quality of service is great and they will come around and talk to you one on one,” he said.

The sessions have proved so popular that the Town is creating and extra session on the last Saturday of each month.

There will be a morning session at 10am to 12pm and an afternoon session from 1pm to 3pm.

The next tech savvy class will be held on July 29, this class will cater to all those who are keen to come and learn about all the free e-resources available with a library membership including Instantflix (thousands of movies streamed for free), e-books, audio books and e-magazines as well as how to access online services to learn one of 100 different languages.

The numbers of the classes are limited to a maximum of eight and early bookings are recommended to avoid disappointment.

Bookings can be made online, by calling 93735500 or emailing vicparklibrary@vicpark.wa.gov.au.

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