Help older people learn basic IT skills

For those of us that didn’t grow up using computers every day they can sometimes seem confusing and more than a little scary, but that’s no reason not to use them. 

Computers and the internet open up a world of information and experiences to all age groups, allowing us to keep in touch with friends and relatives a thousand miles away, or in the next village. We can order groceries for delivery from the comfort of our homes. 

Missed that programme on TV? No problem! Catch-up TV is hugely popular on the internet. Whether it’s making everyday tasks easier or learning new skills, the internet can help. 

However, as well as opening up lots of positive opportunities there are plenty of people looking to take advantage of internet users, whatever their age.There are some relatively simple rules that we should all follow when we are online: 

1. Passwords

When you use a computer or visit a website you will often be asked for a password. This is really important because it confirms that you are who you say you are.

Passwords also stop someone else from pretending to be you and reading your email or accessing your bank details. It’s very important that you use strong passwords and never share your passwords with anyone. 

Make sure your passwords are long — at least eight characters — and include numbers, upper and lowercase letters and symbols; avoid using names or dictionary words that could be guessed.

2. Social Media

On social media sites like Facebook we can share our thoughts and photos with all our friends instantly. But make sure you use the privacy settings in Facebook to control who sees what you post. Normally you want to restrict this to ‘friends’.

Also, think before you post. What you share with friends could easily be forwarded on to many other people.

The golden rule is: if you wouldn’t say it on a postcard, don’t write it on a website. 

3. Junk Mail

Unfortunately it’s pretty common to be plagued by junk or spam mail. Getting these messages isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it can be annoying.

Make sure you’re using whatever spam filter is provided by your email service or just delete the annoying mails without opening them.

Never respond, even to ask them to stop sending. 

4. Computer Viruses

Just like us, computers can become infected with a virus. But these are man-made and designed to steal or delete your information.

Make sure you have up-to-date anti-virus software running on your computer.

There are excellent free versions available to download from the internet. It’s also important that you keep your computer up-to-date with the latest operating system updates.

Your computer normally reminds you when these are due. 

5. Phishing Attacks

The most common way that viruses get onto a computer is through phishing attacks. These are emails that look like they come from a genuine source but actually come from people looking to steal your information.

They often encourage you to click on a link in the email to get some free offer or more information. Sometimes these emails can look very convincing.

In reality, clicking the link can download a virus which allows someone to access your information and computer.

It is really important that you don’t click on any links in emails when you don’t know who they are from or what the link will do.

Be suspicious, be safe. Remember that banks will never email a customer to ask for their bank details.

EXPERIENCE OF A VOLUNTEER TUTOR

The following is some feedback we received from one of our volunteer tutors. All of our volunteer tutors are trained and are our most precious resource. To be able to offer older learners a facility where they are matched with a tutor that will be patient, understanding, be open to questions and have a real sense of fun is invaluable for people who come to our classes to try and get a handle on the digital world and all it entails. They are taken by the hand so to speak to allow them to dip their toe in the water of the benefits of being online.

This simple idea has benefitted so many older people and supported them to embrace the sometimes scary journey of becoming an “onliner”.

Below is a summary of what Derek and his student Tim covered in the five classes each lasting two hours.

Tim had a very good basic understanding of the iPad device and how to browse and send emails. He was set up on Gmail and had a few applications already installed. So from there they moved on to the following:

1. General iPad navigation including online manuals and searching
2. Finding and installing apps
3. Cables and connectors and their uses
4. Uploading photo's from his camera - planned for next week's last session
5. Editing the photo's using the free app call A Colour Story
6. Google Earth and getting directions
7. Microsoft Word (including copy and pasting from web pages and other documents, and formatting etc)
8. Age Action web site
9. Health web sites and how to search them
10. Various other web sites on the suggested list from Age Action
11. General security tips (phishing emails, 419 scams, suspicious attachments), how to avoid them and good email behaviour
12. Instant messengers and video calling
13. How to search and compare prices and models for a new laptop
14. Differences between Windows and MacOS

In summary it went very well and Tim gained a lot of confidence. He was also very excited about the photo editing and the google earth and Derek could see he had spent quite a bit of time between the sessions on these (as part of his homework).

As you can see from above, most of the subjects that our older learners want to come and learn about is general day to day information that most of us take for granted. To be in a position where you are unable to communicate via the internet with family and friends, to be unable to search for invaluable information that is sometimes only online can be frustrating and disempowering for our older citizens. Supporting all older people to become “onliners” can make an amazing difference to the quality of their lives.

Jennifer Glansford

National Development Manager

Getting Started Programme at Age Action Ireland