A PROGRAM designed to connect tech savvy young people with older, much less tech savvy, people was recently rolled out.
The initiative’s aim is for people aged 16 to 21 to be assigned to an older person with less experience in navigating the online world.
One of the program’s organisers is Derek Tink and he said the initiative benefited the younger and older generations.
“We know that inter-generational digital inclusion initiatives can have a fantastic positive impact on older learners and younger mentors,” he said.
“It brings opportunities for knowledge exchange, personal growth and professional skills development.”
The initiative works and the first step is to train the trainers.
Youths are skilled up through a specialised Young Mentor Capacity Builders training program.
They’re also vetted to make sure they can communicate with older people in a way that makes learning easier.
Learning how to use a mobile phone’s applications or a computer, iPad or laptop’s internet browser doesn’t need to be complicated.
“Many people need a helping hand to learn new technology and get online safely and confidently,” he said.
“Teaching people digital skills makes sure they have the tools and knowledge needed to do essential activities like connecting with loved ones, banking online and avoiding scams.”
Mentors are taught to let people get online by doing it themselves and not having it done for them.
“People remember knowledge and skills better if they put into practice what they’re learning and do it themselves.
“Taking a hands-off approach when you’re showing someone how to use a device or navigate the internet will help them to feel more confident at picking up their device and giving things a go when you’re not around.”
There is also the flow on benefit where once skills are sound, the senior can help others who need help.
There are plenty of reasons other than banking, online shopping or sending emails to become internet savvy.
There are websites for every hobby or craft under the sun.
Seek out gardening websites or watch cooking tutorials on YouTube.
There are plenty of motivations to use the internet other than completing tasks.
Mentors are also taught to use easy to understand language and there’s nothing condescending about it.
The age and evolution of the online world has spawned acronyms and slang explanations that ofttimes make little sense.
Techy terms like ‘ask AI’ or ‘just look it up’ or use a ‘URL, browser or menu’ can be tricky to understand if you don’t know what they mean.
“There are groups at risk of digital exclusion and through thorough research we know 26 percent of people over the age of 65 never use the internet,” Derek Tink said.
“That statistic may even be a little higher because there are also core groups at risk of digital exclusion like people with a disability and some indigenous communities.”
You can find programs like these and more by visiting www.goodthingsaustralia.org
