Tech Connect

Status: Ongoing

Kiama Australia

Print this page City population: 2131427.60% over 60Practice started in 2018

Summary

In August 2018 we commenced our Tech-connect program for adults and older people requiring tech help. The program runs every Thursday afternoon during school term, and engages Duke of Edinburgh volunteers from local high schools, supported by Kiama Library staff, to troubleshoot simple issues with mobile phones, tablets and laptops, and provide basic instruction to use these devices more effectively.

People can book in for a half-hour or hour one-on-one session. Common tech problems include anything from how to send a text message or set up email, to how to back up or sync devices. In most cases people will book in for follow-up sessions, either to consolidate what they covered in the initial session, or to resolve other issues. The tech-connect program is about more than helping older individuals to brave the new technological world. All too often the generation gap in tech ability can lead to a generation gap in overall communication, and that’s not good for the young or older.

Tech-connect is an opportunity to interact, share skills, build confidence and foster respect across the generations. The Tech-connect program is also an important work experience opportunity for our student volunteers, and encourages them to develop skills in IT and problem-solving, and build confidence through their role as knowledgeable and capable mentors.

Website: https://www.kiama.nsw.gov.au/library/services/tech-help/tech-connect

Key facts

Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)

Other target group(s): Students from local High Schools undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Sector(s): Education, Information and communication

Desired outcome for older people:
Learn, grow and make decisions

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:

Ageism
Accessibility
Intergenerational activities
Inequities
Inclusion
Participation
Technologies

Contact details

Name: Nick Guggisberg

Email address: nickg@kiama.nsw.gov.au

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Other

Other project lead: Library staff formulated Tech Connect and engage volunteers, then match those volunteers with participants.

Others involved in the project:

Volunteers

How collaboration worked: Library staff liaised with local schools to identify and source appropriate young people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to volunteer for Tech Connect. Library staff also liaised with local community groups to promote Tech Connect throughout their networks.

Older people’s involvement: Older people helped to implement the age-friendly practice

Details on older people’s involvement: The older people receive the service and provide feedback, while at the same time help the young people in completing their volunteer hours to qualify for the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? No

Feedback:
• I would like to place on record my absolute gratitude and joy for the time I spent with my tutor – Charlotte – yesterday. This young lady is an absolute credit to her school and family and her patience and knowledge of computers delighted and astounded me ! She made me feel “teachable” and showed me many very useful and handy shortcuts so that I can again continue with my many Rotary projects with confidence and zeal ! Once again – THANK YOU CHARLOTTE and may you prosper and do well in whichever career path you follow one day. Sincerely and with gratitude, Charmaine

Expansion plans:
Yes, we are looking to also offer small group classes on different things such as Social Media and have the Duke of Edinburgh students involved in those also.

Looking back

Reflections:
In relation to what could have been done differently, initially we could have been broader in our target description of “targeting seniors” as many of those we intended in our target group did not identify as Senior’. The project is now based on need not age. The program has also had the lengths of sessions extended from 20 minutes to one hour and people are able to book for more than one session.

Challenges:
Achieving consistency in bookings and making community aware the service was available, these issues have been addressed with marketing such as sending brochures direct to community groups and finding new ways to reach target audiences.