Upcoming Intergenerational Workshops

Age UK Isle of Wight and Isle of Wight College's Digital Support Workshops Raise Awareness of Barriers Faced by Older People in Technology Usage

In an increasingly digital world, access to technology has become essential for everyday tasks and accessing vital services. However, many older people find themselves left behind due to the rapid advancements in technology. Recognising this issue, Age UK Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight College will be collaborating again to offer digital support workshops, aimed at empowering older individuals to navigate the digital landscape with confidence.

The workshops, which paired older people with college students, covered a wide range of topics, including setting up devices, email communication, password management, file and app downloads, Wi-Fi versus data usage, online security, scam awareness, photo storage, social media usage, and effective Google searches. The workshops aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to overcome barriers and embrace technology.

Feedback from previous workshop attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. An astounding 85.5% of participants reported increased awareness of the barriers faced by older people when using technology after completing the course. This newfound awareness enables participants to better understand the challenges faced by their peers and advocate for improved accessibility and support.

The success of the workshops can be attributed to the dedication and insights of the college students involved. Their patience, understanding, and ability to provide answers to questions have been instrumental in creating a supportive learning environment.

Paul McKillop, Curriculum Manager for Digital and Computing at the Isle of Wight College, expressed his delight at the impact of the workshops. "Raising awareness of the barriers faced by older people in technology usage is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive digital society. The positive feedback from participants demonstrates the effectiveness of our collaborative efforts."

Age UK Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight College are committed to continuing their efforts to bridge the digital divide and raise awareness of the challenges faced by older people in technology usage.

The upcoming repeat of the intergenerational digital support workshops, starting on October 31, 2023, presents an opportunity for more individuals to gain valuable insights and skills.

For more information or to register for the workshops, please contact:
digital@ageukiw.org.uk or phone (01983) 301693