Develop better digital skills with High Life Highland’s Learning for Life team
Helping adults improve their computer literacy skills is the focus of High Life Highland’s Learning for Life team in Ross-shire.
Digital skills courses are running in Dingwall Library and Alness Library offering participants a social and supportive space where they can learn more about the digital world and develop their IT skills.
High Life Highland’s Learning for Life Manager, Roisin Irvine explained: “From online banking and shopping to making a GP’s appointment or a job application, everything is done online nowadays but for some people this is not easy. We want to help people become more confident in using a computer, smartphone or tablet so they can carry out all these day to day tasks with ease.
“These free digital skills sessions are suitable for adults of all ages and they run all year round, which gives people a real chance to progress and feel positive about their online interactions.”
The courses are free of charge and can help participants with basic computer skills, video calls and keeping safe online as well as individual problems people might be having with their own devices.
Kirsty Maciver, Adult Learning for Life Co-ordinator for Midross said: “Following a Learning for Life needs analysis of the local area, digital skills is a common theme for all, whether it be school leavers, adults of working age looking to upskill or retired people who want to be more confident with new technology and to stay in touch with family and friends. We can also help with staying safe online as well as referrals to local IT charities that can further support our clients.”
Dawn Mackay wanted to update her CV and learn about formatting and uploading documents. She said: “Coming along to digital skills at Dingwall library has helped my confidence, I’m not so scared to use the internet now and I can use various apps. When you don’t use technology every day it’s good to have a place to practice and ask questions. I feel comfortable and at ease in the sessions and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.”
For Sandy Snell, who is retired, he was prompted to get involved in the digital skills sessions when he was unable to organise a repeat prescription and realising he needed to know how to use email to communicate with his son in Cairo.
“I can now use email confidently instead of staring blankly at a screen and not knowing how to reply – ignorance is soul destroying!” he said.
“Technology has moved on so much in the past 20 years and seems so much more complicated. It’s good to have a space to make sense of it with patient tutors. I am also becoming more confident with keyboard skills and each time I come along there’s something new that I pick up.”
Digital Skills takes place at Dingwall Library on Thursdays from 12.30pm-2.30pm and at Alness Library on Wednesdays 2-3pm. One to one support can also be offered. For more info, contact Kirsty Maciver 07585984097 / [email protected]
Image by Alison White
