A blog to help users navigate the technology world without all the technical jargon.
A great cyber security resource
Staying safe online is important but it can be hard to know where to start. These short learning modules will help you understand how to prevent your personal information from getting into the wrong hands so that you don’t become a victim of identity theft.
https://www.nsw.gov.au/id-
Videos (a small sample – there are lots more if you search)
Basics of the Desktop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwsKeoXOa9I
Basics of Windows: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPvguaEjTAU
Computer basics on Windows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e55EQ1xHYbI
Windows 7 basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odLZiGf-6bY
Windows 10 basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZqKyhfD7-E
Touchscreen basics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MewousGaE_Y
Seniors as Web Users: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/usability-for-senior-citizens/
My Support for Seniors http://www.mys4s.com/
Tech enhanced Life https://www.techenhancedlife.com/
Internet Options
Some general information is provided at the link below or more specific advice from Internet Providers.
https://digitalunite.com/guides/using-internet-0/connecting-internet/how-connect-internet
If there is more than one device in the house the client may be interested in a home network – see: https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/news-opinions/video/Home-networking-Overview-why-a-home-network
PCs https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/news-opinions/video/Computing-Which-computer-is-right-for-me
Tablets; https://www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/news-opinions/video/Tablets-An-introduction-to-tablets
For older people who can get there, free and low cost courses are available at TAFE, Libraries, Broadband for Seniors’ Kiosks, NSW Tech Savvy Seniors, WEA, ACE
These links will help you when deciding what type of device you should buy for the reasons and ways you would be using them.
Learn how to use your mouse and type things efficiently.
Using a mouse: http://www.pbclibrary.org/mousing/mousercise.htm
Typing: http://www.typingclub.com
Learn how to use popular websites
This website will help anyone in deciding the right places (website) to trust and rely on when making online decisions or purchases.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking
Stay smart online: https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/internet/stay-smart-online
These links will help teach anyone how to stay safe online while trying to use the internet and technology.
6 tips to help elderly people deal with technology: https://peopledevelopmentmagazine.com/2018/10/21/6-tips-to-help-elderly-people-deal-with-technology/
Helping older people gain digital confidence: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/work-learning/technology-internet/helping-older-people-gain-digital-confidence/
These links will consist of helpful tips and tricks about how to help elderly people deal with technical difficulties. and gain vital digital confidence.
Lists of Resources
Federal Government Digital Literacy for Older Australians: https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/
Telstra Tech Savvy Seniors: https://www.telstra.com.au/tech-savvy-seniors
Self-teach Videos: https://www.telstra.com.au/tech-savvy-seniors/start-learning
Australian Seniors Computer Clubs: http://www.ascca.org.au/
Go Digi: https://www.godigi.org.au/
The Digital Champions Network: https://www.digitalunite.com/
Learn My Way – UK Good Things Foundation: https://www.learnmyway.com/
On these websites, you can find helpful and important information about a range of topics. These include being able to know how to use technology and connect with others, clubs that you are able to join to assist you with technology, and much more.
I’ve also worked with Kim on redesigning the Living Connected logo. We currently have two versions…
we tried to keep the colours and general feel of our old logo so its still recognizable.
I’ve been designing posts for our Facebook page and learning how to schedule these using Facebook’s scheduling tool. Next up, we’re going to take a look at redesigning our webpage.
I’ll be a trainee with Living Connected until the end of next year and I hope to go into graphic design and web development when I finish school. I couldn't have come this far without the guidance and help of my boss, Kim. She has assisted me all the way through my time here and continues to. We figure out problems together and are always learning new things.
The Be Connected Learning Platform is sponsored by the Federal Government Department of eSafety and can be found at https://beconnected.esafety.gov.au/
On this site you can find free online courses and resources designed for seniors but can be used by anyone to learn about various topics associated with the use of phones, tablets and computers.
If you want to keep track of your progress, you can sign-up (i.e. create yourself an account). If you just want to check out what is available, you can just browse the topics and do the tutorials on those of interest to you.
Be Connected also provides, resources, including grants from the Australian Government. to organisations (Network Partners) across the country who run free digital mentoring services for seniors. Living Connected has been a Network Partner since the program started in 2017. If you are a learner, make sure you don't go to the Be Connected Network Partner website which is different from the learning platform.
This is a common question but actually depends on you. Depending on what you feel is important to you. Do you have a budget? Did someone give you a mobile phone, tablet or iPad? Do you want to Google items or use email? Do you want to print out information?
These days you do not necessarily need a large box computer sitting on a desk. We now have many options and the innovation of smaller screens like Ipads or tablets. Mobile phones can also be used for the same tasks. Often you find a debate on what is better. Some people are more comfortable with Apple or Samsung products, but each have their own quirks and learning challenges. Desktop computers are powerful but numerous brands and configurations. Printing often is easier but again challenging from tablets or phones.
The app can be downloaded below.
https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-app
A note on security - Be careful because there is an option to have a more complex secure log on as you go through the process of setting up the app. I believe that using the simple pin option is easier to quickly access the services you need through mygov. The alternative use of multiple devices to get a temporary code can be cumbersome and slow. Remember the services you can access include Centrelink, Medicare, Tax office, My Aged Care, My Health Record, Dept of Health Portal and Dept Veteran Affairs plus more.
https://my.gov.au/en/about/help/mygov-website/link-services-to-your-account
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