Learning new IT skills proves popular!

Hundreds of local people have enjoyed learning new skills by attending our iTea & Biscuits sessions, which have become a regular event here at HDT since they started nearly 10 years ago. The sessions are structured to suit all age groups and abilities and aim to help people get to grips with IT and technology whether they’re a silver surfer or a total beginner!

Starting with a short presentation, the course is then followed by practical hands on experience with one-to-one coaching (where possible) from volunteers. The iTea & Biscuits courses have been a great success and are very popular with both learners and volunteers.

“It’s very informative, it’s got us using the computer more. Before we were very sceptical and scared of pressing something we shouldn’t, but we’re not now and it’s given us the confidence to upgrade our mobile phone to a smart phone. We’re also very impressed with the presenters and volunteers, they’re always very helpful and make us feel at ease when asking questions.” Brian & June Kenyon (2023)

“I have been attending for a few years now and find the sessions very helpful. Although I worked with computers, I have never used the internet. Since coming to the course, I use what I have learnt to browse the internet and online shop. I have become more confident with technology and made many friends.” Eunice Ward (2023)

“I work for TalkTalk based in Salford and I love helping learners by engaging in one-to-one sessions. I understand how important learning technology is for older people, my dad often requires help with the internet. Helping my dad has made me gain a better understanding of problems facing learners. Don’t think you have to be a computer expert! If you can talk to people and have a little computer knowledge that’s all you need.” Ross, TalkTalk volunteer (2023)

Sessions are helpful and fun, covering subjects including:

  • How to get online
  • Entertainment services
  • Digital photographs: How to digitally view, send and print (discuss ‘Free Prints’ app)
  • Advice on buying a computer
  • Internet safety
  • Mobile phones
  • How to setup and use email
  • Internet shopping and banking
  • Kindles and iPads
  • Online services (e.g. doctors, pharmacies, car tax, libraries and more)
  • Different applications (e.g. car parking apps, Free Prints, news apps and more
  • Ancestry
  • and much more!

Courses usually run for 8 weeks and are held on a Thursday morning (10am-12pm) at Hamilton Davies House.

The courses are supported by members of the public, volunteers from HDT, TalkTalk, Kingsland Wines.

For further information, or to book a place on a future course, please call David Taylor on 0161 222 4003 or mail [email protected].

You can even pop in!

 

Posted on: 28th March 2023