Grant funds computer tutoring for over 50s

Free computer tutoring will be available at the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Libraries throughout 2019 for people aged 50 years and older. The one-on-one sessions are being offered as a result of a Federal Government Be Connected program grant. Shire’s Library Technician Jodie Porter said the grant requires that all learners complete at least 30 minutes of online learning using the Be Connected self-learning portal. A tutor will help each learner to do this, and then a one-on-one session can be scheduled which is directed by the interests of the learner. “The one-on-one tutoring sessions are available to anybody who is over 50, and not previously registered with Be Connected,” she said “It’s important to have some general digital literacy, but most people then have very specific areas of interest that they want to pursue. “Some want to learn to use Facebook, while others might be solely interested in taking and sending photos using their mobile device. “By combining the initial structured lesson with an unstructured, learner-directed session to follow, we hope to meet the varied needs of our older community, and encourage greater digital inclusion.” Sessions are available at both the Margaret River and Augusta Libraries. Tutors will offer assistance with PCs, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Anybody who is interested in learning more is invited to contact Jodie Porter at the Margaret River Library, on 9780 5600 or [email protected]